Can You Upgrade the Hard Drive in an PS3?

Hard Disk Drive

• Downloading games, videos and music on your PS3 will eventually consume the space on your hard disk drive. Upgrading will resolve this issue. The original HDD is contained in a 2 1/2-inch drive tray that snaps out to allow easy access for upgrading.

Upgrade

• You can purchase most 2 1/2-inch SATA notebook hard disk drives or equivalent for the upgrade. Try to stay with the same Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) as the original hard disk drive. According to Jeff Rubenstin, Social Media Manager for Playstation, the type of internal 2 1/2-inch drives that work with the PS3 currently top out at about 250gb. Make sure you verify that the disk you purchase meets PS3 specifications and size requirements, since it will have to fit into the tray.

External USB Drive

• 500GB external USB drives are also available if you don't feel like installing an internal drive. They plug right into the PS3 with no problem. Check online electronic stores or a land store that sells video games and equipment.

Copy HDD Files

• To copy your files from the original HDD in your PS3, you need an external storage device formatted in the FAT32 file system. The PS3 will not recognize it without this format. PS3 has built-in software backup utility to perform this task. Once you have determined what external storage device you will use, plug it into the computer, go to "System Settings", select "Backup Utility", and follow the prompts.

Swap HDD

• Before you begin, you need a Phillips head screwdriver and the HDD upgrade. Turn off the power on your PS3. Unplug the AC cord and any cables attached. Give the PS3 a few moments to cool down. The hard drive bay cover is on the left side. You can use the space on the right of the bay cover to pop it off. Next, remove the blue screw, raise the metal handle and slide it to the right. Lift out the 2 1/2-inch disk tray. Loosen the four screws on the side of the tray, remove the old HDD and slide the new one in to the left until it clicks. Tighten the screws on the side, slip the tray back in your PS3 and put the blue screw back in place. Put the bay cover on and you are set. (See References for additional guidance, if you get confused.)