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For most buyers choosing a used PlayStation 3, a working Slim is the practical default: Sony’s documented CECH-2000A Slim is lighter, has a lower profile, and carries a lower stated power-consumption figure than the 2007 CECHH00 Fat example. But “Fat” covers multiple revisions, and PS2 disc compatibility depends on the exact model. Check the CECH code and the console’s condition before deciding.
What “Fat” and “Slim” mean
“Fat” is an informal name for several earlier, larger PS3 revisions; “Slim” commonly describes the later, smaller design, including the CECH-2000 series. The two Sony models below are representative examples, not universal specifications for every Fat or Slim. Sony’s PS3 model-differences page shows why the exact model code matters: features and ports differ across series. Find the CECH code on the console label and check the feature you care about against that code.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $210.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
PlayStation 3 500 GB Super Slim System (Renewed) | $228.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
PlayStation 3 120GB System | $139.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.22 | Buy on Amazon |
How the documented Fat and Slim models compare
Sony’s launch specifications for the 2007 CECHH00 and 2009 CECH-2000A show differences in size, weight, storage, and approximate power consumption. These figures describe those models when launched, not every revision or the current state of a used console.
| Specification | CECHH00 Fat (2007) | CECH-2000A Slim (2009) |
|---|---|---|
| Hard disk at launch | 40 GB | 120 GB |
| Approximate power consumption | 280 W | 250 W |
| Approximate dimensions (W × H × L) | 325 × 98 × 274 mm | 290 × 65 × 290 mm |
| Approximate mass | 4.4 kg | 3.2 kg |
| PS2 disc games | Do not infer compatibility from this model alone; verify the exact revision | Not compatible |
The Slim example is about 1.2 kg lighter and 33 mm lower, but it is 16 mm longer. Its 250 W figure is Sony’s approximate specification, compared with 280 W for the CECHH00; neither figure is a measurement of a particular game session or a direct estimate of an electricity bill. Sony calculates hard-disk capacity using decimal units and reserves some capacity for system administration, so usable space is lower than the advertised figure.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- New slimmer, lighter PS3 system, Wireless controller
- 320GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Streams thousands of movies and TV shows instantly from Netflix
- Built-in Blu-ray player with 3D capabilities. HDMI output for 1080p resolution.
Which PS3 is smaller and easier to handle?
In these two examples, the CECH-2000A Slim is both lighter and shorter in height, making it the easier fit for many shelves and easier to move. It is not smaller in every dimension: its listed length is greater than the CECHH00’s. Measure the space where the console will sit, including room for cables and ventilation, rather than relying on the family name alone.
Can a PS3 Slim play PS2 games?
No: Sony’s product outline for the CECH-2000A states that it is not compatible with PlayStation 2 games. That statement applies to this Slim model. It does not establish that every PS3 Fat can play PS2 discs.
Rank #2
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
If PS2 disc playback is essential, identify the exact early PS3 model and verify compatibility before buying. Do not treat “Fat” as a guarantee: the name covers multiple revisions.
Which PS3 should you buy used?
Choose based on the specific unit, not just whether its shell is Fat or Slim. A Slim is a sensible default if you want a more compact, lighter PS3 for PS3 games and media. A Fat may suit you if you have verified that the particular model offers a feature you need, such as PS2 disc compatibility.
Rank #3
- Your Favorite Franchises Live Here: Dig into a huge catalog of exclusive games, including generation defining titles like The Last of Us and entries in popular franchises like LittleBigPlanet, God of War, Gran Turismo, and UNCHARTED.
- High-Definition Blu-ray player for the best movie experience. Plays DVDs and CDs
- 500GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Internet ready with built-in Wi-Fi
- Blu-ray player
Check the model and the console itself
- Read the CECH code from the console label, then confirm the features you want for that exact revision.
- Ask the seller to demonstrate disc reading and ejection, HDMI output, and controller pairing.
- Check for overheating symptoms and ask about the console’s history; these checks cannot guarantee how long a used system will last.
- Confirm the installed hard-drive capacity and that the console operates. Launch storage figures may not match a used system because the drive can differ or have been replaced.
- Review what is included, the seller’s return terms, and whether any stand or other accessory fits the exact model.
Consider repair and accessory availability
PlayStation Japan lists official after-service acceptance for PS3 families as ended; for the CECH-2000 series, its listed end date is March 31, 2016. This is specific to Japan and does not establish repair availability from independent shops or in other regions. Sony’s Japanese model-difference information and accessory compatibility table also distinguish models and accessory codes. Check the code before assuming a stand or accessory will fit.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Fat more reliable, quieter, or cooler?
The available model specifications and support information do not establish a general reliability, noise, or temperature winner between Fat and Slim systems. A console’s age, condition, and individual history matter, but the cited sources do not provide comparative reliability rates or noise and temperature measurements. Treat seller claims about those qualities as claims to verify for the particular unit, not as a proven family-wide advantage.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Internet Ready With Built-in Wi-Fi with a Cell Broadband Engine Advanced Microprocessor
- When starting up the system for the first time, hold the power button until a "screen display" message shows up on screen. Select the desired output, and the system will startup normally.
- 160GB system
- Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality
- The best high-definition viewing experience available
Rank #4
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
