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The current PS5 CFI-21xx is wider and taller than the late-generation PS3 CECH-43xx, while the PS3 is slightly deeper. The PS5 reference also weighs more and has four USB ports, compared with two on the cited PS3. These figures describe specific revisions, not every PS5 or PS3.
Which PS5 and PS3 models are being compared?
This comparison uses Sony’s CFI-21xx manual for the current PS5 reference and the CECH-43xx safety guide for the late-generation PS3 reference. PS3 specifications vary by series, and PS5 dimensions and weight also differ by configuration and revision. Sony’s PS3 model information notes that features and port counts vary across models.
The measurements below are approximate, in width × height × depth, and exclude projecting parts as specified in the manuals.
| Model | Dimensions (W × H × D) | Weight | USB ports |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 CFI-21xx, disc-drive model | 358 × 96 × 216 mm | About 3.1 kg | Four: two USB-A and two USB-C |
| PS5 CFI-21xx, Digital Edition | 358 × 80 × 216 mm | About 2.5 kg | Four: two USB-A and two USB-C |
| PS3 CECH-43xx | 290 × 60 × 230 mm | About 2.0 kg | Two USB 2.0 |
Sources: Sony’s PS5 CFI-21xx instruction manual and PS3 CECH-43xx safety guide. A nearby PS3 CECH-4000-series comparison lists about 2.1 kg, illustrating why the revision matters.
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- Model Number CFI-2000
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- Vertical Stand sold seperately
How big is a PS5 compared with a PS3?
In width, the cited PS5 is 68 mm wider than the CECH-43xx PS3. In height, the disc-drive PS5 is 36 mm taller; the Digital Edition is 20 mm taller. Depth reverses the comparison: the PS3 is 14 mm deeper than either CFI-21xx PS5 configuration.
For shelf placement, width and depth describe the horizontal footprint, while height determines vertical clearance. The PS3 reference is narrower and lower, but its greater depth means it is not smaller in every direction. The disc-drive PS5 also weighs about 1.1 kg more than the cited PS3; the Digital Edition weighs about 0.5 kg more.
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
Do not substitute Sony’s original 2020 PS5 launch measurements for these current-model figures. Sony’s launch FAQ gave 390 × 104 × 260 mm and 4.5 kg for the disc-drive model, and 390 × 92 × 260 mm and 3.9 kg for the Digital Edition. Those measurements refer to the launch models, not CFI-21xx.
What ports does the PS5 have compared with the PS3?
The CFI-21xx PS5 manual lists four USB ports: two 10 Gbps USB-A ports, one Hi-Speed USB-C port, and one 10 Gbps USB-C port. It also lists HDMI OUT and an M.2 SSD expansion connector. The disc-drive configuration has a disc-drive port; the Digital Edition listing does not. Ethernet is listed for networking, rather than as an audio/video connector.
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Rank #3
- 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
- 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
The cited CECH-43xx PS3 has two Hi-Speed USB 2.0 ports, HDMI OUT, AV MULTI OUT, and optical digital audio. That means the PS3 reference offers dedicated legacy AV and optical-audio connections, while the PS5 reference has more USB ports and internal M.2 storage expansion. The PS3’s exact port complement depends on its series, so check the console’s model number before relying on a port list.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do their exterior designs and construction compare?
Exterior shape and placement
The CECH-43xx is a compact, low-profile rectangular console. The current PS5 has a taller, sculpted form with curved side panels. These are descriptions of shape; they do not by themselves establish which console is more durable or better built.
Rank #4
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- 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
- Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
Sony’s 2020 FAQ says the original PS5 launch models could be placed vertically or horizontally using the supplied base. That statement is specific to those models; consult the instructions and base for the exact current revision before choosing an orientation.
What the available construction evidence shows
Sony’s teardown is a manufacturer account of PS5 internals, not an independent PS5-versus-PS3 build comparison. Masayasu Ito, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s EVP of Hardware Engineering and Operation, described the PS5 interior this way: “Inside the console is an internal structure looking neat and tidy, which means that there aren’t any unnecessary components and the design is efficient.” That is Ito’s assessment, not an independently verified comparative finding. The available material does not establish a balanced comparison of the two consoles’ internal construction.
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Best Value
- Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
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- Ultra-High Speed SSD, maximize yoru play sessions with near instant load times for installed PS5 games
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