Compatibility notes
Compatibility Notes
Whether your PlayStation 3 can run true Custom Firmware (CFW) or is limited to the Homebrew ENabler (HEN) depends on its hardware revision. The matrix below summarizes the common model families and the method each supports.
The model number printed under your console is the most reliable indicator. Firmware version alone does not determine eligibility, because a patched console reports the same firmware as an unpatched one.
| Model family | Example series | CFW | HEN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat (early) | CECHA / CECHB / CECHC / CECHE | Yes | Not needed |
| Fat (later) | CECHG / CECHH / CECHK / CECHL / CECHP / CECHQ | Yes | Not needed |
| Slim (early) | CECH-20xx | Yes | Not needed |
| Slim (later) | CECH-25xx / CECH-30xx | No (patched) | Yes |
| Super Slim | CECH-40xx / CECH-42xx / CECH-43xx | No (patched) | Yes |
Reading the table
Consoles marked Yes for CFW have an exploitable bootloader and can accept full custom firmware. On these systems HEN is unnecessary because CFW already provides equivalent and more persistent functionality.
Consoles marked No (patched) were manufactured with the bootloader vulnerability closed. They cannot run CFW, but they can run HEN on top of official or hybrid firmware to gain similar homebrew capability.
Edge cases
A small number of late Slim units fall near the cutoff between exploitable and patched. If your model number is borderline, verify the exact revision before attempting a CFW install, and fall back to HEN if CFW is not confirmed for your unit.