Fat models
Fat Models (CECHA–CECHL)
The original PlayStation 3, affectionately called the "Fat" by the community, covers the model codes from CECHA through CECHL and beyond. These were the first consoles released and remain the most capable from a modding standpoint. Every Fat unit, regardless of revision, is compatible with custom firmware, making them the gold standard for homebrew enthusiasts.
PlayStation 2 Backward Compatibility
The earliest launch units, CECHA and CECHB, are especially prized because they contain genuine PlayStation 2 hardware on the motherboard. This means they can play original PS2 discs through hardware emulation rather than software. Sony removed this dedicated chip in later revisions to cut costs.
| Model | PS2 Support | CFW |
|---|---|---|
| CECHA / CECHB | Full hardware | Yes |
| CECHC / CECHE | Partial (software) | Yes |
| CECHG–CECHL | None | Yes |
Early Fat consoles are notorious for the "Yellow Light of Death," a hardware failure tied to aging solder. Buy carefully and test thoroughly before investing time in a mod.
Fat models also tend to have larger, more serviceable internals, which makes hardware flashing and repair more approachable than on the slimmer revisions. If your goal is maximum flexibility, a healthy Fat is the ideal choice.