NAND vs NOR
NAND vs NOR Flash by Model
Every PlayStation 3 stores its low-level firmware on a flash memory chip soldered to the motherboard. Depending on the model, that chip is either NOR or NAND type. This distinction is mostly invisible during normal use, but it becomes critical the moment you consider hardware flashing or recovery from a brick.
The Two Flash Types
- NOR flash is a smaller chip used in many Slim consoles. Its dump is a single, relatively compact image.
- NAND flash is used in original Fat consoles and is physically arranged differently, typically as two separate chips that combine into a larger dump.
| Model Family | Flash Type |
|---|---|
| Fat (CECHA–CECHL) | NAND |
| Slim (CECH-20xx+) | NOR |
| Super Slim (CECH-40xx) | NOR |
Why It Matters for Hardware Flashing
If you ever need to physically reprogram the console, for example to recover from a failed install or to install CFW the hard way, you must use the correct procedure and hardware for your flash type. The wiring, the dump size, and the tools differ between NOR and NAND.
Hardware flashing is an advanced procedure involving soldering and a programmer. Using a NAND method on a NOR console, or the reverse, can permanently damage the system.
Software First
Most users never touch the flash chip. Software methods like CFW installers and HEN handle everything. Hardware flashing is a last resort or an expert path.
Knowing whether your model is NOR or NAND prepares you for recovery should something go wrong.