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PlayStation 3 Storage: Maximum Hard Drive Size (No Memory Cards)

The PS3 does not use memory cards. It uses an **internal 2.5" SATA hard drive** (HDD or SSD). Maximum supported capacity depends on model and firmware.

Max Internal Drive by Model

Model	Firmware Required	Tested Max	Notes
Fat (CECHA–CECHG)	4.00+	2 TB (9.5 mm)	Original 20/40/60/80 GB. May need 4.00+ for >1 TB.
Slim (CECH-20xx/21xx/25xx)	3.50+	2 TB (9.5 mm)	120–320 GB stock. 2 TB works reliably.
Super Slim (CECH-40xx/42xx/43xx)	4.50+	2 TB (7 mm or 9.5 mm*)	Slide tray. 7 mm preferred; 9.5 mm fits but tight.

*Super Slim 9.5 mm drives may need foam shim to prevent rattling.

Requirements for Any 2.5" SATA Drive

Height: ≤ 9.5 mm (most 2 TB drives are 9.5 mm; 4 TB are 15 mm — **won't fit**).
Interface: SATA I/II/III (backward compatible).
Format: PS3 formats to **FAT32 (MBR)** automatically on first boot — **no PC prep needed**.
Power: 5V, ≤ 1.0 A (most 2.5" drives OK).

External Drives (USB)

**Only for backup/media.** Cannot install/run games.
Must be **FAT32** (PS3 doesn't read exFAT/NTFS).
Max single file 4 GB (FAT32 limit) — split large ISOs.

Best Drives (2024)

SSD (Best): Samsung 870 EVO 1 TB / 2 TB, Crucial MX500 2 TB — faster loads, silent, cooler.
HDD (Budget): Seagate FireCuda 2 TB (hybrid), WD Blue 2 TB.
Avoid: Seagate "Barracuda" 2.5" (high failure), drives >2 TB, 15 mm height.

Upgrade Steps

Backup saves: **Settings → System Settings → Backup Utility** → USB (FAT32).
Swap drive (1 screw on Fat, slide latch on Slim/Super Slim).
Boot → PS3 formats → Restore backup or re-download games.

Bottom Line: **2 TB 2.5" SATA SSD (9.5 mm)** is the max for all PS3 models. No memory cards exist for PS3.

PlayStation 3