AusGameStore Downgrading service for the PS3 console can revert your current software version down to 3.55. This process requires the game console for a full day and will restore version 3.55 Factory software ready for CFW to be installed, thus allowing extraction of the DVD drive Key.
First thing to check is what software you are currently running click here......
Second Not every PS3 console can be downgraded
Next check the model number of your PS3 console here....
Third Check with your Model Information Here.............
firmware @ release date needs to be 3.55 or lower
This hardware needs to be temporarily installed in the console to read and write the TSOP Memory chip
What is required is a connection to the data and address lines of the NOR Flash Memory chip inside the console once this is done the Nor memory can be dumped to a PC for analysis converted to lower firmware then re-flashed back to the NOR chip. If one step of the downgrade is missed the PS3 can be bricked and recovery can be difficult
Downgrading the PS3 Software is Ideal for those who want to run Linux Operating system
This downgrade is required for PS3 consoles that are running Software higher than 3.55, the many USB loaders and ODE drive emulators currently available on the market require the drive key to function.
Drive key can only be extracted if you are running Software 3.55 or lower, or have CFW installed.
Usually the console needs to be examined by us to be 100% sure it can be done by running a program called minimum version checker
The Models CECHJ02, CECHK02, CECHH02, CECH2002A,CECH2002B, CECH2502A,
seem to be fine for the Downgrade
Ideally the nand should be a NOR and the Minimum Firmware release at release date should be lower that 3.55 There is more information on the console models here ........
Sounds confusing well we can do all the checking just call and book a day and time you may need to leave the console with us for a day or two, the process is quite complicated and time consuming but the benefits are you can play PS3 games from a USB hard drive.
If you are looking at getting the 3k3y installed, the Software and also the hardware needs to be compatible.
All the data and address lines need to be soldered this process is very time consuming and requires precision soldering
This is a schematic diagram of the TSOP Memory chip inside the PS3 console
a View of the Memory NOR chip inside the PS3 this chip is only accessible once the console is dismantled removal of heat-sinks, until the board is completely bare.
Heat sink removed
Motherboard removed from the PS3 chassis ready for downgrading
