My PS3 keeps freezing up after autosave operations and/or freezing during cutscenes - it doesn't appear to be a dirty lens and I don't think it's overheating as it's been cleaned up, has a fan on it (I've also tried it without the fan, same problem) and is generally well ventilated, all of which makes me suspect the HDD...

I'm gonna try saving out my data and wiping the HDD unless anyone else has a better idea

If it is freezing when saving then yes, that could well be the HDD. Could be a good excuse to put a bigger one in...

Or an SSD now that would speed up those damned loading times!

It makes a bit of difference
http://uk.gear.ign.com/dor/articles/984 ... svb7e83ny9

The article is crap though, not one single real game loading time for a game installed the the hard drive ignoring the obvious bottleneck of the optical drive...

Love the idea of an SSD, but they're too dear just for what I want it for

I hate the thought of buying a HDD only to find it's more of an internal problem, or the BR drive

Considering getting a new one, except the whole point of this one is that it plays PS2 games, has a bunch of USB ports and card readers... Oh, and I was looking forward to getting some quality game time in over my Xmas break, not paying over the odds for a PS3 at the likes of Game just to do so

We'll just have to see how the HDD wipe goes, I've seen people suggest it's a corrupt game save that sometimes does it - I'm looking at you GTA4, you buggy POS

Needless to say, I'll wipe it first just to begin with, but I don't hold out much hope...

Fingers crossed, it sounds plausible and worth a try before losing all hope.

Possibly hanging back myself now on getting one TBH. I'm currently obsessed by my PC gaming and have 2 under the tree that will keep me going until the January sales, or beyond.

I like to think of myself as frugal rather than a tight git.

That's another thing - I've got about 15 games already (really cheap bundles off eBay), and I've only played two of them yet for any decent amount of time

Hope it works out Ern, Christmas is a good gaming time.

Get a 360, they're really reliable.

Made by Microsoft don't-you-know!

Well you don't lose data, and at least the returns process is quick and relatively painless compared to sony

You Company Man you.

Had this been a thread about the Xbox the Sony fanboys would be climbing all over it shouting "eggbox lolz sony rulez" etc etc.

Could be worth contacting Sony. My optical drive broke. I rang Sony and they sent a courier round to pick it up the next day, then dropped it back a week later with a new drive. Was very impressed with their service.

2nd hand PS3 unfortunately, old enough to be a 60gb model in fact

And the PS3s are loud enough without anyone suggesting I buy an Xbox, thanks