hi peeps found this on another forum,thought it might be usefull


The following section explains how to remove and replace the hard disk.

Caution
For safety reasons, be sure to turn off and unplug the system before
attempting to remove or install the hard disk.
Remove the hard disk in a location out of the reach of small children to help
prevent accidental swallowing of small parts such as the screws.
The inside of the system is hot directly after use. Allow time for the system
to cool down before starting to remove the hard disk.
Be careful not to injure yourself when removing or handling the hard disk.
Be sure to reattach the HDD bay cover before turning the PS3™ system on.
If the cover is not attached, it may cause heat to build up inside the system.
Notices

All hard disks, including a PS3™ hard disk must be reformatted before use in a PS3™
system. However, reformatting may not occur if the original PS3™ hard disk is reinstalled
onto the original PS3™ system that was provided with the PS3™ hard disk, and such PS3™
hard disk has not been previously reformatted.
The PS3™ system cannot execute any content stored on a hard disk of any other computer
or operating system, including a PS3™ hard disk that has been reformatted.
It is recommended that you regularly back up any data on the hard disk that is of a type that
can be backed up. If for any reason software or data loss or corruption occurs, it may not be
possible to restore or repair the software or data. Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and its
subsidiaries and affiliates will not be liable for damage or injury related to software or data
loss or corruption.
The PS3™ hard disk is intended for use with the PS3™ system, and it may not be possible to
execute content stored on a PS3™ hard disk on any other operating system.
Improper removal or installation of a hard disk may cause damage to your PS3™ system or
loss of data, and may void your PS3™ hardware warranty. SCEA shall not be liable for any
resulting damages, including any damages to your hard disk. User assumes all risks and
liabilities associated with using a replacement hard disk, including any incompatibility or
interoperability problems with the PS3™ system. Services will not be provided on any
non-PS3™ hard disks.

REMOVEING THE HARD DISK


Touch the power button on the system front for at least two seconds.

The power indicator will turn solid red and the system will enter standby mode.

Turn off the system using the main power switch on the system rear.

Unplug the AC power cord and detach the other cables from
the system.

For safety reasons, remove the plug for the power cord from the electrical outlet,
and then detach the other cables.

Remove the HDD bay cover on the system's left side.


Use the space at the right edge of the HDD bay cover to pull it out from the system.

If the cover is difficult to remove, gently insert a
small screwdriver in the space and pry the cover off. Be careful not to damage the system or the cover when using a screwdriver.

Free the hard disk from the system.

1 Remove the blue screw with a crosshead screwdriver.


2 Raise the metal handle.

3 Slide the hard disk to the right.


Remove the hard disk from the system.


Use the metal handle to pull the hard disk out from the system.

Notices
The hard disk is a sensitive piece of equipment and should be handled with care at all times. To help prevent software or data loss or corruption, or damage to the hard disk, carefully follow the precautions listed below:

Do not drop the system or hard disk, or subject to physical shock or vibration.
Do not allow liquid or small particles to get into the system or hard disk.
Do not touch the connectors or insert foreign objects into the connectors.
Do not place the system or hard disk close to magnetic fields such as those produced by magnets or loudspeakers. Also, do not place devices that may be sensitive to magnetic forces (such as a wrist watch or a magnetic card) near the hard disk.
Do not put heavy objects on the hard disk.
When handling the hard disk hold it only by the edges or metal frame.
The hard disk is sensitive to static electricity. Ensure that proper handling methods are used when installing the hard disk.
Store in a cool, dry location.

REPLACEING THE HARD DISK


When replacing the hard disk, follow the procedure below to remove the metal frame.


Use a crosshead screwdriver to remove the screws (4 places).
These screws are very tight, be sure to find a screwdriver that fits very well, and take your time.
If you strip a screw head and want to purchase a replacement screw see the bottom of this post.

Remove the hard disk from the metal frame.
Lift one end and slide the hard disk out to remove.

Place the replacement hard disk on the PS3™ system hard disk's metal frame, and then attach using the screws (4 places).
Do not overtighten the screws.

Install the hard disk in the system.
Fully insert the hard disk in the HDD bay, and then slide it to the left. (I find that using your finger works better than the wire for this)


Attach the
blue screw to lock the hard disk in place. Refer to the instructions for
"Removing the hard disk" in reverse order when installing.

Reattach the HDD bay cover.

Turn on the PS3™ system.
Follow the on-screen instructions to perform initial setup.


Replacement hard disks
You can use hard disks of the following types with the PS3™ system:


Size 2.5 inch (internal type)*1 Interface format Serial ATA*2

*1 Proper operation is not guaranteed for all models.
*2 Parallel ATA is not supported.


Hint
If you lose the HDD bay cover, screws, or metal attachment, for availability of replacement parts contact SCEA Consumer Services at 1-800-345-7669.




i do have all the pics also but they are to big to post so if anybody needs them just im me and ill send them
thanks bobo

It is not recommended to sell or get rid of your factory hard drive. If you ever need to send it to Sony for repair, you are going to want to put the origional drive back in prior to sending it in.
A good use for it is to get an external USB enclosure and convert it into a portable USB hard drive.

Here is a listing of External Hard Drive Enclosures.


Compatible hard drives need to meet these specifications:
2.5" form (generally refered to as a notebook drive)
Serial ATA interface, also shown as SATA
9.5mm Height

List of compatible hard drives from NewEgg


Below are links for individual drives separated by storage size. (all links are to newegg.com, I make no claims of their service or their prices, this is just to be used as a reference.........links subject to change)
*note* The links within a size/speed category are listed by ascending price. (lowest price is the first link, and highest price is the last link in the group)



40GB 5400RPM

Fujitsu MHV2040BH 40GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - Retail


60GB 5400RPM

TOSHIBA MK6034GSX 60GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM


60GB 7200RPM

HITACHI Travelstar 7K100 HTS721060G9SA00 (0A25025) 60GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM


80GB 5400RPM

Fujitsu MHV2080BH 80GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Fujitsu MHW2080BH 80GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - Retail
Western Digital Scorpio WD800BEVS 80GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
HITACHI Travelstar 5K100 HTS541080G9SA00 (0A26924) 80GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
SAMSUNG FlashON HM08HHI 80GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
SAMSUNG Spinpoint M Series HM080JI 80GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
HITACHI Travelstar 5K120 HTS541280H9SA00 (0A50158) 80GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM


80GB 7200RPM

HITACHI Travelstar 7K100 HTS721080G9SA00 (0A25026) 80GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Seagate Momentus 7200.1 ST980825AS 80GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM


100GB 5400RPM

Fujitsu MHW2100BH 100GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Seagate Momentus 5400.2 ST9100824AS 100GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM


100GB 7200RPM

Seagate Momentus 7200.1 ST910021AS 100GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM


120GB 5400RPM

TOSHIBA MK1234GSX 120GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Western Digital Scorpio WD1200BEVS 120GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Seagate Momentus 5400.2 ST9120821AS 120GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Seagate Momentus 5400.3 ST9120822AS 120GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
SAMSUNG Spinpoint M Series HM120JI 120GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM


160GB 5400RPM

SAMSUNG Spinpoint M Series HM160JI 160GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Western Digital Scorpio WD1600BEVS 160GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
HITACHI Travelstar 5K160 HTS541616J9SA00 (0A28844) 160GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Seagate Momentus 5400.3 ST9160821AS 160GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Fujitsu MHW2160BH 160GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - Retail


200GB 4200RPM

TOSHIBA MK2035GSS 200GB 4200 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
HITACHI Travelstar 7K200 HTS722020K9SA00 (0A50940) 200GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM


250GB 5400RPM

SAMSUNG Spinpoint M Series HM250JI 250GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM
Western Digital Scorpio WD2500BEVS 250GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM




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UPDATE: Warranty: I spoke with Sony support about this and the representative told me the whole point of the PS3 having an upgradeable HDD is so that users can use bigger and better Hard drives. She told me without any hesitations that this does not break Warranty.



hope this helps alot of u peeps
thanks bobo