PS3 Slim Cooler

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It's common knowledge by now that the PS3 system runs pretty darned hot even without extended use. Given the high price tag of the system, most owners will find it wise to invest in some sort of aftermarket cooling attachment.

Initially, I set up a small AC fan I already owned that, in the past had helped keep my stereo amplifier nice and cool for exptended periods of heavy use. I configured the AC fan to sit about an inch away from the exhaust grid on the right hand side of the PS3. I also set the fan so that it would pull hot air out of the PS3 rather than blow outside air into it. My AC fan worked quite well in that capacity and kept the PS3 noticably cooler than without it. However, I knew this was only a temporary solution. I quickly grew tired of switching the fan back and forth between my Yamaha amp and PS3. Plus, if I wanted to use the PS3 and run home theater sound at the same time, one unit or the other wasn't getting cooled.

Given that, I sought out an aftermarket fan that would fit the PS3 so I could keep my AC fan serving its original purpose which was to cool my amp. I came across the Slim Cooler and obtained it on ebay. I could tell it was cheap but at that time it was the only fan I could find that was made to fit the PS3. So I bought it. Let me say that even with my already low expectations, boy was I disappointed. While the fan matches nicely with the PS3 and interfaces well with the USB front input, it ultimately fails at achieving its primary objective to actually cool the PS3 unit.

The first problem is that the two tiny centrifugal fans move little to no air even though they make enough noise to make you think they do. The basic design of the unit is its biggest flaw, however. This fan tries to take outside air and force it into the PS3 unit. I suppose in theory that same air is supposed to push interior heat out of the exhaust vents of the PS3. To me this is a rather stupid design. But it's one that can work reasonably well, provided powerful enough fans. Unfortunately, the slim cooler doesn't have nearly enough power for this design to be effective. Upon first use, I waited about 15 minutes, then placed my hand in the area of the exhaust vents. I couldn't detect any of the air movement that is supposed to be provided by this fan. But what is worse is that the PS3 ran just as hot with as without the slim cooler fan. $20 down the drain. I did promise myself, that if I couldn't get my $20 worth, I'd at least prevent others from making the same mistake I did.

I have since purchased the "Intercooler" fan from Best Buy. Although larger than the slim cooler, the "Intercooler" integrates more seamlessly with the PS3 unit. It clips to the side and rear vents of the system and is a sturdier, better made product. It has bigger fans and pulls air out of the PS3 rather than just forcing air in. It's also no louder than the slim cooler despite having stronger fans. Rest assured...the "Intercooler" does a good job of keeping the PS3 cooler. Granted, it's about $15 more than the slim cooler, but at least it works. I think most people would rather pay $35 for something that works than $20 for something that doesn't.

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While it does not put out near the air that the Intercooler does, it does stack very well with it. I got both units and with the Intercooler turned to max the air coming out of the PS3 is actually only maybe 10 degrees above room temperature.

Of course if you do not like the noise level of the Intercooler or the fact that you can't turn it off without flipping the power switch completely off, then I got to say I would get this cooler considering the shear amount of heat generated by the PS3.

Now to the negative. Frankly it does not put out much air. However every bit of air movement matters, although I did drop off a star because of this.

The other thing it the amazing bright blue LED that's on the front of the slim cooler. My PS3 is directly beside my TV and I could not believe just how distracting that light was. I didn't drop any stars for it simply because of the ease of stacking two dice in front of it which completely hides it.

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Ok...it works pretty good, tranfers air into the PS3..and fits on the PS3 just fine..after about 2 weeks this cooler started humming really loud, I started getting pissed off at it..so I hit it, and it stayed quiet...about another week, i had to hit it twice to make it shut up...im at about 5-6 hits now....I just wonder how many more hits before it just breaks...

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I was quite disappointed with this product. It does not even properly fit the PS3, it hangs off the front and does nothing to cool the back of the playstation where it is needed. The product was grossly misrepresented on Amazon's site and I was unsatisfied.

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This seems to be designed for the older PS3 (20/60gb).

Don't waste your time with this item unless you have the first generation models.