PS3 modding help

[Mr. Purple]

So I've been looking into PS3 modding cause I want to get as much as possible out of my PS3. I'm not planning on anything major or voiding my warranty, but I am planning on making a few changes. Mainly I want to install an OS. Linux of course, because it won't void the warranty. I think I'll go with Ubuntu because from everything I've looked at, I think it had the best results. There are a few problems though. I am planning on upgrading my HDD and getting a good bit of memory so I can truly use it as a PC and run plenty of programs while keeping items stored such as videos, pics, music etc., but the PS3 still only allows 256RAM which would make Linux overbearingly slow. As far as I know there aren't any practical ways of upgrading RAM on a PS3, but I just found that Linux has a function where you can use extra memory when needed from an external flash memory source. This was originally stated using a memory card, but I don't have the 80gb model ps3 so I only have 2 usb slots and no memory card slots. I would guess the memory would work the same with a flash drive, at best giving me 4G memory making Linux run almost as fast as a normal PC and get rid of lag. Then, there is another problem. Having only 2 usb slots I was planning to use usb mouse and keyboard, which leaves no room for a 4G flash drive.
Is there a way I can fix these problems?
Is there another way to get more RAM on PS3?
Will usb modding(i don't quite know how, but I've heard of a lot of people who have done this) void my warranty?
Can any1 help me?

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Wow I had no idea any of this was even an option, I hope someone responds to you too because I want some answers as well!

Also, get the Frag FX controller if you want to keep your USB ports, plus you can use it on games (It's expensive though, worth it, but expensive. Also most people forget to read the manual, so don't forget, or it won't work).

 

[Aries_Split]

So I've been looking into PS3 modding cause I want to get as much as possible out of my PS3. I'm not planning on anything major or voiding my warranty, but I am planning on making a few changes. Mainly I want to install an OS. Linux of course, because it won't void the warranty. I think I'll go with Ubuntu because from everything I've looked at, I think it had the best results. There are a few problems though. I am planning on upgrading my HDD and getting a good bit of memory so I can truly use it as a PC and run plenty of programs while keeping items stored such as videos, pics, music etc., but the PS3 still only allows 256RAM which would make Linux overbearingly slow. As far as I know there aren't any practical ways of upgrading RAM on a PS3, but I just found that Linux has a function where you can use extra memory when needed from an external flash memory source. This was originally stated using a memory card, but I don't have the 80gb model ps3 so I only have 2 usb slots and no memory card slots. I would guess the memory would work the same with a flash drive, at best giving me 4G memory making Linux run almost as fast as a normal PC and get rid of lag. Then, there is another problem. Having only 2 usb slots I was planning to use usb mouse and keyboard, which leaves no room for a 4G flash drive.
Is there a way I can fix these problems?
Is there another way to get more RAM on PS3?
Will usb modding(i don't quite know how, but I've heard of a lot of people who have done this) void my warranty?
Can any1 help me?

First of all, your USB problem is easily remedied. Just get a multi tap for USB ports. Such as the one that comes with the PS2 and Wii version of Rock band. Problemo solved.

 

[Woe Is You]

Can't you just get a USB hub?

Also, moving your swap to a USB device isn't near the same thing as increasing your RAM. Can't help you there, really.

 

[Aries_Split]

256mb isn't that bad RAM wise. Especially for something like Linux.

 

[Woe Is You]

256mb isn't that bad RAM wise. Especially for something like Linux.

Well, if you're talking about just the kernel and csh, then no.

But a fully functional Gnome/KDE desktop will not handle well on just 256MB.

 

[Mr. Purple]

Haha, i don see how that 1 slipped past me.

Can't you just get a USB hub?

Also, moving your swap to a USB device isn't near the same thing as increasing your RAM. Can't help you there, really.

Haha idk how that 1 slipped past me.

Oh and moving a usb to swap(4G) will use it as RAM when needed and Linux Ubuntu running more than 1 program should easily use up the ps3 ram and the extra 4G will help. I know that I cant increase RAM w/o voiding my warranty so im not even goin there.

 

[BallPtPenTheif]

Go here: http://www.yellowdog-board.com/viewforum.php?f=19&sid=dc87524f8c937f6e1107c4873f441d78

Bilb is the forum moderator there and the guy moderates like he's paid tech. support. Totally the best help I've had while tinkering with my PS3.

But that forum has answers for everying Linux PS3 related, from installing all the best despositories, getting all the Emulators to work, and on how to mount external drives on Linux. Fully cohesive and well worth the effort.

I didn't have a DVD drive so I just bought the Yellow Dog Linux disc on Ebay for $7 and then modified the code per Bilb's description in the forum. It took some time but it wasn't anything too complicated since you can cut and paste Bilb's scripts directly from the browser to the text files.

(PS: don't ask about ROMS. it's bannable.)

 

[Mr. Purple]

Go here: http://www.yellowdog-board.com/viewforum.php?f=19&sid=dc87524f8c937f6e1107c4873f441d78

Bilb is the forum moderator there and the guy moderates like he's paid tech. support. Totally the best help I've had while tinkering with my PS3.

But that forum has answers for everying Linux PS3 related, from installing all the best despositories, getting all the Emulators to work, and on how to mount external drives on Linux. Fully cohesive and well worth the effort.

I didn't have a DVD drive so I just bought the Yellow Dog Linux disc on Ebay for $7 and then modified the code per Bilb's description in the forum. It took some time but it wasn't anything too complicated since you can cut and paste Bilb's scripts directly from the browser to the text files.

(PS: don't ask about ROMS. it's bannable.)

Thx, i think this will def help in the long run.