700°

A Sneak Peak of How to Swap in an HDD on the PS4

Angie Santiago of SpawnFirst reports: "German tech site Computer Bild has gotten their hands on a PlayStation 4 console and show us all how to open it up to swap out the HDD via a few pictures. It seems like a simple enough process and there is also a fancy, customized PlayStation screw that has the Square, X, Circle, and Triangle symbols we all know and love. The HDD is under the piano black plastic and it seemingly pops right off to allow users access to the internal workings of the PS4."

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spawnfirst.com
MultiConsoleGamer3833d ago

This is one of the best features of the PS4.

minimur123833d ago

I've got a 1tb hdd on standby right next to me to switch out. I plan on installing every game on the HDD, plus whatever digital games I buy - along with later in the ps4's lifecycle when PS Plus picks up even more.

But I must say, that is the most ingenious way of 'hiding' the HDD, and that screw is awesome xD

It does look like it would void the warranty however, it seems like it gives you access to alot more that what you'd want if you were to just swap it out. What do you think?

Stsonic3833d ago

Do you manually install games to the hard drive on PS4?

Steven213833d ago

It would not void the warranty. Sony allows it on ps3 and they have said it would not as well. I believe I saw a tweet about it a few months back.

PeaSFor3833d ago

getting a sshd(hybrid) into my ps4.

KwietStorm_BLM3833d ago

It doesn't void anything since that's the only way to access the drive, which Sony even suggests you do. Changing anything else, well that's at your own discretion.

Narutone663833d ago

Have you guys seen the screws used? Nice design touch.

LOL_WUT3833d ago

Good to see Sony offering an internal HDD with ENOUGH space. ;)

harrisk9543832d ago

Swapping out the HDD DOES NOT void the warranty. Where do people come up with this stuff?

0ut1awed3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

@minmur 12
@PeaSFor

This will more than likely NOT fit 3.5" desktop HDDs (which seems to be what you are talking about).

Now I'm not trolling, so please read ahead before you go into fanboy mode and immediately disagree with me. It actually has some serious pros because of this.

If it's like the PS3 then it will only take a laptop sized 2.5" hdd. This makes total sense too because if they allowed a standard 3.5" drive it would take up considerably more physical space in the console, therefore making the console much bigger.

One of the images looks to confirm my theory too. Check out how tall the drive is in comparison to his thumb. It's defiantly not a full size 3.5" desktop drive.

http://img.new.livestream.c...

The good thing here is all SSDs are 2.5" sized therefore you can pop a SSD in there and have blazing fast performance.

@ harrisk954

Because it doesn't void the warranty? What else do you want to hear?

You're not hacking open the PS4 (or the PS3 for that matter) and installing aftermarket modded parts.

The console is designed around allowing the user swap out a HDD. You pull off a cover, remove a screw, slide the drive bay out and install the new drive and slide the bay back in.

Why it might not be as straight forward as the 360 drive swap, it's still a function designed for the user to do at ease.

solid_snake36563832d ago

Now we just need to know what kind of an HDD it uses. Hopefully its the kind used for the ps3, Cuz I have a 1tb sitting around.

0ut1awed3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

^^^

Really? I don't want to be rude but the answer to that is in full detail directly above your comment.

abzdine3832d ago

HDD voids the warranty? :) nice one!

XB1_PS43832d ago

Wooow, I reeeaaallly like this.

solid_snake36563832d ago

I have a question, the site mentions that it requires a 2.5" "HGST" 5400 rpm. I have my 1tb from my ps3, will that work as well?

minimur123832d ago

What i meant by my commentwas, on the super slim/pphat when switching the hdd all you can see is the HDD space. However on this it shows circuitboardry and it seems you could actually access more of the consple if you unscrew some stuff.

I may be wrong but hey, also regarding the size of the hard drive size, im positivethat it is 2.5 being as 3.5 is bigger and thicker than you think, and judgong by the size of the console, its definitely 2.5.

+ Show (11) more repliesLast reply 3832d ago
Mystogan3833d ago

That is pretty handy. I'm gonna have to buy a 2TB external one for my X1

black0o3833d ago

brick! and ex-hard_drive! ..

the fact that xbone is bigger in size it amaze me, man those engineers took the easy way in designing the box

nunley333833d ago

You may be able to movies from that on x1, too you can't change the hdd in it like ps4.

MasterCornholio3833d ago

What if your internal hardrive breaks after the warranty expires?

Nexus 7 2013

nunley333833d ago

@master its like sending in an out of warranty ps3 now,they'll fix it but it'll cost you a flat $150

MasterCornholio3833d ago

@nunley

150$......

And I only paid 60$ for my 1TB in my PS3........ And its a bloody good drive since it barely makes any noise.

P.S If the HDD breaks in my PS4 I'll just replace it with my 1TB HDD that's in my PS3.

Nexus 7 2013

humbleopinion3832d ago

But they cost around the same, when you buy the external 2TB drive on the X1 it means you don't have to throw away the 500GB internal hard drive.

harrisk9543832d ago

The One Box is the 3, minimum box: External HDD, Power Brick, Cable box.

harrisk9543832d ago

@nunley33

"its like sending in an out of warranty ps3 now,they'll fix it but it'll cost you a flat $150"

Ummm.... has MS announced that? Who knows what MS's customer service plans are if that issue arises. The $150 fix for Sony is for pretty much anything that breaks -- it has nothing to do with the PS3 HDD. For MS to charge $150 (if that is what it ends up being) to replace broken HDD would be almost gouging.

Mystogan3832d ago

@black0o

At least we're not hearing X1 having overheating issues and freezing.

boneso823832d ago

It won't work, external drives are not supported on X1, and you can't change the internal. Sorry I have to lol

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 3832d ago
Muerte24943833d ago

Now if only this site will give us an actual walkthrough of the PS4's UI.

Tsar4ever013833d ago

This is one of the best features of the PS3 also. DUH!

warczar3833d ago

Man, I was hoping I could buy an oversized, overpriced piece of proprietary shit.

Oh wait, I must of been having a flashback to when I tried to upgrade my 360's hard drive.

warczar3832d ago

I saw an opportunity and I took it. I didn't mean to offend anyone, except maybe Microsoft executives.

Animal Mutha 763833d ago

Yeah I like that they give you the option and the method of entry looks quite funky as well.

I guess over time owners will be able to stick in massive drives.

Do we know the file system support for this console yet? PS3 was fat32 I think and had limitations for file size and external drive partitions. I liked putting video onto my PS3 but didn't like the 4.3gb restriction.

One feature that I wish xbox had kept. Not sure why they would want to remove a handy feature like that. Now I know that an external USB 3 drive could in some cases be faster than an internal but I prefer to have the choice. 500gb just won't cut it for very long ms and cloud isn't a realistic large storage medium.

SpitFireAce853832d ago

Whats a good 2TB HDD to swap i would like to get
one but just unsure which one.54000rpm 7200Rpm ?

Jazz41083832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

they both will be fine. XBOX Is requiring all games are installed so I am sure they have a very easy alternative for more storage and I expect the cloud to also alleviate storage on the internal drive. I sure do like that sony has left it up to the user. I do however think that its not fat32 so the old drives most likley will not work anymore.

FamilyGuy3832d ago

you format the drive the second you put a new one in so it wouldn't matter whether it's Fat32 or any other format.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3832d ago
karamsoul3833d ago

I agree. 3TB drive HERE I COME!

coolasj3833d ago

It won't fit. The platters stack it's too thick. 2.5" only too. Laptop HDDs.

karamsoul3833d ago

watch what happens in one more year. 3TB-2.5-inch-laptop-HDD-that-f its-in-a-PS4 HERE WE COME!!!

nunley333833d ago

There are some 2.5 hdds that won't fit either so gotta check the dimensions and if online,look at the comments.

iamnsuperman3833d ago

It looks a lot easier and more convenient than it was on the PS3 (which was still easy anyway). I really do like this feature. Also that screw head. Weirdly cute.

rainslacker3833d ago

Don't damage that screw. One day when Sony wants to cut costs they'll go to a generic screw and this screw will become a collectors item.:)

I agree though, it's a nice touch, kinda like Sony saying, "hi, yes you can do what you want with me".

prodg523833d ago

Yeah the "blue screw of death". It was easy to strip in the PS3. If anyone is attempting it, I suggest using needle nose pliers from the start.

Cyb3r3833d ago

I hope that they aren't using them screws that they used in the PS3 the heads of those were too easily damaged.

Deagle3833d ago

Yeah, that damn blue screw was a pain in the ass too take out too.

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240°

Is Driver (PS1) Still Worth Playing in 2024?

"Driver was a technical achievement for PS1, a pioneer in cinematic gaming, and an often brutal challenge - TechStomper asks if its brand of 70s car chase antics still holds up."

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techstomper.com
PrimeVinister2d ago

The driving holds up, most of everything else does not.

PrimeVinister2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

@Shane Kim

Well, I mean the driving physics hold up. The draw distance, police AI, visuals in general etc do not

Cacabunga2d ago

One of my all time favorites on PS1. I spent a summer vacation playing this was so good

isarai2d ago

Sadly youd be hard pressed to find any driving game with better physics these days. But the draw distance really kills it for me

PrimeVinister2d ago

The physics hold up ridiculously well. And the draw distance is a real hurdle at first.

__y2jb2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Nonsense. The physics in any modern game or any 360 game is light years beyond Driver.

Dandizzle2d ago

This game is hard, you will fail and quit

PrimeVinister2d ago

But you will get there eventually... maybe

jznrpg2d ago

Stop with is it worth it articles. If you want to play a game play the damn game!

anast2d ago

I loved this game awhile back.

Barlos1d 22h ago

Yeah but is it worth reading pointless articles?

__y2jb2d ago

It wasn’t worth playing in the 90’s.

Espangerish2d ago

My thoughts exactly. I bought it at release for full price and got frustrated and bored with it very quickly.

Show all comments (41)
240°

Is Gran Turismo (PS1) Still Worth Playing in 2024?

Gran Turismo for PlayStation launched a sub-genre and revolutionised console racing - TechStomper asks is it still worth playing in 2024.

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techstomper.com
Terry_B4d ago

Well..you can play it completely offline at least ^^

PrimeVinister4d ago

Something we really miss, just turning on the console and having the game start without signing into stuff

Terry_B4d ago

Fully agreed. That and Splitscreen Modes for Racing games.

PrimeVinister4d ago

@Terry_B I miss having people to splitscreen with, but I can't blame anyone for that :-(

Cacabunga4d ago

Not too late.. we can still change that.

PrimeVinister4d ago

@Cacabunga I will let you in, see ya soon compadre :-P

MrBaskerville3d ago

@Terry_B
GT7 actually has 4 player splitscreen. Which is wild in this day and age.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
TiredGamer4d ago

Good news is that Sony released a final update to Gran Turismo Sport to allow it to function offline. Expecting the same for GT7 at some point in the future.

PrimeVinister4d ago

That is great news, I really liked Sport even if many others did not :-/

Chocoburger4d ago

I'm not big into sim racing, but I got sucked into the hype for this one from magazines back then. I just played arcade mode and that was enough for me to feel like I got my money's worth.

Yeah, it's definitely worth playing today. GT 2 has a few interesting fan made graphical mods when played on an emulator as well.

PrimeVinister4d ago

The arcade mode is underrated, it's a great alternative mode and you can even unlock GT HiFi with it.

Fonsecap4d ago

Cars back then had much more personality then those we see today. Modern cars all about the led lights and the tablet size screens and they all seem alike, back then they could be simpler in design but had tons more personality.

PrimeVinister4d ago

That is something a few people have pointed out - that cars all look the same now. I have to agree that a lot of new vehicles lack personality.

fsfsxii4d ago

You guys are so anti-fun its depressing, like who tf cares about personality of objects like wtf? Just learn to enjoy stuff as is.

PrimeVinister4d ago

It's hardly anti-fun to remark that some objects look nicer than others.

And everyone has their favourite era of cars, I sincerely doubt many will pick the 2020s a few decades from now.

Fonsecap4d ago

Dude, like wft cares about personality of objects? What about art? Paintings are objects and they're considered good or bad if they show or lack personality so I ask, wtf are you talking about? Cars are also considered pieces of art, vintage cars, classic cars, classic bikes and so on. Artists are appreciated by the objects they craft, blacksmiths, painters, engineers, designers, so wtf cares about personality of objects indeed... ( Sorry for my English, it's not my native language)

MrBaskerville3d ago

Talking about cars is fun if you are a car enthusiast. Just saying.

ApocalypseShadow4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

That Corvette Stingray to this day is one of the most ferocious whips ever driven. Overpowered against other cars yes. But to drive it and be that close to losing control, but being in command around those curves, just can't be duplicated.

HiFi mode is also something I miss. There should be a mode in today's GT where it's Mano o Mano and the detail and resolution jump full throttle. In today's games, Max Ray Tracing and lighting and textures to make it look even more real..

PrimeVinister4d ago

A modern HiFi mode would be really cool! It would be really interesting to see how real they could go by stripping it all way back.

And Stingray is a solid choice 👌

TiredGamer4d ago

HiFi mode in GT1 was only a stripped down 60 fps mode for one track. Should have been called "Performance Mode" or "High Frame Rate" mode.

PrimeVinister4d ago

@TiredGamer it was only three tracks, but it was still cool

Petebloodyonion4d ago

Not according to Former Playstation president Jim Ryan for he told Time that he doesn't see why anyone would play old games given the advancements in fidelity achieved today.

https://time.com/4804768/pl...

PrimeVinister4d ago

I don't agree with him, but he had a few good points.

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170°

PlayStation 1 Classics Forgotten for One Reason or Another

The original PlayStation library has dozens of classics long since forgotten - TechStomper unearths five of these gems which have been lost to time for one reason or another.

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techstomper.com
BlackCountryBob8d ago

Disruptor PS1, a pre Goldeneye console FPS from 1996 (with Command and Conquer type FMV cutscenes) and the first game by a pre Spyro Insomniac Studios directed by Mark Cerny. A good game for its time, and pre Bioshock use of telekinesis type powers. A game sadly almost completely lost to time

PrimeVinister8d ago

I have never even heard of it, so that must be a deep cut. Sounds really interesting and I might dig it out :-)

PrimeVinister8d ago

@Cacabunga A classic, no doubt. But, fondly remembered by many.

Cacabunga8d ago

First one was so good but second one on another level!!!
Still hoping to see a next gen version..

PrimeVinister8d ago

@Cacabunga Yeah, I preferred II for the real-timier combat. I would love to see both remade or remastered.

on_line_forever8d ago

We need to bring back the golden era of ps1 & ps2 .
We need to see quality games developed with alot of passion to make gamers satisfied .
We need to benefit from new AI technology to bring something new to games something like " nemesis systems " that used in shadow of morder and upgrade it to next level

PrimeVinister7d ago

The economics of games has changed a lot since the PS1 and PS2. As much as I would love a return to those days, it's not not at all likely.