Which PS3 Model Do I Have? Complete CECH Model Number Guide
The PlayStation 3 was sold in dozens of different configurations during its lifetime. Two consoles can look almost identical while using different internal hardware, storage capacities and features.
This becomes particularly important when you are trying to work out whether a PS3 can play physical PlayStation 2 games, which replacement parts it needs or whether an online listing accurately describes the console being sold.
Fortunately, every retail PS3 has a model number beginning with CECH. That code provides a much more reliable identification than the console’s appearance or current hard-drive capacity.
For Australian consoles, common examples include:
- CECHC02
- CECHG02
- CECHL02
- CECH-2002A
- CECH-2502B
- CECH-3002A
- CECH-4002C
This guide explains where to find your PS3 model number, what each part means and how the major CECH families differ.
The Short Answer
Look for a label on the back or underside of your PS3 containing the words Model No. followed by a code beginning with CECH.
The broad hardware family can usually be identified like this:
| CECH model family | Console design |
|---|---|
| CECHA to CECHQ | Original Fat PS3 |
| CECH-20xx to CECH-30xx | PS3 Slim |
| CECH-40xx to CECH-43xx | PS3 Super Slim |
On Australian retail consoles, the regional digits are normally 02. A model such as CECH-2502A is therefore an Australian-region PS3 Slim from the 2500 hardware family.
Always record the complete model number. CECH-2502A and CECH-2502B belong to the same hardware family, but they originally came with different storage capacities.
Where Is the PS3 Model Number Located?
The exact label position varies slightly between PS3 designs, but it will be on the console itself.
Check:
- The rear panel of an original Fat PS3
- The underside or rear area of a PS3 Slim
- The rear or underside of a PS3 Super Slim
Look for a printed label containing regulatory information, a serial number and a line marked MODEL NO. or Model No.
The code should begin with CECH. Examples include:
- CECHC02
- CECH-2102B
- CECH-4302C
The serial number is a different identifier. It is unique to the individual console, while the CECH number identifies the model family and configuration.
Do not confuse the console number with an accessory code. Labels beginning with CECHZ are commonly used on accessories such as controllers, remotes and charging equipment. The PS3 console itself will have its own CECH model label.
If you are inspecting an online listing, ask the seller for a clear photograph of the entire model label. A typed description is not as reliable as seeing the code directly on the console.
Why the CECH Number Matters
The CECH model number can help you determine:
- Whether the console is a Fat, Slim or Super Slim
- Which hardware revision it belongs to
- Its original sales region
- Its original storage configuration
- Whether it officially supports physical PS2 discs
- Which replacement shell, disc drive or internal component may fit
- Whether the seller’s description is accurate
It can also reveal when a listing combines information from different consoles. For example, a seller may describe every glossy original PS3 as “backwards compatible,” even though most Fat models cannot play physical PS2 games.
Storage capacity is also unreliable on its own. PS3 hard drives can be replaced and upgraded, so a console currently showing 500GB of storage may originally have been sold with a much smaller drive.
The model number remains the safest starting point.
How to Read a Fat PS3 Model Number
Original Fat PS3 consoles use a format such as:
CECHC02
This can be broken into three parts:
| Section | Meaning |
| CECH | Retail PlayStation 3 hardware prefix |
| C | Hardware family or revision |
| 02 | Original sales region, normally Australia and New Zealand |
The letter immediately after CECH is extremely important. It separates early backwards-compatible models from later Fat consoles that cannot play physical PS2 discs.
For example:
- CECHC02 is the Australian 60GB launch model with limited PS2-disc compatibility.
- CECHG02 is a later Australian 40GB Fat model without PS2-disc compatibility.
- CECHL02 is an Australian 80GB Fat model without PS2-disc compatibility.
These consoles share a broadly similar glossy design, but their features are not the same.
How to Read a Slim or Super Slim Model Number
Later PS3 consoles use a format such as:
CECH-2502A
This can be separated into four parts:
| Section | Meaning |
| CECH | Retail PlayStation 3 hardware prefix |
| 25 | Hardware family or revision |
| 02 | Original sales region, normally Australia and New Zealand |
| A | Storage configuration within that hardware family |
The final letter must be interpreted together with the numbered family. It does not represent one universal storage capacity across every PS3 model.
For example:
- CECH-2002A was originally a 120GB Australian PS3 Slim.
- CECH-2502A was originally a 160GB Australian PS3 Slim.
- CECH-4002A was a 12GB flash-storage Australian PS3 Super Slim.
All three end in A, but they did not contain the same amount or type of storage.
Australian PS3 Model Numbers at a Glance
| Example Australian model | Design | Original storage | Physical PS2 discs? |
| CECHC02 | Fat | 60GB | Yes, with compatibility limitations |
| CECHG02 / CECHH02 / CECHJ02 | Fat | Commonly 40GB | No |
| CECHK02 / CECHL02 | Fat | Commonly 80GB | No |
| CECHP02 | Fat | Commonly 160GB | No |
| CECH-2002A | Slim | 120GB | No |
| CECH-2002B | Slim | 250GB | No |
| CECH-2102A | Slim | 120GB | No |
| CECH-2102B | Slim | 250GB | No |
| CECH-2502A | Slim | 160GB | No |
| CECH-2502B | Slim | 320GB | No |
| CECH-3002A | Slim | 160GB | No |
| CECH-3002B | Slim | 320GB | No |
| CECH-4002A | Super Slim | 12GB flash storage | No |
| CECH-4002C | Super Slim | 500GB | No |
| CECH-4202 / CECH-4302 families | Super Slim | Varies by final letter and release | No |
The listed capacities describe the original retail configurations. A previous owner may have installed a different hard drive.
Regional bundles and later revisions can also vary, so the complete model number should always be checked rather than relying on storage alone.
Complete Fat PS3 CECH Family Guide
CECHA and CECHB
CECHA and CECHB consoles were among the earliest PS3 models released in Japan and North America.
They are best known for including substantial PlayStation 2 hardware and offering the broadest official PS2-disc compatibility found in a retail PS3.
These were not standard Australian releases. An imported console may also remain restricted to PS1 and PS2 discs from its original region, so it should not be assumed to play an Australian PAL collection.
CECHC and CECHE
CECHC and CECHE consoles use a combination of original PS2 hardware and software emulation.
The CECHC02 was the backwards-compatible 60GB launch PS3 officially sold in Australia and New Zealand. It has four front USB ports, front memory-card readers and chrome-coloured trim.
Its PS2 compatibility is broad but not perfect. Some games can experience graphical, audio or performance problems.
CECHE systems were sold in other regions and are most commonly associated with 80GB configurations.
CECHG, CECHH and CECHJ
These later Fat PS3 families are commonly associated with 40GB configurations.
They reduced manufacturing costs and removed official support for physical PS2 discs. They normally have two front USB ports and no front memory-card readers.
They can still play PS3 games and compatible original PlayStation discs.
CECHK, CECHL and CECHM
These Fat PS3 revisions are commonly associated with 80GB configurations, although exact regional releases differ. CECHK02 and CECHL02 are the Australian examples buyers are more likely to encounter, while CECHM appeared in selected overseas markets.
They do not play physical PS2 discs. Their hard drives can be upgraded, so an advertised storage figure should not be used to distinguish them from another Fat model.
CECHP and CECHQ
CECHP and CECHQ were among the final original-design PS3 families before the Slim redesign. CECHP02 is the more relevant Australian example, while CECHQ appeared in selected overseas markets.
They are commonly associated with 160GB storage and do not support physical PS2 discs.
Visually, they still resemble earlier Fat consoles. Check the label rather than assuming that the glossy shell indicates backwards compatibility.
For a deeper breakdown, see Which PS3 Models Can Play PS2 Games? Australian Buyer’s Guide.
Complete PS3 Slim CECH Family Guide
CECH-2000 Series
The CECH-2000 series introduced the redesigned PS3 Slim in 2009.
Sony made the console smaller and lighter than the original model, changed to a matte-textured upper shell and introduced the newer PS3 logo. It retained a front slot-loading disc drive.
Common configurations included:
- A models with 120GB storage
- B models with 250GB storage
Australian examples are CECH-2002A and CECH-2002B.
No CECH-2000 Slim officially plays physical PS2 discs.
CECH-2100 Series
The CECH-2100 family looks almost identical to the CECH-2000 from the outside.
It introduced internal manufacturing changes while retaining the same overall Slim design. Common storage configurations remained 120GB and 250GB.
Australian examples include CECH-2102A and CECH-2102B.
CECH-2500 Series
The CECH-2500 family continued the Slim design with further internal revisions.
Sony commonly sold this family with:
- A models containing 160GB
- B models containing 320GB
Australian examples include CECH-2502A and CECH-2502B.
The model number is particularly important when purchasing replacement parts because a CECH-2500 can look nearly identical to earlier or later Slim consoles.
CECH-3000 Series
The CECH-3000 was the final major PS3 Slim family before the Super Slim arrived.
It was commonly sold in 160GB and 320GB configurations. Australian examples include CECH-3002A and CECH-3002B.
Like every other PS3 Slim, it cannot play physical PS2 discs.
If you are choosing between later designs, read PS3 Slim vs Super Slim: Which One Should You Buy?.
Complete PS3 Super Slim CECH Family Guide
CECH-4000 Series
The CECH-4000 introduced the PS3 Super Slim in 2012.
It is easy to recognise by its smaller body, ridged top and manual sliding disc cover. Instead of pulling the disc into a front slot, the console lets you slide the top open and place the disc directly onto the spindle.
Sony released the family with three main storage configurations across different markets:
- A models with 12GB flash storage in PAL territories
- B models with a 250GB hard drive
- C models with a 500GB hard drive
Common Australian models include CECH-4002A and CECH-4002C.
The 12GB version can be upgraded with a compatible 2.5-inch hard drive and mounting bracket. If a CECH-4002A now shows hundreds of gigabytes of storage, that normally means it has been upgraded; the original model identity has not changed.
CECH-4200 Series
The CECH-4200 family is a later Super Slim revision with the same basic external design.
Storage and bundle combinations vary by region and final letter. These consoles still use the manual sliding disc cover and cannot play physical PS2 discs.
CECH-4300 Series
The CECH-4300 was the final major PS3 hardware family.
It remains a Super Slim and is visually very similar to the CECH-4000 and CECH-4200. Regional storage configurations vary, so check the entire code and the console’s current storage information.
No CECH-4300 console plays physical PS2 discs.
What Does the Australian 02 Region Code Mean?
On standard retail PS3 model numbers, 02 normally identifies a console intended for Australia and New Zealand.
Examples include:
- CECHC02
- CECHL02
- CECH-2502A
- CECH-4002C
Imported consoles can end in other regional numbers. For example, 00 is associated with Japan and 01 with North America, while other PAL territories use their own suffixes.
Most physical PS3 games are region-free, but the original console region can still matter for:
- Physical PS1 games
- Physical PS2 games on compatible models
- DVD and Blu-ray movie regions
- Matching downloadable content to a game release
- Power cords and included accessories
- Collector preference and resale descriptions
Read our PAL vs NTSC PlayStation Games: Australian Guide before purchasing an imported console or game.
Does the Final A, B or C Always Tell You the Storage?
It identifies a storage configuration within a particular numbered model family, but the capacity is not universal.
For example:
| Model | Final letter | Original storage |
| CECH-2002A | A | 120GB HDD |
| CECH-2502A | A | 160GB HDD |
| CECH-4002A | A | 12GB flash storage |
| CECH-2002B | B | 250GB HDD |
| CECH-2502B | B | 320GB HDD |
| CECH-4002C | C | 500GB HDD |
This is why the complete number matters. Saying that a console is an “A model” does not identify its capacity without the hardware family that comes before it.
Can You Identify a PS3 by Its Hard-Drive Capacity?
Not reliably.
The advertised capacity may help narrow down the original configuration, but PS3 hard drives are replaceable. A console that left the factory with 40GB, 120GB or 160GB may now contain a 500GB or 1TB drive.
Sellers may also describe the storage incorrectly or use the current drive size without mentioning that it has been upgraded.
Use the CECH number to identify the hardware, then check Settings > System Settings > System Information to see the console’s current available storage.
The storage shown in the menu will be lower than the drive’s advertised capacity because of formatting, the way capacity is calculated and space reserved for system data.
Can You Identify a Backwards-Compatible PS3 by Appearance?
Certain visible features can help, but they should be treated as clues rather than final proof.
An Australian backwards-compatible CECHC02 normally has:
- Four front USB ports
- A hinged front door hiding memory-card readers
- Chrome-coloured trim
- The original glossy Fat shell
- The older PLAYSTATION 3 logo
Later Fat models usually have two USB ports and no card-reader door.
However, external parts can be replaced and online photographs can be unclear. A hard drive can also be upgraded, making descriptions such as “60GB backwards-compatible PS3” unreliable.
Ask for the rear model label and confirm CECHC02 before buying an Australian console specifically for PS2 discs.
Can Every PS3 Model Play PS1 Games?
PS1 compatibility is far broader than PS2 compatibility.
Fat, Slim and Super Slim PS3 consoles can play compatible original PlayStation discs, subject to the game’s region, condition and individual software compatibility. An Australian console should generally be paired with PAL PS1 games.
See Can the PS3 Play PS1 Games? Complete Compatibility Guide for saving, display settings and region information.
What Should You Ask Before Buying a Used PS3?
Ask the seller for:
- A clear photograph of the complete CECH model label
- The current storage shown under System Information
- Confirmation that the console reads a PS3 Blu-ray game
- Confirmation that HDMI output works reliably
- Confirmation that both USB ports recognise a controller
- A photograph of the included controller and cables
- Details of any hard-drive upgrades or repairs
- PS2-disc testing if the console is advertised as backwards compatible
For a CECHC02, testing only a PS3 game is not enough to confirm PS2 compatibility is working. Ideally, the console should be tested with a PS3 Blu-ray disc, a DVD-based PS2 game and a blue CD-based PS2 game because different media can expose different drive problems.
Condition is more important than storage alone. A clean, accurately described and properly tested console is usually a better purchase than an unknown system advertised with a larger hard drive.
Final Verdict
The complete CECH number is the most reliable way to identify a PlayStation 3.
Original Fat consoles use a family letter such as CECHC02 or CECHL02. Slim and Super Slim consoles use a numbered family, regional digits and a final storage letter, such as CECH-2502A or CECH-4002C.
For Australian consoles, look for 02 in the regional position. Do not rely only on the shell design, number of USB ports or advertised hard-drive capacity.
Most importantly, never assume that every Fat PS3 can play PS2 games. Only specific early families provide official PS2-disc compatibility, while every Slim and Super Slim does not.
Looking for a PlayStation 3? Browse our current range of tested PS3 consoles and PS3 games available through PS Collectables, with clear photographs of the exact items you will receive.