Howdy GBATemp.

Recently (in fact a few minutes ago as I'm writing this) I've come across a need to find out the lowest possible firmware version my Refurbished PS3 could go. Well, while googling around and searching through the PS3-hax forums I managed to find a firmware checker utility that I feel may be of use to other members here on GBATemp for various reasons. As always, I take no credit for this, the source of this utility (or at least as far as I can tell) can be found HERE.

What you'll need:
Minimum Version Checker
A USB Flash Drive
PS3
PC
WinRar

Instructions:
Step 1: Download the MinVerChk.rar (from the link provided above) and extract the .pup file using WinRar.
Step 2: Put the PS3UPDAT.PUP onto the USB Flash Drive in the PS3/UPDATE/ folder.
Step 3: Power on your PS3 and navigate to the "System Update" option in the settings
Step 4: Choose "Update Via Media Storage"
Step 5: Let the PS3 search for the update, once it's found it it will ask you if you'd like to run it. Hit "OK"
Step 6: It should only take a few seconds, a message will pop up telling you what the lowest version firmware your PS3 can use!
Step 5: Congratulations! You're done!

 

[jing90]

well this is pretty cool, didn't know it existed

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

Neither did I...it's very helpful for used or refurbished consoles.

 

[Devin]

This will be quite helpful for my downgrading thread. I'll have people run this, and get back to me with the results. Thanks.

 

[coolness]

can i use this do downgrade from v4.00 to lower versions?

 

[Devin]

can i use this do downgrade from v4.00 to lower versions?

Oh, sorry no. You probably mistook my post. I'd have people run this on their PS3, to see if I can downgrade them or not.

 

[coolness]

can i use this do downgrade from v4.00 to lower versions?

Oh, sorry no. You probably mistook my post. I'd have people run this on their PS3, to see if I can downgrade them or not.

ow srry misread it

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

Changed the link for MU to MF....

 

[Selim873]

I don't plan on downgrading and using CFW on my Phat 80GB since I plan on going online and using PSN+, but JUST for poops and giggles, I'll use it.

It's actually pretty neat, because I'm curious. My old PSP could go down to 1.00... or was it 1.50...? I don't remember. lol