How to convert the PS3 into a PC

Popular Mechanics has published a guide showing how to convert a Sony PlayStation 3 to a full-fledged PC. It has been long established that the console's Cell processor is akin to those used by supercomputers, though this is probably a first in terms of a major exploit.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Best of all, the magazine says the Linux operating system makeover is perfectly legitimate and relatively risk-free. The procedure involves a hard drive upgrade and relevant software installation. The latter, such as Ubuntu, can also be downloaded free online.

The hacked console retains all its original functionalities and can be easily toggled between console and Linux mode via user selectable dual-boot function. However, you will have to back up all game data into an external storage before installation.

[Xanthus179]

Someone posted a link on that page regarding setting the resolution which isn't mentioned in the initial article.
Check out http://www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/how-to-turn-your-ps3-into-a-linux-ubuntu

Sounds like it could be a pretty cool project.

[ocabrito]

Just a correction, this is not a HACKED PS3, the console is build from start with the functionality or running Linux. Sony has the Yellow Dog distribution as the official one they sponsored.

The process is totally safe for the console, the only delicate part of the process is the Sony partitioning, witch is a feature of the console it's self.

Cheers!

[anthrothechnologist]

ummm, hasn't this been around since almost the release of the PS3, anyone ever hear of Yellow Dog Linux? Albeit it isn't the best Linux distro (based on Fedora 7, ick), but they have had it freely available for some time. The main reason this doesn't get more coverage is that a lot of the features have been unavailable, like no drivers for the wi-fi, only half the systems RAM (256MB) is usable, and no ability to access the graphics capability of the console. If these issues have been addressed, it would make a much more interesting proposition. I think it would be ironic if I installed Linux and then used Wine to play Mass Effect on my PS3...

[AXG]

The tiny 256MB memory in PS3 is not enough to run anything. I have yellow dog linux 6 installed on PS3 but it runs like a dog. I wish Sony would have provided more memory like 2GB or so. Maybe it is just a game console not meant to do anything else.

[sjj11]

What about converting PS3 to become a HD DVR, any ideas????

Does anyone had any info on it???

[sillyhermitcrab]

can you mod the ps3 to have more memory than just the 256?

[Cyber Akuma]

I am so sick of seeing all these "Hack the PS3 into a PC" articles popping up everywhere lately.

Installing Linux on the PS3 is an advertised feature

Installing Linux on the PS3 is supposed by Sony

Installing Linux on the PS3 was possible from Day 1.

Sony will even tell you HOW to install Linux on the PS3

This is like claiming you "hacked" your Xbox360 to be a home media system by plugging a USB drive full of movies into it.

So WHY exactly is there an article written on May 20, 2008 claming you can "hack" your PS3 by installing Linux?

You don't even get full hardware access in Linux mode, the GPU for example is completely off limits.

[deecee]

OK, whereis the incentive? You can get a perfectly good PC to run Linux much better and cheaper than a PS3, why would you bother, just because you can? PS3 is much better at doing its job as a gaming console than a lowsy Linux box. I can convert my SUV to mow my lawn, but I don't see the point there either.