PS3 GB differences?

Question

What difference does a higher GB in the PS3 (40, 60 &80) do? Is it just for saving game space or does it actually affect the performance, graphic etc of a game.

Answer 1

This question is an often one, so that's my cut & paste answer:
1). 20GB has no chrome trim, no memory card reader and no wi-fi. Not manufactured anymore. Has the best backwards compatibility with PS2 games due to Emotion Engine (PS2's CPU) and Graphics Synthesizer (PS2's GPU) installed.
2). NTSC 60GB has the same backwards compatibility as 20GB version, also has memory card reader and wi-fi. Has a chrome trim.
3). 80GB - extended memory, but reduced backwards compatibility with PS2 games, it has only Graphics Synthesizer (PS2's GPU). Around 80% of PS2 games can be played. Available only in NTSC regions.
4). 40GB - can't play PS2 games at all (all PS2 chips were removed), has 2 USBs instead of 4, no memory card reader, has wi-fi. Avalable in black and white colors. White is on sale only in Japan. Uses 65nm technology (lower power consumption). Improved cooling system. It's the latest version.
5). PAL 60GB - reduced backwards compatibility with PS2 games. it has only Graphics Synthesizer (PS2's GPU). Around 80% of PS2 games can be played.
Wi-fi included in all models, except 20GB.
Backwards compatibilty check:
Europe - http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc/
US - us.playstation.com/Support/CompatibleSta...

Answer 2

PS3 20GB:
- $379
- Black System
- Sixaxis Controller.
- 20GB.
- No Multimemory card reader
- PS2 Backward Compatibility: Built In Hardware
- No Wifi Installed.
- 4 USB Ports.

PS3 40GB:
- $399
- Black & Chrome
- Sixaxis Controller.
- 40 GB
- No multimemory card reader.
- No backwards compatability.
- Built-in Wifi.
- 2 USB Ports
- Ships with Spiderman 3 Movie

PS3 60GB:
- $499
- Black & Chrome.
- Sixaxis Controller
- 60 GB.
- Has a multimemory card reader
- PS2 Backward Compatibility: Built-In hardware.
- Built in wifi
- 4 USB Ports
- No included media (Doesn't come with a game in the box)

PS3 80GB:
- $499
- Black & Chrome
- Sixaxis Controller
- 80 GB
- Has multimemory card reader
- PS2 Backward Compatibility: Software emulation
- built in wifi
- 4 usb ports
- Ships with motorstorm

That's the difference, graphics are the same. Harddrive space is different.

Answer 3

properly, do no longer care with regard to the 20 GB or 60 GB structures, because of the fact they do no longer make those anymore. And 2d, 40 GB has much less area, and can't play PS2 video games, which the 80 GB can.

Answer 4

More space for your videos, mp3, pictures, games, etc. it does not affect performance and graphics of game.