nextec Sony PS3 Slim Disc Drive Replacement/ PS3 Slim Bluray Drive with Laser (KES-450A/ KEM-450AAA) Slim Models (120, 250 GB) T8 Screwdriver

First off, if you're considering replacing your drive, be sure to do your research first! You have to make sure you are purchasing the correct drive for your PS3. It took me a while to find the right one but Google is your friend. Just look up the model number on your PS3 and then you can find the drive you need for it.For me, it took purchasing two drives before I got it working. I first purchased from another seller because they were slightly cheaper. The item looked new but I noticed the seal on the box had been opened before I opened it myself so I was a little wary of the replacement. After going through the installation process, I fired it up only to find that it didn't work. I was very fortunate that it didn't eat any of my discs I put in to test it out but it made a horrible sound and was just not doing what it should and would not play anything. I promptly returned that through Amazon.The second time, I made sure to purchase the device from Nextek. There were some differences in the drive however. The first drive I received through another seller, came with the entire setup, which included the metal case. The drive from Nextek does not come with the metal casing, but you don't really need it since you should have one on the bad drive. If you're in need of the metal case, then you'll need to purchase it from another vendor, but I can't see why that would be necessary unless you completely ruined it trying to get it out. If that's the case, then you probably shouldn't be replacing it yourself!Nextek had a link to their website on how to replace the drive. While it would seem useful, the link is out of date. It still takes you to their website and it's easy enough to find the installation instructions but the only complaint here is that they should update their materials they send out with the replacement drive. Simple enough. Anyway, the instructions online are good enough. If you don't feel too handy, there's a great YouTube video titled "PS3SLIM CECH 2002x 120GB Blu Ray Drive" that I would also highly recommend. It's specific to the drive I had and should make you feel confident in replacing your drive. However, if you do buy the Nextek replacement, do remember you'll need to keep your metal case and transfer the circuit board over to the new drive. It's not difficult but will take some time your first time through.Wherever you get it, it should come with the Torx T8 driver you need to get the board off the front of the PS3. You'll need a small 0 and 00 size Philips screwdriver too to get everything out.Once I had this new drive in, everything fired right up and I'm happy to have this back again.My suggestion is to make sure to buy from Nextek. It worked out great for me.

I ordered this replacement drive to fix my old PS3 that was starting to fail to read games. My youngest was in the middle of the Lego Movie game and was eager to keep playing. Although I hit a bit of a snag because I ordered the wrong drive model on accident (when they say to check drive model numbers....they mean it) I was able to replace the laser diode circuit board from the new drive into my old motor/cassette assembly and get it going again. The new laser diodes and the attached ribbon cables worked like a charm. My kids are happy to get back to the games, and I'm happy they are happy. If I run into any issues, I'll update my review but I remain optimistic that this is a viable solution to help these old drives. From looking into the issue prior to tackling the repair myself, it seems common for the diodes to die and need replacement. If it happens again in a few years, I'll happily replace them again if I have to

They offer a program to say good things about the product and they will refund you some money back. That's a lie because they never did it for me. So 1 star from me.

I recently replaced my PS3 drive because I was tired of it not reading discs or having to be held at an angle when the disc was inserted in order to function (the warranty had expired long ago). The drive replacement process wasn't that hard once I had the Torx T8 Security driver. If you are having drive issues, purchasing & swapping out the drives is fairly simple & straight-forward (full disclosure, I work in IT & am used to taking apart/working on computers so your mileage may vary). The hardest part was attaching the small computer board to the new drive case, but that only took a few minutes & some YouTube video searches for tips & tricks of re-assembling the PS3.Because this is vital, I am putting it separately down here: take your PS3 apart enough so you can read the model number off the BluRay drive before ordering. I know this helped make the replacement process smoother for me because I knew I was getting the correct drive in the mail. Plus I just left it taken apart until the new drive arrived & was installed. I was able to locate & purchase a cheap Torx Security set (including the T8 size locally) in order to facilitate removing the broken drive before ordering, but the tool that shipped with the drive is a bit easier to hold & use so that was an added bonus during the reassembly process.My son & I are back to enjoying PS3 games that load right away & don't require any awkward button pushing, resetting, or re-positioning of the PS3. All-in-all this was a no brainer & way cheaper than a new gaming unit.

The new drive included the ribbon cables that many DIY tutorials said I would need to change over. took me a total of 15 min to open my PS3, remove original drive, swap control board to new drive, and reassemble. console fired right up and working like new again after the original drive died and wouldn't read any disks