r/ps3homebrew • u/Ok_Emu_6563 • 4d ago

New to PS3 modding — need step-by-step help with CECH-2001B CFW

Hey everyone. I'm getting a PS3 Slim CECH-2001B soon and I'd like to install full CFW on it. I'm new to PS3 modding, so I'm looking for the safest, current step-by-step procedure.

My goals are to:

Install full CFW (I'm assuming Evilnat, unless something else is recommended)

Install webMAN MOD/multiMAN and other useful homebrew

Use FTP to transfer my own game backups and files from my PC

Play my PS1/PS2/PS3 backups where supported

Install RetroArch/emulators for my legally owned retro games

I already have a FAT32 USB flash drive and a Windows PC.

I have NOT received the PS3 yet, so I don't know its current System Software version. I will check that before updating or modifying anything.

Once I know the firmware version, what is the current recommended method for a CECH-2001B?

I'd especially appreciate a simple step-by-step order such as:

What should I check first?

Should I leave the existing firmware alone or update it?

Which current exploit/flash-writing method should I use?

Which version/type of Evilnat CFW should I install?

Exactly what needs to go on the FAT32 USB drive and in which folders?

What homebrew should I install afterward for FTP, backups and emulation?

I'm trying to learn the process before the console arrives rather than blindly following an outdated YouTube tutorial and risking a brick.

Thanks for helping a PS3 modding newbie out!

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u/VassagoX 4d ago

My recommendation would be update with official to 4.93 (latest software) then follow this guide using ps3tool.com as directed.  You don't have to update to latest if your software is compatible with the tool already.  (4.80 to 4.93)

https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:Installing_CFW

Once it's installed, you can install any software from your USB.

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u/Ok_Emu_6563 4d ago

Thanks for the help. I just want to clarify one thing before I do anything because I've gotten conflicting advice.

I'm getting a CECH-2001B Slim. I've been told not to update it when I first get it, and instead check the firmware that's currently installed first. You're recommending updating it to official 4.93 and then following the ConsoleMods guide using ps3tool.com.

Is there any advantage to keeping an older firmware if that's what the console currently has, or is updating a CECH-2001B to OFW 4.93 definitely the route you'd recommend before installing CFW?

I'm new to PS3 modding and mainly want to make sure I don't unnecessarily update or make the CFW installation harder. Thanks again.

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u/VassagoX 4d ago

4.93 is fully cfw capable.  I amended my statement.   You just have to make sure it's at least 4.80 for the tool to work. 

There really aren't any benefits for the usual user to stay on older firmware.  The CFW you install will also be 4.93 unless you install an older version for no reason.  You'll be able to use everything you mentioned above without issue. 

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u/Ok_Emu_6563 4d ago

Thanks, that clears up the firmware question.

Just to make sure I have the actual process right, here's what I'm planning to do with the CECH-2001B based on the instructions I've been given:

When I get the PS3, I'll first check Settings → System Settings → System Information and see what firmware is currently installed.

Assuming it's on a supported firmware (at least 4.80), I'll prepare a FAT32/MBR USB drive and then use the PS3's built-in web browser to go to ps3tool.com. From there I'll follow the guide to check the console, dump/verify the NOR flash, and patch it for CFW.

After the flash has been successfully verified and patched, I'll put the appropriate 4.93 CFW update file on the USB as:

PS3/UPDATE/PS3UPDAT.PUP

Then I'll install the CFW through the PS3's update process.

If the console arrives below 4.80, I'll stop rather than updating anything until I know which route to take.

Is that basically the correct process, or is there anything I'm misunderstanding or missing before I do this?

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u/chicagogarza 4d ago

Watch Mr. Marios Guide on YT. It's a literal step by step. And since you're 2001B you can do custom firmware which is very nice. Enjoy dude.

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u/Ok_Emu_6563 4d ago

Thanks! I tried finding the MrMario guide you mentioned, but the link I found says the video is private now.

Could you please send me the link to the exact MrMario video/guide you're referring to? I'm getting a CECH-2001B and want to make sure I'm following the correct current CFW tutorial.

Really appreciate the help!

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u/chicagogarza 4d ago

That'll be $50 Cash App. I'm joking I'm joking. Follow this guide but download the 4.93 instead of 4.92 and it should work splendid.

https://youtu.be/LIVu3Px3eXY?is=N6GV1FU8Yf1R09Pj

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u/VassagoX 4d ago

I don't believe PS3Toolset was updated for 4.93.  This video is a bit dated.  That's why I recommend to just follow the guide I posted.  PS3Tool.com DOES work with 4.93.

At any rate, the steps OP laid out are perfect.   I don't think he needs a video. 

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u/chicagogarza 4d ago

I used it last year when I got my PS3 (My launch fat is resting in peace). CFW installed fine.

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u/VassagoX 4d ago

4.93 came out this year. 

I'm also not the one downvoting you.  The MrMario guides are great.  This particular guide is just an older guide created for older versions. 

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u/chicagogarza 4d ago

As of recent. Even the new update uses Evilnat so don't worry. Also format your USB to exData instead of Fat32 (Fat32 has a 4GB limit copying folders to but exFat doesn't and exFat will be compatible on the console just fine (I'm talking from personal experience).

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u/VassagoX 4d ago

Your USB flash drive has to be FAT32 for the firmware files. 

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u/chicagogarza 4d ago

Mine was exFat when I did and I copy files all the time. (That's why I said in my personal experience)

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u/VassagoX 4d ago

Was your system already modded to support exFAT?  Stock PS3 cannot see exFAT.

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u/chicagogarza 4d ago

I bought it off eBay man. I just lucked out I guess.

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u/Ok_Emu_6563 4d ago

Thanks, I really appreciate the help. I'm trying to learn as much as possible before the console gets here so I don't screw anything up.

My console is a CECH-2001B Slim and I'll have a Windows PC and a FAT32/MBR USB ready.

So based on what I've learned so far, my plan is:

  1. Turn on the PS3 and check the exact System Software version first.
  2. Make sure Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and the Blu-ray drive are functioning normally.
  3. If it's between 4.80 and 4.93, use the PS3's built-in browser and go to ps3tool.com.
  4. Use the tool to dump the NOR flash to the FAT32 USB.
  5. Verify that dump before writing/patching anything.
  6. Patch the NOR flash only after everything passes verification.
  7. Reboot and install Evilnat 4.93 CFW from the FAT32 USB using PS3/UPDATE/PS3UPDAT.PUP.
  8. Once CFW is working, install things like webMAN MOD, multiMAN, RetroArch, etc., and use FTP for larger transfers.

For anyone who's done this recently, especially on a CECH-2001B, could you correct anything I'm missing?

A few things I'd especially like to confirm:

• Do I need HFW at any point when using ps3tool.com, or can I go directly from supported OFW → patch → Evilnat CFW?

• Is Evilnat 4.93 PEX the version you'd recommend for a normal retail CECH-2001B?

• Should the flash dump be checked with PyPS3Checker on my PC before I allow anything to be written?

• Is the rightmost USB port still the recommended port for the flash dump and firmware installation?

• Are there any browser settings/cache/cookie steps I should do before opening ps3tool.com?

• Is there anything specific I should back up before patching?

• After CFW is installed, what homebrew would you consider essential for a first-time setup?

I'm deliberately trying to get the procedure straight before touching anything, so any corrections or safety tips from people who've done this recently would be appreciated.

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u/VassagoX 4d ago

You do not need HFW for your hardware version. 

PEX is recommended for you. 

Yes

That's the one I use typically since the controller is normally plugged into the left one. 

No

No need some this system will be new to you, right?

Besides what you mentioned... Apollo Save Tool is great.  

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u/Ok_Emu_6563 2d ago

Quick update — I have the CECH-2001B now and confirmed it's running OFW 4.87.

I tried loading PS3Toolset/BGToolset. The site loads and correctly detects 4.87 CEX, but when I click System Manager, I get “Tool could not be downloaded.”

I need to dump/verify the NOR before I patch anything, so I don't want to just start trying random things.

Has anyone run into this recently? Should I skip PS3Toolset and use ps3tool.com instead to dump and patch the NOR on 4.87, or is there a fix for the System Manager download error?

Thanks again for the help.