not really as long as redundant data is installed onto the HDD so the Bu-ray reader doesn't have to reread the same texture files over and over like the PS1 and PS2 did.

It could be explained by different firmware too, if PS3 slim has new firmware. I doubt upgrading to faster HDD makes much difference for installing Blu-ray games because Blu-ray is much slower than HDD.

GAMES LOAD 2 SECODNS FASTER ON THE SLIM, I SHOULD SELL MY FAT AND PAY $300 SO I DONT HAVE TO WAIT THAT EXTRA 2 SECONDS!

Yes, but first 2 tests are about installing game from Blu-ray to HDD. Blu-ray speed is much more important when installing game.

Is this thread still about install times, or have we moved on to load times from installed games?  

Upgrading to a larger 7200 rpm hard drive will show these kinda of performance gains on PS3 fats (PS3 fat comes with a 5400 rpm hard drive).

Is PS3 Slim HDD 5400 or 7200 RPM???

As it turns out the PS3 Slim has a Toshiba MK1255GSX (HDD2H26) 120GB, 5400RPM, 8MB Cache, 2.5 inch, 9.5mm Hard Drive. Not the exact same as the PS3 fats does (Seagate 5400 8MB Cache) but similar enough that it leads me to believe the firmware and other efficiencies are at the root of this increase in performance.

So it looks like if you put a 7200 rpm hard drive into a PS3 Slim you might see even better performance.

Here is a link to an article showing performance increases with putting a 7200 rpm drive into a PS3 fat. http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/138288/7200rpm-vs-5400rpm-does-ps3-hard-drive-speed-matter/

@dharh

But this not explain the differences into install speeds.

PS. Nice article, thank you.

I stealth edited my post. I'd be curious if the OP articles PS3 fat was using firmware 3.0 and had a clean hard drive. I'm inclined to think its the a combo of the firmware and other component efficiencies (blue-ray drive/teh CELL).