Have you noticed a slight improvment in xmb, in terms of opening iteams, quickness and responce? They decided to let the CPU do more proccesses than it originally did, im sure they tested it out (at least it's something I hope they would test) on all PS3 models. Anyway users that let dust build up in their systems and then downloaded the firmware and run there PS3, are now getting YLOD (due to their own fault mind you). the little increase in heat is enough to push their systems over. Had this happen to me (fair bit of dust due to drywalling, should have know better) I had to dismantle my system resolder the CPU and GPU take off and reapply the thermal paste. Runs like a charm now, though I wish Sony would give a heads up when they decide to run a little more power thru the system. If you want to learn more go on to the us playstation fourms, got some more tech savy people over there that can explain it better then me

I agree with the lawsuit.

If there is a chance that the mandatory software update caused the malfunction(s), then this is the way to go. The "this is how it's always been" argument is no argument at all (For a radical example, remember that women had no right to vote on a "this is how it's always been" basis.). I'm not saying that this alone will change something, but if no one tries anything, things will only get worse.

@ithis - the update is only mandatory if you want to access PSN and there is always going to be a risk that your system will die when you update it. If your PS3 is dusty, disrupted while updating(moving or turning the console off) or if the update has corrupted packets then chances are - something can go wrong.

the ONLY viable alternative to this is for console manufactures not to update their consoles. Just be glad that PS3 FW updates do something for us unlike most Wii updates...

If the update has corrupted packets, the software should detect, fix if possible, or download again if not. 

True, the device must not be disturbed while updating the FW, but I don't see why a dusty PS3 that works before an update and not after one, would break because of the dust.

If you think about it, it's really weird that  a Firmware Update, which is actually a software update (OS update) would physically damage a system (any system). I mean, windows or linux might break after updates, but I never heard of a computer breaking after a software update. Sure, if you update the BIOS and if fails on you, you can break the BIOS, but no the Optical Disk Drive. 

So my question is this: WTF?

I don't find this reasoning valid.

Surely, someone who uses the console for 3D gaming mostly, will, on average, stress the CPU way more than what the slight improvement in XMB speed requires. That means that even before the FW update, the CPU was stressed to the limits, and since it didn't fail then, it should not fail after a slight rise in the "idle" temperature that running the XMB produces. 

This has lawsuit troll written all over it.

So there you go, it's their fault.

I know people love to dream that they can take down the man but the man has plenty of lawyers just waiting to protect them against silly little things like this.

This guy is just justifiably upset his PS3 broke and wants someone else foot the bill.  That's it and nothing more.

So wait...he's suing Sony for $150? He's suing a multi-billion dollar corporation...for $150?

The legal expenses will probably be more than that.

Good point, but I also mean the games go thru more process to, not just the xmb. I actually haven't tested out if the games load more faster now that I metinoned it. It would be interesting if someone upload a video showing games loading before 3.00 and after

Strange, I give you benefit of doubt about correct usage. You should know tho, that I also have a lauch unit 60 GB, it has runned for hours and hours and its still working perfectly up to this day. If your really on your 4th one, I would take some time to analyze if the problem comes from the console or you.