Installation of Linux on your PS3 in 5 steps

The PS3GRID.net project has created a live Linux distribution to enable PS3 owners to quickly test and "play" with a Linux distribution on their PS3. This distribution can be stored in a USB key and contains a fully functional BOINC client, permitting the willing users to join PS3GRID.net research project in a matter of just a few minutes.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE LATEST PLAYSTATION3 FIRMWARE (Check your PS3 manual). THIS VERSION HAS BEEN TESTED ON FIRMWARE 2.10.

1) Use a 512 MB or greater pendrive.
2) Download the live distribution file from here (<250MB) and copy it into the pen drive.
3) Insert the pen drive in the usb port of the Playstation and start the Playstation3. Use ethernet (cable) connection for the Internet (WIFI not supported yet).
4) Install other os.
5) Boot other os.
Done! Number crunching starts automatically.

Tips

These are some useful tips:
Pressing and keeping pressed the OFF button for few seconds switches off the PS3 and should restart the game os;
Pressing the ON button for few seconds when the PS3 is already off will boot the game os;
At the kboot: prompt, while linux is booting, you can press tab to select the best screen resolution.

Why not install Linux fully? With Linux the PS3 can double as a normal computer for browsing the net, writing documents and running BOINC.

Linux on your PS3 for more advanced users


Requirements

To use PS3GRID Live, you will need:

  • An empty 512 MB USB disk or greater.
  • A PS3 with a connection to the internet
    (The PS3 must be able to acquire its IP address via DHCP using Ethernet connection (WIFI not supported)).

Detailed instructions

Preparing the PS3GRID Live pen drive

  • Download the live distribution file from here (250 MB).
  • Format the 512 MB USB disk.
  • Unzip the archive file and copy its contents on to the USB stick. Ensure that the files are copied into the root directory of the disk, as shown here.

Preparing the PS3

The first time you use the PS3GRID live distribution, you must install a special operating system loader on your PS3. To do this follow the instructions below:
  • Plug in your USB key and switch on your PS3.
  • From the XMB, go to Select Settings -> System settings -> Install Other OS.
  • Select. The PS3 should find a boot loader image. Select OK to install the image.

Starting PS3GRID Live

Plug in the USB stick and power on the PS3. If the PS3 starts the XMB, go to Select Settings -> System settings -> Default System and change the default OS to 'Other OS'. When given the option, reboot the PS3. Linux will start automatically!

The Linux distribution is configured to start the BOINC client and connect to PS3GRID.net server using the default useer account ps3grid.

You can keep track of your individual contribution to PS3GRID by creating your own user account here.

To return the PS3 to normal, shut down Linux and power off the PS3. Power it back on, holding down the on button for 5 seconds.

FAQ

  • When I try to install the bootloader, the PS3 says that it can´t find any suitable files

    • Check that all of the live installation files were be copied into the root directory of the USB drive, not into a subdirectory.

  • When booting Linux, the PS3 stops at a kboot: prompt.

    • Ensure that the USB stick is inserted before the PS3 is powered on.
    • Check that all of the live installation files were be copied into the root directory of the USB drive, not into a subdirectory.
    • Ensure that the disk was formatted with the FAT32 file system
    • Make sure that the USB stick is formatted as a superfloppy, or, if it is partitioned, that the partition is marked as bootable

  • The Linux desktop starts, but the screen resolution is very low

    • The video mode can be selected at the kboot: prompt when Linux is booting. At the prompt, press the tab key to cycle through the various video modes available.

  • I already have Linux installed on my PS3, can I still use PS3GRID Live?

    • Yes! However, depending on the distribution that you have installed, if you have followed the instructions above and wish to return to you installed Linux, you may have to reinstall that version´s boot loader.

Got a question or problem not covered here? Try the forum!

Credits

Our thanks to Yaegashi Takeshi and Geoff Levand for providing the Debian live CD image and bootloader used in the preparation of PS3GRID Live.