My PS3 is scaring me (potential overheating problem)

Hey all, so I don't know if you've ever heard your PS3 crank its fans on full power, but when it does, it gets a bit scary and LOUD! This happens to me almost every time I play: everything will be fine and the fans will be okay, and then boom, it cranks up to the highest level, stays there for about a minute or two, and then goes back to normal. It's getting me really nervous because my old 60 GB got the YLOD. When I sent it in, they sent me back a new console, still with 60 GB and backwards compatibility (refurbished?).

I tried using a vacuum on low power to clean the dust out of the vents, but the edges of the vacuum scratched the glossy finish of the PS3, so I stopped. I really don't want to perform the infamous 60 GB fan test and I don't want my PS3 to overheat while I'm playing.

My PS3 has roughly 2 inches of free space on each side and it sits on a shelf of a wooden TV stand. There's plenty of room behind and in front of the console.

Any tips or suggestions?

The best thing to do would be to take it apart and reapply artic sliver to the cpu/gpu. I didnt know what I was doing and was able to do it on mine, then again I have built pc's before. The thermal compound they use is crap, expecialy on the older ones like you have, I have the same model. when I took mine apart the compound was cracked and hard, I dont even think it was doing its job. My ps3 runs alot cooler now I dont think the fan have ever went to super high since. If you cant do that then, someone else needs to do it for you because that is the only way to fix it.

First thing, there is no fan test for the 60G model (only 40G). Not that you should be doing that anyways. Second, 2" on either side isnt enough space. I would recommend 1' at the minimum. Seeing how your past the warranty, i recommend you take it apart and clean the dust out b/c vacuuming the vents from the outside doesnt do jack. I used to vacuum mine all the time and when i took it apart, i was surprised how much dust was caked up on the inside. Also while ur systems apart, clean off the thermal paste and apply some Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound. Only attempt what i've suggested if your comfortable with taking apart electronics b/c there are several things that could go wrong if you mess up. Thankfully there are several guides online and even youtube vids that can guide you ever step of the way. Good luck.4NGoods

I've thought about taking it apart, but I don't have any experience taking apart electronics and computers to find problems. (My only experience was opening a PS2 controller to fix the L2/R2 buttons). I've seen the videos on youtube, but each one is like 10 minutes and there's several of them. I don't trust myself to open up my PS3.