So I tested my second 2501A slim. It was manufactured July. It can do only 700/900 fully stable zero issues on all games. My 1st 2501A manufacture of November of 2010, mind your both are 2010. But my November model does 750/950 fully stable zero issues On all games. So yes. Manufacture date plays a big role. That's why the other guys 2011 slim does 800/1000 fully stable. It fully checks out. Meaning his mode will be the most wanted PS3 Slim of all. Cause it can handle 800/1000 easily with zero issues. The chips kept getting better and better as time went by. Until the super slim can be fully cracked. His 2011 model will be the best for OC.