PS3 What is the best version of CFW ?!

[iTzSweetTooth]

So I have this ps3 with very old firmware

so basically I can get any CFW I want

Which one is considered to be the best CFW

i only used 4.88 and its working fine, is there a better option?!

thx

 

[tungatung]

4.84 rebug rex/drex [depends on you want to be on CEX/DEX respectively]
4.89 Evilnat

 

[aldostools]

So I have this ps3 with very old firmware

so basically I can get any CFW I want

Which one is considered to be the best CFW

i only used 4.88 and its working fine, is there a better option?!

thx

If you don't need access to PSN or DEX, Evilnat 4.88.2 Cobra 8.3 is currently the best (4.89 is plagued of bugs).
You can bypass 4.89 using the following method, but it's unknown how safe is to access PSN from 4.88
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/psn-access-using-cfw-4-88.37268/#post-332979

If you need access to PSN, then use Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA (the final version hasn't been released yet).
This beta is basically Evilnat 4.89 with the XMB fixes for SD (272p, 480p, etc) made by sandungas.
https://www.brewology.com/?p=4661

in general, the best CFW is Rebug 4.84.2 modified with Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin + CFW Tools menu by Evilnat.
It allows CEX/DEX and includes the latest improvements included in Evilnat CFW.

 

[iTzSweetTooth]

If you don't need access to PSN or DEX, Evilnat 4.88.2 Cobra 8.3 is currently the best (4.89 is plagued of bugs).
You can bypass 4.89 using the following method, but it's unknown how safe is to access PSN from 4.88
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/psn-access-using-cfw-4-88.37268/#post-332979

If you need access to PSN, then use Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA (the final version hasn't been released yet).
This beta is basically Evilnat 4.89 with the XMB fixes for SD (272p, 480p, etc) made by sandungas.
https://www.brewology.com/?p=4661

in general, the best CFW is Rebug 4.84.2 modified with Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin + CFW Tools menu by Evilnat.
It allows CEX/DEX and includes the latest improvements included in Evilnat CFW.

Thank a lot. I will go with 4.84 Rebug but what is the improvement over Evilnat 4.88 ?!

Mostly I use CFW for fan control and to download games, I don't even try to go online

 

[aldostools]

Thank a lot. I will go with 4.84 Rebug but what is the improvement over Evilnat 4.88 ?!

Mostly I use CFW for fan control and to download games, I don't even try to go online

If you don't need DEX, stay in Evilnat 4.88.2. That is what I'm using right now.

 

[Naxil]

If you don't need DEX, stay in Evilnat 4.88.2. That is what I'm using right now.

dex is used for? with rex/dex rif file are mandatory?

 

[tungatung]

If you don't need DEX, stay in Evilnat 4.88.2. That is what I'm using right now.

So evilnat 4.88 (and 4.89 in future) is better than rebug 4.84 rex (if i want CEX only) ?
But features like rebug toolbox are not available for other CFW(s).

So now is there any advantage of using rebug 4.84 rex over evilant 4.88/9
The only disadvantage which i can think of staying on rebug is older cobra version

 

[fowler002]

If you don't need access to PSN or DEX, Evilnat 4.88.2 Cobra 8.3 is currently the best (4.89 is plagued of bugs).
You can bypass 4.89 using the following method, but it's unknown how safe is to access PSN from 4.88
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/psn-access-using-cfw-4-88.37268/#post-332979

If you need access to PSN, then use Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA (the final version hasn't been released yet).
This beta is basically Evilnat 4.89 with the XMB fixes for SD (272p, 480p, etc) made by sandungas.
https://www.brewology.com/?p=4661

in general, the best CFW is Rebug 4.84.2 modified with Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin + CFW Tools menu by Evilnat.
It allows CEX/DEX and includes the latest improvements included in Evilnat CFW.

hmm yet when I asked what the best option was to go from 4.83 ofw you told me to go with 4.89 evilnat…

 

[aldostools]

dex is used for? with rex/dex rif file are mandatory?

DEX is FW developers. It integrates with Target Manager and allows debugging of applications from PC.

rif is mandatory for all PSN games or DLC, except for the ones signed as demo or as debug (fself).

hmm yet when I asked what the best option was to go from 4.83 ofw you told me to go with 4.89 evilnat…

4.88 is more stable than 4.89, even on OFW. Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA seems to be as stable as 4.88.2. So both are fine.

Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA is recommended if you go online.

So evilnat 4.88 (and 4.89 in future) is better than rebug 4.84 rex (if i want CEX only) ?
But features like rebug toolbox are not available for other CFW(s).

So now is there any advantage of using rebug 4.84 rex over evilant 4.88/9
The only disadvantage which i can think of staying on rebug is older cobra version

Rebug Toolbox 02.03.06 was modified to work on Evilnat. But Rebug features will not work anyway.
The features that work (and new ones) are already available on Evilnat CFW under Network > Custom Firmware Tools menu.

Rebug is superior because it allows debugging in DEX mode and has some debug features not available on Evilnat. It also supports OtherOS+.

Evilnat has the advantage that it allows PSN access on NP environment. It has Cobra 8.3 and an extended xai_plugin to support the new features in CFW Tools menu. Also has a failsafe LV2 kernel that disables Cobra automatically if it fails to load.

IMO, Rebug 4.84.2 REX modded with Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin+CFW Tools is the best option of all.
Although I'm currently on Evilnat 4.88.2 Mamba 8.4.

 

[SR4NK4R]

Rebug 4.84 Dex have this option "fake save data owner" so you can use any save file online, so you dont need apollo to unlock save files (maybe only to change region).
Apollo corrupts my fifa 19 save file so Dex helped me to get it work.

I think Dex has also a lot of other features that Cex not have.

 

[aldostools]

Rebug 4.84 Dex have this option "fake save data owner" so you can use any save file online, so you dont need apollo to unlock save files (maybe only to change region).
Apollo corrupts my fifa 19 save file so Dex helped me to get it work.

I think Dex has also a lot of other features that Cex not have.

Rebug has be REX / D-REX have the same features. D-REX is for consoles already converted to DEX, REX is for CEX consoles. Both can switch between CEX and DEX easily using Rebug Toolbox.

 

[fowler002]

DEX is FW developers. It integrates with Target Manager and allows debugging of applications from PC.

rif is mandatory for all PSN games or DLC, except for the ones signed as demo or as debug (fself).



4.88 is more stable than 4.89, even on OFW. Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA seems to be as stable as 4.88.2. So both are fine.

Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA is recommended if you go online.



Rebug Toolbox 02.03.06 was modified to work on Evilnat. But Rebug features will not work anyway.
The features that work (and new ones) are already available on Evilnat CFW under Network > Custom Firmware Tools menu.

Rebug is superior because it allows debugging in DEX mode and has some debug features not available on Evilnat. It also supports OtherOS+.

Evilnat has the advantage that it allows PSN access on NP environment. It has Cobra 8.3 and an extended xai_plugin to support the new features in CFW Tools menu. Also has a failsafe LV2 kernel that disables Cobra automatically if it fails to load.

IMO, Rebug 4.84.2 REX modded with Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin+CFW Tools is the best option of all.
Although I'm currently on Evilnat 4.88.2 Mamba 8.4.

I've got the 4.89 not 4.89.2, is it safe/stable being beta? Also is it safe going online on a hacked ps3?

 

[aldostools]

I've got the 4.89 not 4.89.2, is it safe/stable being beta? Also is it safe going online on a hacked ps3?

Yes, it is safe. The "beta" is practically identical to Evilnat 4.89 with the fix for SD display made by sandungas.

It is safe to go online if you disable the CFW syscalls before go online. Evilnat forces to disable them before Sign In to PSN.

However, there are chances to be banned if your account or console is tagged or if you're breaking SEN rules like:
- Cheating online
- Running homebrews connected online
- Using mod menus and other game modifications that give you advantage over other users
- Having bad behavior online
- Other criteria specified in EULA or if you're reported by other users.

 

[NiQ]

Rebug 4.84 Dex have this option "fake save data owner" so you can use any save file online, so you dont need apollo to unlock save files (maybe only to change region).
Apollo corrupts my fifa 19 save file so Dex helped me to get it work.

I think Dex has also a lot of other features that Cex not have.

iirc dex has no region coding for games.

 

[ToxicAnimeGeek]

If you don't need access to PSN or DEX, Evilnat 4.88.2 Cobra 8.3 is currently the best (4.89 is plagued of bugs).
You can bypass 4.89 using the following method, but it's unknown how safe is to access PSN from 4.88
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/psn-access-using-cfw-4-88.37268/#post-332979

If you need access to PSN, then use Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA (the final version hasn't been released yet).
This beta is basically Evilnat 4.89 with the XMB fixes for SD (272p, 480p, etc) made by sandungas.
https://www.brewology.com/?p=4661

in general, the best CFW is Rebug 4.84.2 modified with Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin + CFW Tools menu by Evilnat.
It allows CEX/DEX and includes the latest improvements included in Evilnat CFW.

Have you ever had any bugs or freeze ups using the modified version

 

[budasafado]

If you don't need access to PSN or DEX, Evilnat 4.88.2 Cobra 8.3 is currently the best (4.89 is plagued of bugs).
You can bypass 4.89 using the following method, but it's unknown how safe is to access PSN from 4.88
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/psn-access-using-cfw-4-88.37268/#post-332979

If you need access to PSN, then use Evilnat 4.89.2 BETA (the final version hasn't been released yet).
This beta is basically Evilnat 4.89 with the XMB fixes for SD (272p, 480p, etc) made by sandungas.
https://www.brewology.com/?p=4661

in general, the best CFW is Rebug 4.84.2 modified with Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin + CFW Tools menu by Evilnat.
It allows CEX/DEX and includes the latest improvements included in Evilnat CFW.

Hey aldo what's up It is a pleasure and an honor to speak with you.

I would first like to thank the entire team of developers who have dedicated time and effort over the years to preserving and enhancing the experience in the Playstation 3 scene. Thank you so much guys, you are badass!

I would like to clarify a doubt if possible.

Currently I am on this "rebug 4.84.2 cobra 8.3" which has native CEX/DEX transition (a modded firmware). My doubt would be... if I change the mode to leave the console completely in DEX and in the future the ps3 will or maybe crash suddly for some specific reason... forcing me to install CFW DEX again (or format the HDD to do this)... I could install any CFW DEX that was equivalent to version 4.84 (from this example), but without worrying too much about the version of Cobra mode itself? or suffer some kind of brick on the console?

Because it specifies modified firmware it is natively in CEX mode from what I understood, although it offers transition to DEX. Unlike the official 4.84.2 from the Rebug team which has different firmwares for various possibilities > CEX (REX) 4.84.2 or DEX (D-REX) 4.84.2 options
The only difference between them would be that Cobra mode is in version 8.1 in these firmwares made official by the Rebug team.

In summary: If I'm already in DEX mode fully activated and some problem or unforeseen thing comes up that forces me to format the HDD and reinstall the DEX 4.84 firmware or equivalent... I could simply install the 4.84.2 COBRA 8.1 CFW D -REX official from Rebug or should I and could I install (in this example) the 4.84.3 Cobra 8.3 CEX provided in the forum link without worrying about bricks?

Thank you for your attention and sorry for the long and specific text.

 

[aldostools]

Once you're on CFW, you can reinstall any CFW of the same type (CEX or DEX) and same version or higher. If you have QA flags enabled you can install also a lower version.

So if you're on rebug rex 4.84.3 on DEX mode, you can reinstall rebug D-REX 4.84.2 or 4.84.3 or any other CFW with higher version if before you switch to CEX mode.

D-REX is for consoles already on DEX mode.

 

[NiQ]

Hey aldo what's up It is a pleasure and an honor to speak with you.

I would first like to thank the entire team of developers who have dedicated time and effort over the years to preserving and enhancing the experience in the Playstation 3 scene. Thank you so much guys, you are badass!

I would like to clarify a doubt if possible.

Currently I am on this "rebug 4.84.2 cobra 8.3" which has native CEX/DEX transition (a modded firmware). My doubt would be... if I change the mode to leave the console completely in DEX and in the future the ps3 will or maybe crash suddly for some specific reason... forcing me to install CFW DEX again (or format the HDD to do this)... I could install any CFW DEX that was equivalent to version 4.84 (from this example), but without worrying too much about the version of Cobra mode itself? or suffer some kind of brick on the console?

Because it specifies modified firmware it is natively in CEX mode from what I understood, although it offers transition to DEX. Unlike the official 4.84.2 from the Rebug team which has different firmwares for various possibilities > CEX (REX) 4.84.2 or DEX (D-REX) 4.84.2 options
The only difference between them would be that Cobra mode is in version 8.1 in these firmwares made official by the Rebug team.

In summary: If I'm already in DEX mode fully activated and some problem or unforeseen thing comes up that forces me to format the HDD and reinstall the DEX 4.84 firmware or equivalent... I could simply install the 4.84.2 COBRA 8.1 CFW D -REX official from Rebug or should I and could I install (in this example) the 4.84.3 Cobra 8.3 CEX provided in the forum link without worrying about bricks?

Thank you for your attention and sorry for the long and specific text.

Yes, basically the only difference between REX and D-REX is which firmware mode then can be installed on. They're otherwise identical.
I understand that you have a Cobra 8.3 variant of Rebug REX but you don't have a D-REX PUP. Is that correct?
If that's the case then should your console crash, forcing you to replace the HDD and reinstall the firmware, and it was in DEX mode when that happened, you can restore your current firmware by doing the following steps in order -
1. Install the "stock" Rebug D-REX 4.84.2 (which has Cobra 8.1)
2. Install Rebug Toolbox
3. Use Rebug Toolbox to switch to CEX
4. Install your Rebug REX Cobra 8.3 PUP
5. Use Rebug Toolbox to switch back to DEX

 

[budasafado]

Once you're on CFW, you can reinstall any CFW of the same type (CEX or DEX) and same version or higher. If you have QA flags enabled you can install also a lower version.

So if you're on rebug rex 4.84.3 on DEX mode, you can reinstall rebug D-REX 4.84.2 or 4.84.3 or any other CFW with higher version if before you switch to CEX mode.

D-REX is for consoles already on DEX mode.

Yes, basically the only difference between REX and D-REX is which firmware mode then can be installed on. They're otherwise identical.
I understand that you have a Cobra 8.3 variant of Rebug REX but you don't have a D-REX PUP. Is that correct?
If that's the case then should your console crash, forcing you to replace the HDD and reinstall the firmware, and it was in DEX mode when that happened, you can restore your current firmware by doing the following steps in order -
1. Install the "stock" Rebug D-REX 4.84.2 (which has Cobra 8.1)
2. Install Rebug Toolbox
3. Use Rebug Toolbox to switch to CEX
4. Install your Rebug REX Cobra 8.3 PUP
5. Use Rebug Toolbox to switch back to DEX

Thank you so much for your support and taking the time to answer my question guys!

Honestly, I hope I never have to go through this example of mine that I had of doubt, but if I had to, I would like to be prepared.

REBUG REX EDITION 4.84.2 - 0835d81e3c581f3bdfdfbe86fca5e192
REBUG D-REX EDITION 4.84.2 - 9211252d41841461c6299bfad48fa7f1
Rebug_4.84.2_REX_Cobra_8.3_Unofficial_MOD_v0.01 - 396e3a2fa3e396d40e9bd3425684daf9

The last one is the version currently used in full DEX mode.
It has already occurred to me when installing some applications (homebrews) on the PS3, it simply does not start and hangs right at the opening intro (freeze). Something that forced me to manually format the HDD and then install the same or equivalent CFW and I've always had success doing it this way. It would be more in this hypothetical case that I thought of a possible action to keep in mind what to do properly. The difference would be that this occurred to me in the past and that I was using a CFW in CEX mode and not DEX. So I didn't have many problems when formatting the HDD and installing the firmware.

But I did understand. Apparently, if the PS3 had any possible crash or freeze during the of use in DEX mode or something that would force me to manually format its internal HDD to then install the same firmware version or equivalent... I should then install any of these 3 previously mentioned (giving preference for standard 4.84.2 D-REX because it is the same as 4.84.3 which would already be in active DEX mode).

 

[Desmo]

I agree with aldostools regarding the best fw to use.
I alternate between Evilnat 4.88.2 & Rebug/Evilnat 4.84 with Cobra 8.3
If I want to go online to purchase a game, DLC or re-download already purchased items, I'll switch to littlebalup's Dual Boot Firmware.

I haven't tried the 4.89 FW yet...I'll wait until Evilnat releases a final version.