Long story short, a cooling add-on that had done it's job well for the past three years finally wore out it's bearings or something (it's making that telltale 120dB vuvuzela noise), and I need to replace it. I'm using the classic 40GB model (the big fat one; for reference, this was the Metal Gear Solid 4 "gunmetal gray" edition that didn't come with PS2 functionality), so I can't make use of much the add-ons designed for the Slim models, obviously.

Or, even better, if any of you ladies or gentlemen know right away what the problem is with the Intercooler TS and if I can fix it myself, that would be great.

why are you even using one of these things???? all they do is fuck up the airflow >.<

What about a Pelican Air Flo cooler?

http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/24/pelicans-air-flo-cooler-chills-out-your-playstation-3/

It's kept the YLOD away for three years. It sucks out all the hot air, and forces are in from the frontside grille. That sounds like a pretty good airflow to me. Why aren't you replying with something useful to say? All that does is fuck up the topic flow. I can't find anyplace that still sells those. Ever since the Slim came out, all the "classic" model accessories stopped. {EDIT} Of course it would help if I used the US/NTSC name for it, "Pelican Pro Cooler". But it's still been discontinued, and everyone who has one in stock thinks it's worth gouging for $90 a pop. The next best thing would be an Evercool Defender or something. Or not, since it has the USB power interface. Those are the ones that hurt more than help. It generates more power to run the fan from the PS3's own power supply if the fan doesn't have it's own.

Found 3 units on Amazon 1 new and 2 used.

Amazon link

PS3 TS Intercoolers, no less and they're all in stock. You're welcome :D.

Yeah cause you know just sucking air past THE HUGE FUCK OFF FAN in the center of the case really helps it out. I have a release console no stupid addon that is worthless and it works perfectly. so sure lets add another set of fans to break up the airflow and make it go all over the place rather than where the designers intended. Intercoolers cause more harm than good sticking it somewhere more ventalated (which the intercooler forces you to) probably does it more good than the piece of plastic the uses power does.

Well at least the opportunity to buy the replacement you need is there. As for the price, what did you expect for a discontinued item?

That's exactly my point. "Discontinued" doesn't automatically mean "rare and valuable".

Well, at least I tried. Good luck finding what you need.

Thanks anyway. I suppose if this one yellow-lights on me and I have to send it in, they'll send me a Slim-cased version or something. They always say to keep the HDD, so whatever.

If it helps, I found a used model of the 40 GB version of the PS3 here in Poland. Guy wants 600 PLN ($191 if we want to talk about real currency) :D.

Oh and he's throwing in some games along with some accessories.