Yes, because with every firmware update their is a sudden increase of hardware malfunctions reported. It may be a case of a piece of hardware being on the verge of malfunctioning and then something in the firmware process pushing it over the edge.
After reading more of the Playstation message boards it seems this is the conclusion most people are comming too. What they think is that the firmware is forcing the laser to work harder to prevent in-game freezing but in doing so burning out many of the older consoles. I've also started reading reports that some people are beginning to get their consoles repaired for free, even if they are out of warranty because of this issue.
If I were to send my PS3 off to Sony for repair do I get the exact same PS3 back, or do I get any old refurb?
EDIT: Well I've looked into this even more and run some of my own tests, I've come to the conclusion that my laser is indeed broken, the console now refuses to spin discs at all. I'm not saying that the Firmware update didn't play it's part as it seems to have tipped the laser over the edge. I now have 3 options:
1. Send it back to Sony. (Most expensive option)
2. Buy a new laser and replace it myself. (Cheapest option)
3. Send it off to someone else to repair. (Most likely option)
I think I will send it off to be repaired by
fixmyconsole.co.uk. Essentially they will do option 2 for me. It's going to cost me more but after looking though the procedure of replacing the part yourself, I figure someone else with more experience would be better off doing it than me.
My advice for those who use their older consoles for a few hours on most days, avoid the firmware update for now. It may end up pushing the laser beyond what it can take anymore, even if you don't update your days are probably numbered by now.
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