What are my options? (PS3 Issue)

[Yugl]

Due to traveling to and from campus, my PS3 is in "critical" condition. It often freezes while playing certain PS3 games, and for the rest, it simply glitches. However, this is a 20GB PS3 and it can play PS2 games without issues. Obviously, I'm in search of the cheapest and most effective means of dealing with this problem while maintaining the ability to play PS2 games. More clearly outlined, here is the situation:

Problem: PS3 cannot play PS3 games, but can play PS2 games.

Requirements in the solution:
- The ability to play PS3 games
- The ability to play PS2 games (FFXI)
- Mindful of space limitations

Solutions I have thought of:
- Send to Sony to fix for $180. The problem with this idea is that I hear they return the PS3 to you without the chip.
- Buy a PS3 slim. The problem with this idea is that they cannot play PS3 games, so I'll have two relatively big systems taking lots of space.

[Freeko]

I had to send my ps3 in for repairs because it would overheat the GPU when it was on for about 5 mins or so. My PS3 was a Metal gear 4 Bundle that could play PS2 games. I was worried i would not get the same model back so i called them and they said i would get the same model back.

Pretty fast too took about 8 business days from the time i placed the request to get the refurbished one back. You should call the Sony customer service number and ask them about your PS3 model they may be able to send you the same one. They ask you for the Model Number and serial to make sure you get the exact same model back. Idk if the prices are the same but it cost me about $164.00 for the repairs. The good thing is, the PS3 you get returned to you comes with a 90 day warranty.

[Jefe]

You get the same system, they just fix/replace the blue ray diode.

[Devolver]

I suggest sending it off also, and if you have the means, backing up all your saves. If I'm not mistaken, they flash your HD.

[Yugl]

Sweet! I heard from someone that one of their students (Yes, it came from one of their students) said it would simply be a non-backwards compatible model. Thanks for the quick and thorough responses! I'll be sending in my PS3 after hearing from each of you.