New ps3 slim from 160gb straight to 1tb. Nothing to back up. Just need a thumb drive with new driver. Very easy DIY jobs. Just out of curiosity, after download, back to menu will freeze a couple of seconds. Then only can proceed to other. Is this normal? Or 1tb take time to search?

yes, just did. in the pass 2.5 hdd is more then 9.5mm which cant fit in the bracket.
my wd new 2.5 is just 9.5mm. i just bought my ps3 slim this raya from sony style after price drop. nothing 2 back up so just slot in the new hdd plus new firmward in a thump drive & that it.
not sure whether is 1tb problem or 2 large space 2 travel, after download, back to menu will freeze a couple of seconds. Then only can proceed to other. so those who interesting 2 upgrade may or may not encounter this problem.