Despite the release of a patch for GTA IV, gamers are still experiencing problems with the game including random crashes and freezing. According to a poster on the Official PlayStation forums, GTA IV might require a firmware update to fix the problem on early PS3 models, due to differences in the circuit board. 2K tech supported stated "the game [GTA IV] was checked over and passed as 100% compatible with the current version of the PS3, of course the earlier version has custom chips which mean that it is a very different animal from the current PS3 on sale."
While the patch did fix the problem for some gamers, others are still plagued by the constant freezing issues. Sony are aware of the problem and are looking into producing a new firmware version for the earlier version of the PS3.
2K Tech Support:
"There is an issue with the launch edition of the PS3 and this game, the game was checked over and passed as 100% compatible with the current version of the PS3, of course the earlier version has custom chips which mean that it is a very different animal from the current PS3 on sale.
Sony are aware of this difference and are looking into producing a new firmware just for the earlier version of the PS3."