The PS5 gets a smaller cooling element
Sony has recently started shipping new models of the PS5 that have a smaller cooling element. Initial tests indicate that it is less effective at dissipating heat.
New PS5 models have surfaced in the United States, Japan and Australia. At first glance, not much has changed. The base stand has been modified and can now be attached without a screwdriver. More importantly, however, the updated PS5 is 300 grammes lighter. The reason for this is the new cooling system.
In his teardown video, Youtuber Austin Evans demonstrates that Sony has made visible adjustments to the cooling element in new PS5 models. The large, copper heat sink is gone. Significantly more aluminium seems to have been used instead of copper. Aluminium’s cooling properties are poorer, but it’s lighter than copper. According to Evans, the new cooling element dissipates less heat. On the back of the cooling element, he measured temperatures higher by three to five degrees. However, it cannot be said for sure whether this is due to the cooling unit or that specific model. Nor can it be said whether the change was made to both versions of the PS5, i.e. with and without the drive. Evans took apart a PS5 Digital Edition from Japan.
Just recently, Sony announced that the PS5 was no longer selling at a loss. The new cooling element could have something to do with this. Aluminium is significantly cheaper than copper. Another reason could simply be the shortage of materials. Chips are not the only goods in short supply at the moment. It might also be the first hint at a PS5 Slim release.
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.