Have you noticed your PS5 overheating issue? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The powerful new console pushes a lot of pixels which generates heat. While a little warmth is normal, an overheating PS5 can lead to performance issues, crashes, and even permanent damage if left unchecked. The good news is there are a few quick fixes you can try to stop your PS5 from overheating and get back to gaming. We’ve identified three simple solutions that should help lower your PS5’s temperature and prevent overheating. Give these a shot and your console should be running cool as a cucumber in no time. Now grab your DualSense controller and let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Ensure Proper Ventilation for Your PS5
To stop your PS5 from overheating, the most important thing is to give it plenty of breathing room.
- Make sure there’s at least 4 to 6 inches of space on all sides of the console, especially the back and top. The PS5 pulls in cool air through the sides and vents hot air out the back, so cramped spaces will cause it to overheat quickly.
- Don’t stack anything on top of or directly behind your PS5. This includes papers, books, controllers, and media remotes. Any obstruction prevents heat from escaping and fresh air from entering.
- Avoid enclosed cabinets or shelves. An open TV stand or entertainment center is best. Cabinets, even with doors open, don’t allow for adequate airflow.
- Make sure any vents or air intakes aren’t blocked. Regularly check and clean the vents on the sides, back and bottom of the console to remove any built-up dust. Built-up dust prevents heat dissipation and causes overheating.
- Place the PS5 in a well-ventilated room and avoid extreme heat. Rooms that are very warm or poorly ventilated will cause the PS5 to overheat faster.
- Give your PS5 a chance to rest. Don’t run intensive games or apps for hours on end, especially graphics-heavy titles. Take breaks to allow the components to cool, and avoid overtaxing the console.
Providing good ventilation and airflow is the key to preventing your PS5 from overheating. Make the necessary adjustments to give your console some breathing room and it will run cool as intended. Happy gaming!
Clean Your PS5 Fan and Heat Sink
Your PS5 works hard, and all that processing power generates heat. If your console is overheating, don’t panic – here are a few quick fixes to cool it down.
First, make sure your PS5 has room to breathe. Place it in an open area, not crammed into an entertainment center. The PS5 needs at least 4 to 6 inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation.
Next, clean your PS5’s fan and heat sink. The fan pulls in air to cool components, and the heat sink absorbs and dissipates heat. Over time, dust builds up on these parts, preventing them from doing their job. To clean them, unplug your PS5 and use compressed air to blow out any dust. You can also use a small vacuum with low suction. Be very gentle – you don’t want to knock any parts loose.
Finally, consider reapplying the PS5’s thermal paste. The paste helps transfer heat from the components to the heat sink. Over time, it can dry out and become less effective. To reapply, you’ll need to disassemble your PS5. This is an advanced fix, so only do this if you’re tech-savvy. New thermal paste can lower temperatures by up to 10°C.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, your PS5 should stay cool and quiet. But if problems persist after trying these fixes, it’s best to contact Sony support. They can properly diagnose any hardware issues and get your console back to a normal operating temperature.
Lower the PS5’s Maximum Fan Speed
Lowering your PS5’s maximum fan speed is an easy fix that can help prevent overheating. The PS5’s built-in cooling fan works hard to keep the console at an optimal temperature during intense gameplay, but sometimes it can be too effective.
Adjust the PS5’s Fan Speed in Safe Mode
To access your PS5’s Safe Mode, shut down your console and wait 30 seconds. Then, press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep. This will boot your PS5 into Safe Mode. Use your controller to select “Change Console Settings,” then select “Set Fan Speed.” Here you can choose between Normal, Fast, and Maximum. Select “Normal” or “Fast” to lower the maximum fan speed.
Reducing the fan speed may cause your PS5 to run slightly warmer, but it will still operate well within safe temperature ranges and the fan won’t have to work as hard. Many users report that setting the fan to “Normal” or “Fast” helps stop their PS5 from overheating without any performance issues. However, if you notice your PS5 getting very hot or loud after changing the fan speed, you may need to switch it back to “Maximum” to prevent damage.
- Monitor your PS5’s temperature: After changing the fan speed, check your PS5’s temperature from time to time, especially when playing graphics-intensive games. The area around the vents should feel warm but not hot.
- Consider relocating your PS5: Placing your console in a well-ventilated area, away from walls and heat sources can also help prevent overheating. Make sure there’s plenty of open space around and behind your PS5 for airflow.
- Clean your PS5 vents regularly: Built-up dust is a common cause of PS5 overheating. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust clogs in your console’s air vents and fan intakes. Do this at least once a month or if you notice your PS5 getting louder or hotter.
Lowering your PS5’s maximum fan speed, ensuring good ventilation, and regular cleaning are easy ways to stop your console from overheating without voiding the warranty. Make these quick fixes part of your regular PS5 maintenance to keep it running fast and cool.
Replace the PS5 Thermal Paste
If your PS5 is running hot, loud, or shutting down unexpectedly, it may need new thermal paste. Thermal paste is the compound between the CPU/GPU and the heat sink that helps transfer heat. Over time, it can dry out and become less effective. Replacing it is an easy fix and will have your PS5 running cool again in no time.
Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need a few basic tools:
- Thermal paste (non-conductive)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol
Disassemble Your PS5
Carefully unplug all cables from your PS5. Remove the faceplates and locate the heat sink – it’s the large metal component with fins that sits over the main chip. Remove all screws securing the heat sink. Gently lift it off, being careful not to damage any components underneath.
Clean Off the Old Thermal Paste
Use the isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to thoroughly clean the old thermal paste from the heat sink and main chip surface. Make sure no residue is left behind.
Apply the New Paste
Place a small dot of thermal paste onto the center of the main chip. Use the included spreader or a plastic card to evenly spread the paste over the entire chip surface. Apply a thin, even layer.
Reassemble Your PS5
Put the heat sink back in place and secure with the screws. Make sure it sits evenly over the chip. Put the faceplates back on, plug in your cables and power on the PS5. The fans should run quieter and the system should feel cooler to the touch. Check the temperature in the system settings to confirm it’s within normal range.
Replacing old thermal paste is an easy, inexpensive fix that can significantly improve your PS5’s temperature regulation and performance. Be sure to repeat this process every few years to keep your console running in top shape.
FAQ: Why Is My PS5 Overheating?
Is your PS5 in an enclosed space?
If your PS5 is in a confined space like a cabinet or cramped entertainment centre, it won’t get enough airflow to properly cool itself. The PS5 needs open space around all sides for ventilation. Pull your PS5 out from any enclosed areas and place it on a table or stand in an open area. Make sure there are at least 4 to 6 inches of clearance on all sides of the console for the best airflow.
Is the fan or heat sink clogged with dust?
Over time, dust and debris can build up inside your PS5 and prevent the fan and heat sink from cooling the components properly. If your PS5 is more than a few months old, it’s a good idea to open it up and clean out any dust with compressed air. Be very careful not to damage any of the internal parts. Cleaning out the dust is an easy fix and can significantly improve your PS5’s cooling.
Do you need to replace the thermal paste?
The thermal paste between the PS5’s processor and heat sink can dry out over time and become less effective at transferring heat. Replacing the thermal paste may be necessary to improve cooling in older PS5 consoles. However, this is an advanced fix that requires disassembling your PS5.
We only recommend attempting this if you have experience repairing electronics. It may be safer to contact Sony support for help replacing the thermal paste.
•Make sure your PS5’s firmware is up to date. Software updates often contain patches to improve system stability and performance.
•Consider elevating your PS5 slightly to allow more airflow underneath. Place it on small rubber feet or a mesh stand.
•Keep your PS5 in a cool area away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters, and direct sunlight. Ambient temperature affects the PS5’s cooling.
•Give your PS5 plenty of time to rest in between long gaming sessions. This allows the components to cool fully and prevents overheating from extended use.
Is your PS5 in an enclosed space?
If your PS5 is in a confined space like a cabinet or cramped entertainment centre, it won’t get enough airflow to properly cool itself. The PS5 needs open space around all sides for ventilation. Pull your PS5 out from any enclosed areas and place it on a table or stand in an open area. Make sure there are at least 4 to 6 inches of clearance on all sides of the console for the best airflow.
Is the fan or heat sink clogged with dust?
Over time, dust and debris can build up inside your PS5 and prevent the fan and heat sink from cooling the components properly. If your PS5 is more than a few months old, it’s a good idea to open it up and clean out any dust with compressed air. Be very careful not to damage any of the internal parts. Cleaning out the dust is an easy fix and can significantly improve your PS5’s cooling.
Do you need to replace the thermal paste?
The thermal paste between the PS5’s processor and heat sink can dry out over time and become less effective at transferring heat. Replacing the thermal paste may be necessary to improve cooling in older PS5 consoles. However, this is an advanced fix that requires disassembling your PS5. We only recommend attempting this if you have experience repairing electronics. It may be safer to contact Sony support for help replacing the thermal paste.
•Make sure your PS5’s firmware is up to date. Software updates often contain patches to improve system stability and performance.
•Consider elevating your PS5 slightly to allow more airflow underneath. Place it on small rubber feet or a mesh stand.
•Keep your PS5 in a cool area away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters, and direct sunlight. Ambient temperature affects the PS5’s cooling.
•Give your PS5 plenty of time to rest in between long gaming sessions. This allows the components to cool fully and prevents overheating from extended use.
