Does the PS5 Pro Have Better Cooling Than the PS5?

As rumors swirl around the upcoming PS5 Pro, one of the most pressing questions among gamers is whether Sony will address some of the cooling issues that have impacted the PlayStation 5. The PS5’s unique design, featuring a large case and sophisticated internal cooling setup, marked a significant step forward in console cooling compared to previous generations. However, with the promise of even more powerful hardware in the PS5 Pro, an effective cooling system will be critical to ensure that the console can handle increased performance demands without overheating or excessive noise.

In this article, we’ll explore how the PS5 Pro might improve upon the PS5’s cooling system. We’ll examine the original PS5’s cooling setup, discuss the potential improvements for the Pro version, and consider the impact these changes might have on the user experience and overall performance.

1. Cooling Challenges of the PS5

The PS5 features a custom cooling solution that includes a large fan, a vapor chamber, and a liquid metal thermal compound applied to the CPU. This design, while effective, isn’t without its limitations.

Unique Design with Limitations: The PS5’s dual-sided fan was chosen to cool both sides of the motherboard, allowing the console to move air efficiently through its massive heat sink. While this design does a good job at cooling, the fan can become noisy during intensive gameplay, and prolonged use can raise temperatures, particularly if the console is placed in a confined or poorly ventilated space.

Liquid Metal Thermal Compound: The liquid metal thermal interface material applied to the PS5’s CPU provides better heat conductivity than traditional thermal paste, allowing the console to run cooler. However, liquid metal can pose some challenges, as it’s more volatile than thermal paste and requires careful application to avoid leaks or degradation over time.

Challenges with Dust and Heat Management: The PS5’s size, while intended to improve airflow, can still accumulate dust that clogs up the cooling system, leading to increased fan noise and potential thermal throttling. Dust traps within the design help mitigate this, but players must still regularly clean the console to maintain optimal performance.

2. Why the PS5 Pro Needs Better Cooling

If the PS5 Pro includes more powerful hardware, such as a faster CPU, an upgraded GPU, and potentially increased RAM, it will produce more heat than the standard PS5. Increased performance means higher power consumption and more energy being converted into heat, which can impact system stability and longevity if not managed properly.

Heat Generation from New Components: With an upgraded AMD RDNA 3-based GPU and a Zen 4 CPU, the PS5 Pro is expected to deliver a significant performance boost over the PS5. However, these high-performance components require better cooling solutions to prevent them from overheating or throttling under heavy loads.

Extended Gaming Sessions: Many players engage in extended gaming sessions, which put prolonged stress on the cooling system. With the PS5 Pro’s enhanced processing power, players may push the console harder and longer, necessitating more advanced cooling to maintain consistent performance over time.

Avoiding Thermal Throttling: If the PS5 Pro’s cooling system isn’t able to manage the additional heat from the more powerful hardware, it could lead to thermal throttling, where the system reduces performance to prevent overheating. Effective cooling would allow the PS5 Pro to maintain high performance for longer periods without compromising frame rates, resolution, or stability.

3. Potential Cooling Upgrades in the PS5 Pro

To address these challenges, Sony is likely to implement a range of cooling upgrades in the PS5 Pro. Here are some potential advancements that could help the PS5 Pro maintain lower temperatures and quieter operation.

Enhanced Heat Sink Design: Sony could choose to include a larger or more advanced heat sink in the PS5 Pro. The heat sink, which helps disperse heat away from the CPU and GPU, could be designed with a more efficient layout or made from higher-quality materials. This would allow the PS5 Pro to manage increased heat more effectively than the original PS5.

Liquid Metal Optimization: While the PS5 already uses liquid metal for its CPU, Sony may refine this application for the PS5 Pro. Improved sealing and stability measures could help the liquid metal remain effective over a longer period, avoiding issues such as drying out or leaking that can degrade cooling performance over time.

Dual or Triple Fan System: The PS5 Pro might incorporate a more advanced fan system, possibly moving from a single fan to a dual or even triple fan setup. This would allow for greater airflow and more efficient cooling across multiple components. Multiple fans can also distribute the workload, reducing fan noise and improving the overall cooling capacity of the system.

Vapor Chamber Cooling: Vapor chamber technology, which is already present in some high-end gaming consoles and PCs, could be expanded upon in the PS5 Pro. A vapor chamber helps transfer heat away from the hottest components, such as the GPU and CPU, and allows for more consistent cooling across the board. With vapor chamber cooling, the PS5 Pro could achieve better thermal performance, especially under heavy loads.

Redesigned Console Shape and Vents: The PS5 Pro may feature a redesigned case with improved airflow pathways, optimized vent placements, and a more compact design to support better cooling. The console’s size and shape are crucial for airflow, and slight adjustments can make a significant difference in cooling efficiency. Improved venting would allow hot air to escape more quickly and prevent dust buildup in critical areas.

4. Potential Impact of Better Cooling on the Gaming Experience

Effective cooling in the PS5 Pro would not only help the console handle more powerful hardware but would also enhance the overall gaming experience for users.

Consistent Performance in Demanding Games: With better cooling, the PS5 Pro will be able to maintain stable performance even in graphically intensive games. This means players can enjoy higher frame rates and better graphics without sudden dips in performance caused by overheating.

Longer Lifespan of Components: Heat is one of the leading causes of component wear and degradation over time. Improved cooling can help prolong the lifespan of the PS5 Pro’s hardware by keeping temperatures within safe operating ranges. This would reduce the risk of hardware failure and keep the console running optimally for years.

Reduced Fan Noise: Effective cooling reduces the need for fans to operate at high speeds, making the console quieter. This will be a welcome change for players who prefer a quieter gaming environment, as the PS5’s fan noise can become noticeable during intensive gaming sessions. A quieter console contributes to a more immersive experience by allowing players to focus on game audio without background distractions.

5. Future-Proofing for Next-Gen Games and VR

The PS5 Pro’s improved cooling will not only benefit current games but also prepare the console for the next wave of high-performance titles, including virtual reality (VR) games.

Enhanced VR Experiences: VR gaming demands high frame rates and consistent performance to avoid issues such as motion sickness. With the PS5 Pro’s enhanced cooling, players can expect smoother VR gameplay that fully leverages the console’s hardware without causing overheating or performance drops.

Support for Long-Term Software Updates: As games become more demanding, the PS5 Pro’s improved cooling will help the console handle the requirements of new titles and software updates. This future-proofing ensures that the console remains capable of running the latest games at high settings, even as they push hardware requirements to new levels.

6. Sony’s Commitment to Efficient Design and Sustainability

Sony has also expressed a commitment to creating energy-efficient devices that minimize their environmental impact. Improving the cooling system in the PS5 Pro can help with power efficiency, as a well-cooled system requires less energy to maintain performance.

Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions: Sony may consider using eco-friendly materials in the heat sink and other cooling components, reducing the environmental impact of production. Efficient cooling also means less wasted energy, which contributes to a more sustainable gaming experience.

Extended Console Lifecycle: By incorporating advanced cooling and power management features, Sony can extend the PS5 Pro’s lifecycle. This benefits gamers by reducing the need for frequent hardware upgrades and minimizes e-waste in the long term, aligning with Sony’s goals for sustainability.

Conclusion: The PS5 Pro’s Cooling System as a Key Performance Upgrade

The PS5 Pro’s anticipated improvements in cooling will be one of the most critical aspects of its design, directly impacting its ability to handle more powerful hardware, support higher frame rates, and deliver a smoother and quieter gaming experience. With enhanced cooling features such as an advanced heat sink, refined liquid metal application, and possibly additional fans or vapor chamber technology, the PS5 Pro aims to overcome the limitations of the original PS5 and offer a more reliable and durable gaming experience.

Read Also: How Does the PS5 Pro Improve Gaming Performance?

By addressing the heat and noise challenges of high-performance gaming, Sony is likely to position the PS5 Pro as a console built to support both current and future gaming demands. For players who value performance, stability, and longevity, the PS5 Pro’s upgraded cooling system could be a compelling reason to invest in the console, ensuring they get the most out of their games without worrying about overheating or hardware wear.