Is The Ps5 Slim Worth Upgrading From Launch Model Size And Cooling Gains

The PlayStation 5 has undergone a quiet but significant evolution since its 2020 launch. Sony quietly introduced the PS5 Slim in late 2023, offering a redesigned form factor and subtle hardware refinements. For owners of the original \"launch model\" PS5—either the standard or Digital Edition—the question arises: Is upgrading to the PS5 Slim actually worthwhile? With no performance boost in raw power, the answer hinges on practical considerations like physical size, cooling efficiency, aesthetics, and long-term usability. This article breaks down the key differences, evaluates whether the upgrade delivers tangible benefits, and helps you determine if it makes sense for your setup.

Physical Size and Design: A Noticeable Reduction

The most immediately apparent change in the PS5 Slim is its reduced footprint. While the original PS5 was famously large—earning nicknames like “the spaceship” due to its bold, curved design—the Slim trims down both volume and weight significantly.

Model	Height (mm)	Width (mm)	Depth (mm)	Weight (kg)	Volume Estimate (L)
PS5 Launch Model (Standard)	92	390	260	4.5	9.3
PS5 Slim (Standard)	96	358	216	3.2	7.4
PS5 Slim (Digital) – New Base Model	96	358	216	2.6	7.4

The Slim model is approximately 30% smaller by volume and sheds nearly 1.3 kg compared to the launch version. The reduction in width and depth makes it far easier to fit on crowded entertainment centers or media shelves. The vertical stand is now integrated via a removable screw mechanism, eliminating the need for an external base for horizontal placement—a small but meaningful improvement in convenience.

Tip: If space is tight behind your TV stand or in a cabinet, the PS5 Slim’s 22% narrower profile could be the difference between a clean setup and an awkward overhang.

Cooling System: Refined, Not Revolutionized

One of the more debated aspects of the PS5 Slim is its cooling system. Contrary to early rumors, the Slim does not feature a liquid cooling solution or a dramatically different heatsink design. Instead, Sony opted for a reengineered internal layout and a slightly more compact vapor chamber-based cooling assembly.

Thermal testing by multiple tech reviewers indicates that the Slim runs marginally cooler under sustained load—typically 2–3°C lower at the SoC junction temperature—thanks to better airflow routing and improved heat dissipation across a more centralized chassis. However, fan noise remains comparable, with some users reporting a slightly higher-pitched tone during peak loads, likely due to the smaller internal fan blades.

It's important to note that the original PS5 already had a robust cooling solution. Early concerns about overheating were largely unfounded, and long-term reliability data shows minimal failure rates tied to thermal stress. As such, the Slim’s cooling improvements are evolutionary rather than transformative.

“Sony didn’t need to fix what wasn’t broken. The PS5 Slim’s thermal gains are modest, but they reflect smart engineering refinement—not a response to widespread issues.” — Mark Chen, Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Storage and Expandability: A Meaningful Upgrade

Perhaps the most underrated upgrade in the PS5 Slim is its expanded internal storage. The new model ships with 1TB of SSD storage, doubling the 512GB offered in the launch edition. Given that modern AAA titles can exceed 100GB each, this extra space is immediately valuable.

For example, installing *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III* (~185GB), *Spider-Man 2* (~107GB), and *Final Fantasy XVI* (~92GB) would consume over 380GB—more than 70% of the original PS5’s usable space. With the Slim’s 1TB drive, users gain breathing room before needing to invest in external expansion.

The M.2 SSD expansion slot remains unchanged, supporting PCIe Gen4 drives up to 8TB. However, the larger base storage reduces the urgency to upgrade immediately, especially for casual gamers who don’t maintain large libraries.

Tip: Even with 1TB, consider investing in a high-speed NVMe SSD within six months of ownership—your future self will thank you when downloading remasters and next-gen exclusives.

Real-World Impact: A Case Study in Space-Constrained Setup

Consider Sarah, a gamer living in a studio apartment with a wall-mounted TV and a narrow media console. Her original PS5 stood vertically, but its depth caused it to protrude noticeably into the room, posing a tripping hazard. After upgrading to the PS5 Slim, she found she could place the console flush against the wall, freeing up 4 inches of floor space. The lighter weight also made it easier to move during cleaning or rearranging.

Beyond space savings, Sarah appreciated the quieter operation during late-night gaming sessions. While decibel measurements showed only a 1–2 dB drop, the revised fan curve seemed less aggressive during idle states. She also noted that the detachable disc drive (on the Slim Standard model) allowed her to convert her previous Digital Edition into a disc-capable unit without buying an entirely new system.

Sarah’s experience reflects a broader trend: the PS5 Slim’s value isn’t in groundbreaking performance leaps, but in thoughtful refinements that improve daily usability—especially in compact environments.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Switch?

Deciding whether to upgrade depends on your current situation and priorities. Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:

• ✅ Limited space? If your entertainment center is cramped, the Slim’s smaller size offers real ergonomic benefits.
• ✅ Still using the original 512GB model? Doubling your storage may delay the cost of an external SSD.
• ✅ Planning to resell or trade-in? The launch model retains decent resale value, especially with accessories.
• ✅ Sensitive to noise? While not drastically quieter, the Slim’s fan behavior is slightly more refined.
• ❌ Satisfied with current setup? If your PS5 fits well and you’ve already expanded storage, the upgrade offers minimal ROI.
• ❌ On a tight budget? The Slim typically carries a $50–$100 premium over used launch models—weigh that against actual gains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PS5 Slim perform better than the original?

No. Both models use the same AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU architecture, delivering identical frame rates, resolutions, and loading speeds. Any performance difference is imperceptible in real-world gameplay.

Can I remove the disc drive on the original PS5?

No. Only the PS5 Slim Standard model features a detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. This modularity is exclusive to the newer model and allows users to switch between digital and physical media.

Is the PS5 Slim more reliable than the launch model?

There’s no evidence of increased failure rates in either model. However, the Slim’s improved internal layout and slightly better thermals may contribute to longer component lifespan under heavy, continuous use—though this remains speculative without long-term data.

Long-Term Considerations and Future-Proofing

While the PS5 Slim doesn’t offer generational performance improvements, it represents Sony’s commitment to refining the user experience over time. The modular disc drive, increased storage, and reduced footprint align with trends seen in previous console cycles—such as the PS4 to PS4 Slim transition.

Looking ahead, these incremental updates suggest Sony may introduce further revisions, possibly even a “Pro” variant or an eventual PS5 Refresh with enhanced specs. By adopting a slimmer, more serviceable design now, Sony positions itself to extend the PS5’s lifecycle deep into the decade.

For consumers, this means that upgrading to the Slim isn’t just about today’s benefits—it’s a step toward a more sustainable, adaptable console ecosystem. If you plan to keep your PS5 for five or more years, the Slim’s design may prove more convenient for maintenance, upgrades, and integration with future peripherals.

Conclusion: Who Actually Benefits From the Upgrade?

The PS5 Slim is not a must-have upgrade for every launch model owner. If you’re happy with your current console’s performance, have added external storage, and have room to accommodate its size, switching offers limited tangible return.

However, for users constrained by space, those frustrated by limited internal storage, or anyone looking to future-proof their setup with a more modular design, the PS5 Slim delivers meaningful quality-of-life improvements. It’s quieter, sleeker, smarter in layout, and better adapted to modern living spaces.

Sony hasn’t reinvented the wheel—but they’ve polished it. The PS5 Slim is what the original could have been: more refined, more practical, and subtly superior in everyday use. Whether that’s worth the cost depends on your circumstances. But for many, especially those upgrading from older hardware or replacing failing units, the answer leans firmly toward yes.

🚀 Ready to optimize your gaming setup? Assess your space, storage, and usage patterns—then decide if the PS5 Slim’s refinements align with your needs. Share your upgrade experience or ask questions in the comments below.