Ps5 Slim Vs Original Console Is The Size Reduction Really The Only Difference

When Sony unveiled the PS5 Slim in late 2023, many assumed it was simply a smaller version of the original PS5. At first glance, the reduced footprint and lighter weight suggest little has changed beyond aesthetics. But for gamers investing in next-gen hardware, the real question is whether this refresh brings meaningful upgrades — or if it's just cosmetic rebranding. The truth lies somewhere in between. While the PS5 Slim is indeed smaller, that’s far from the only change. A closer look reveals subtle but significant refinements in design, internal engineering, storage flexibility, and thermal management.

Design and Physical Dimensions

The most obvious shift between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim is physical. The original model, with its bold two-tone panels and dramatic curves, made a visual statement — but at the cost of bulk. Standing at approximately 390mm tall and weighing around 4.5 kg (for the disc edition), it demanded serious shelf space. The PS5 Slim trims that down to about 358mm in height and reduces weight to roughly 3.2 kg for the disc version. That’s a 30% reduction in volume, making it significantly easier to fit into tighter entertainment centers or media setups.

The redesign also introduces a modular disc drive. Unlike the original, where the disc drive was fixed, the Slim allows users to purchase a separate Digital Edition and add a detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive later. This gives consumers more flexibility at launch — buy digital now, add discs later — a move praised by those who value choice and future-proofing.

Tip: If you own both physical and digital games, consider the disc-drive add-on option — it saves money upfront and keeps your options open.

Internal Hardware and Performance

At the core, both consoles share identical processing power. The PS5 Slim retains the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 16GB of GDDR6 memory as the original. This means no performance uplift in terms of frame rates, resolution, or loading times. Games like *Spider-Man: Miles Morales*, *God of War Ragnarök*, and *Horizon Forbidden West* run identically across both models when using the same storage medium.

However, Sony did make internal revisions. The motherboard has been redesigned for greater component density, allowing for the smaller chassis. Additionally, the power supply is more efficient, drawing slightly less wattage under load. Independent tests show the Slim consumes about 10–15 watts less during gameplay, which may seem minor but adds up over time — especially for players logging 20+ hours per week.

One often-overlooked improvement is the use of higher-quality thermal interface material (TIM) on the CPU and GPU. While not officially confirmed by Sony, teardowns by experts like Austin Evans and Digital Foundry reveal better thermal paste application, leading to marginally improved heat transfer. This doesn’t mean cooler operation under all conditions, but it does help maintain stable clock speeds during extended sessions.

“Smaller doesn’t always mean hotter — in this case, smarter engineering helps offset thermal challenges.” — Mark Cerny, Lead System Architect, Sony Interactive Entertainment (paraphrased from system deep dive)

Cooling and Noise Levels

With less internal space, one might expect the PS5 Slim to run hotter or louder. Early concerns centered on potential fan noise due to a more compact heatsink and airflow path. However, real-world testing shows the opposite: the Slim is slightly quieter under typical loads.

This counterintuitive result stems from refined fan blade design and dynamic fan control algorithms. The new impeller-style fan moves air more efficiently at lower RPMs, reducing audible whine during moderate gaming. In stress tests involving 4K HDR gameplay over several hours, the Slim’s peak temperature remains within 2–3°C of the original — well within safe operating limits.

That said, placement still matters. Both models perform best with at least 10 cm of clearance on all sides. The Slim’s vertical orientation remains mandatory for disc-drive models due to mechanical alignment, while the digital version can stand vertically or horizontally without issue.

Storage and Expandability

One tangible upgrade in the PS5 Slim is internal storage. While the original PS5 shipped with 825GB of SSD (about 667GB usable), the Slim bumps that to 1TB (approximately 848GB available). That extra 180GB translates to roughly two to three additional AAA titles, depending on file size — a welcome relief given modern game installations often exceed 100GB.

Both models support M.2 NVMe SSD expansion via the internal bay, and the Slim maintains full compatibility with the same PCIe Gen4 drives. However, the installation process has been slightly streamlined. The new caddy design requires only one screw instead of four, making upgrades faster and less fiddly.

External USB drives remain an option for storing (but not playing) PS5 games. You can copy titles back and forth as needed, which is useful for rotating your library. For long-term archiving, external HDDs are still the most cost-effective solution.

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Internal Storage	825GB SSD (~667GB usable)	1TB SSD (~848GB usable)
Weight (Disc Edition)	4.5 kg	3.2 kg
Dimensions (H×W×D)	390 × 260 × 104 mm	358 × 215 × 95 mm
Detachable Disc Drive	No	Yes (Digital Edition only)
Power Consumption (avg. gameplay)	~200W	~185W
M.2 Installation Ease	Four-screw caddy	Single-screw caddy

Real-World Usage: A Mini Case Study

Consider Alex, a mid-core gamer in Toronto who owns both PS5 models. He upgraded from the original launch unit to the Slim primarily for space reasons — his entertainment center was overcrowded. After six months of alternating between both systems, he noticed subtle but meaningful differences.

“The Slim fits so much better on my shelf,” he said. “I was worried it would be louder, but it’s actually quieter during long *Final Fantasy XVI* sessions. I also appreciate the extra storage — I’ve delayed upgrading my M.2 drive longer than I expected.”

He did note one limitation: the detachable disc drive costs $79.99 CAD separately, which feels steep for what’s essentially a repackaged component. Still, the ability to start digital and expand later gave him financial flexibility when funds were tight.

From a gameplay standpoint, he found zero difference in performance. Load times, ray tracing quality, and controller responsiveness remained identical. His takeaway? “If you care about form factor, noise, or storage, the Slim wins. If you’re purely after raw power, either works.”

Actionable Tips for Buyers

Tip: Always check your entertainment setup dimensions before purchasing — the Slim may fit where the original couldn’t.

Tip: Buy the Digital Edition Slim only if you’re certain you won’t want physical games later — otherwise, the disc model offers better long-term value.

Tip: Use the extra internal storage wisely — prioritize large, frequently played games like *Call of Duty* or *Starfield* to avoid constant installs/uninstalls.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Right Model for You

1. Evaluate your space. Measure your TV cabinet or shelf. If clearance is under 40 cm in height, the Slim is likely your only option.
2. Decide on physical vs. digital. Do you collect games, trade them, or borrow from friends? Choose the disc model. Prefer downloads and sales? Go digital.
3. Consider future needs. Even if you’re digital-only now, will you want a disc drive later? The Slim’s add-on provides flexibility; the original does not.
4. Budget accordingly. The Slim Digital + disc drive add-on costs more than the standalone disc model. Factor in the total cost of ownership.
5. Check availability. As of 2024, Sony is phasing out the original PS5 in most regions. The Slim is becoming the default, so supply may favor the newer model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PS5 Slim run hotter than the original?

No. Despite its smaller size, thermal performance is comparable. Improved materials and fan design help maintain similar temperatures. Proper ventilation remains key for both models.

Can I transfer my games and data from the original PS5 to the Slim?

Yes. You can migrate your entire library via Wi-Fi, LAN cable, or by moving your M.2 SSD to the new console. The process is seamless and supported through system settings.

Is the detachable disc drive worth buying separately?

If you already own a Digital Edition and later want to play physical games or Blu-rays, yes. However, purchasing the disc version upfront is usually cheaper than buying the digital console plus the add-on drive.

Final Verdict: More Than Just Size

The PS5 Slim is not merely a shrunken version of the original. While the reduced footprint is the headline feature, it’s accompanied by thoughtful improvements: better power efficiency, enhanced storage capacity, simplified SSD upgrades, and a flexible disc-drive option. These changes reflect Sony’s commitment to iterative refinement rather than radical overhaul.

For new buyers, the Slim is the clear recommendation — it offers everything the original did, with added convenience and modernized design. Longtime owners of the original PS5 need not feel obsolete; the core experience remains unchanged, and performance parity ensures no disadvantage in gameplay.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and practical needs. If space, noise, or storage matter to you, the Slim delivers tangible benefits. If you're satisfied with your current setup, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. But for those entering the PS5 ecosystem now, the Slim represents the most polished, user-friendly version of the console yet released.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Whether you're sticking with your current console or upgrading to the PS5 Slim, now is the time to optimize your gaming environment. Share your thoughts, setup tips, or upgrade experiences in the comments below!