The PlayStation 5 has evolved since its 2020 launch, with Sony introducing a revised model—commonly referred to as the PS5 Slim—in late 2023. While the new console is noticeably smaller and lighter, many gamers are asking whether this reduction in size comes at the cost of performance. The answer isn’t as straightforward as “yes” or “no.” Beyond aesthetics and footprint, the differences between the PS5 Slim and the original PS5 involve engineering trade-offs, storage flexibility, and long-term usability.
This breakdown examines every key aspect—from internal architecture to thermal management—and evaluates whether the physical downsizing affects your gaming experience in meaningful ways.
Design and Physical Differences
The most immediate difference between the two models is visual and tactile. The original PS5, with its bold, futuristic two-tone design, stands tall at 390mm high and weighs approximately 4.5 kg (about 9.9 lbs) for the disc edition. Its large footprint made it a centerpiece—sometimes too much so for smaller entertainment centers.
The PS5 Slim reduces both height and weight significantly. It stands about 30% shorter and sheds nearly 18% of the weight, coming in at around 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs) for the disc version. The redesign also rethinks the shell: instead of one continuous panel, the Slim uses modular side panels that can be removed and replaced without tools. This makes upgrades and maintenance more accessible.
Sony didn’t just shrink the console—they restructured it. The base now supports both vertical and horizontal orientations without needing separate adapters, a small but practical improvement over the original’s single-position design.
Internal Hardware and Performance Parity
Despite the size difference, Sony maintains that both consoles deliver identical gaming performance. This claim holds up under technical scrutiny. Both models use the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, running at 3.5 GHz (variable) and delivering 10.28 teraflops of graphics processing power. Game resolution, frame rates, load times, and ray-tracing capabilities remain unchanged.
The core architecture ensures that titles like God of War: Ragnarök, Spider-Man 2, and Horizon Forbidden West run identically across both units. No developer patches or optimizations were required to support the Slim, confirming hardware continuity.
Where changes do occur is in the supporting components. The Slim features a redesigned motherboard and a smaller, more efficient heatsink. However, Sony engineers optimized airflow and heat dissipation to maintain safe operating temperatures. Independent thermal tests by digital creators and tech reviewers show only marginal differences in fan noise and surface temperature during extended gameplay—typically within 2–3°C.
“The PS5 Slim proves you can reduce physical size without compromising computational output, thanks to better component integration and refined thermal design.” — Mark Chen, Senior Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Labs
Storage Configuration and Expandability
One of the more significant changes in the PS5 Slim lies in its internal storage setup. The original PS5 shipped with an 825GB SSD, of which roughly 667GB was usable. The Slim increases base storage to 1TB (about 848GB available), a welcome upgrade given how quickly modern games consume space. A single title like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III can exceed 200GB, making extra capacity valuable.
Additionally, the Slim introduces detachable internal NVMe slots. Unlike the original, which had one expandable M.2 slot behind a removable panel, the Slim allows users to replace the entire internal SSD with a higher-capacity drive—up to 2TB—without losing warranty coverage. This modular approach simplifies upgrades and future-proofs the console.
External USB drives remain compatible for storing and transferring PS5 and PS4 games, though only the internal SSD can run next-gen titles. For heavy users, combining a 2TB internal upgrade with a 4TB external HDD offers ample room for a growing library.
Comparison Table: PS5 Slim vs Original PS5
| Feature | PS5 Slim | Original PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 358 × 215 × 76 mm | 390 × 260 × 104 mm |
| Weight (Disc Edition) | 3.6 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Internal Storage | 1 TB | 825 GB |
| SSD Upgrade Method | Replaceable internal module | M.2 expansion slot |
| CPU/GPU Specs | Same (Zen 2 / RDNA 2) | Same (Zen 2 / RDNA 2) |
| Fan Noise (Load) | ~48 dB | ~49 dB |
| Base Orientation Support | Vertical & Horizontal (same base) | Separate adapter needed |
| Modular Panels | Yes (tool-free removal) | No (screws required) |
Cooling and Long-Term Reliability
A common concern with smaller electronics is overheating. Conventional wisdom suggests that shrinking a device reduces airflow and increases component density, potentially shortening lifespan. In the case of the PS5 Slim, however, Sony appears to have mitigated these risks through smarter engineering.
The revised heatsink uses a dual-sided fin array and a more centralized fan layout, improving heat transfer efficiency. Internal benchmarks show the CPU junction temperature remains within 65–72°C under full load—comparable to the original model. Fan curves are slightly more aggressive early in sessions but stabilize faster, leading to quieter operation after the first 10–15 minutes.
Long-term reliability depends not just on design but on usage patterns. Consoles placed in enclosed cabinets or near heat sources will degrade faster regardless of model. Regular dust cleaning and proper ventilation remain essential practices.
Real-World Example: Living Room Integration
Consider Sarah, a working professional living in a compact urban apartment. Her entertainment unit measures just 45 cm in height, leaving little room for bulky devices. When she purchased her original PS5 in 2021, she had to remove a shelf and reconfigure her setup to accommodate the console vertically. Even then, the top panel occasionally brushed against the cabinet above.
In late 2023, she traded in her original model for the PS5 Slim. The new console fit perfectly on its side beneath her soundbar, freeing up vertical space. She also appreciated the ability to swap faceplates easily when friends came over—something she never attempted before due to the complexity of disassembly.
Most importantly, her gaming experience didn’t change. Load times, audiovisual quality, and controller responsiveness remained consistent. The upgrade felt seamless, proving that for space-constrained environments, the Slim offers tangible lifestyle benefits without sacrificing performance.
Step-by-Step Guide: Upgrading Your PS5 Slim Storage
If you’re looking to maximize your PS5 Slim’s storage potential, follow this step-by-step process to install a new internal SSD:
- Power down and unplug the console completely. Do not attempt upgrades while powered.
- Remove the side panels by sliding them off—no tools required. They detach magnetically.
- Locate the screw on the inner SSD bay cover. Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove it.
- Lift the metal cover to expose the M.2 slot and retention mechanism.
- Insert your compatible PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD at a 30-degree angle, then press down and secure with the mounting clip.
- Reattach the cover and screw, then snap the side panels back into place.
- Power on the console and navigate to Settings > Storage > Internal Storage to format the drive.
Once formatted, the system treats the new SSD as primary storage. You can move games, capture footage, and install updates directly to it.
Checklist: Choosing Between PS5 Models
- ✅ Need compact size? → Choose PS5 Slim
- ✅ Want easier storage upgrades? → Choose PS5 Slim
- ✅ Prefer lower weight for travel or moving? → Choose PS5 Slim
- ✅ Already own the original and games run fine? → No urgent need to upgrade
- ✅ Prioritize raw performance gains? → Neither offers advantage; performance is identical
- ✅ Collectible value or design preference? → Original PS5 may appeal more visually
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PS5 Slim run hotter than the original?
No. Despite its smaller size, the PS5 Slim maintains comparable thermal performance due to improved heatsink design and airflow routing. Temperature differences during sustained gameplay are negligible.
Can I use the same accessories with both models?
Yes. All official PS5 accessories—including DualSense controllers, Pulse 3D headset, HD Camera, and charging stations—are fully compatible with both the original and Slim versions.
Is the PS5 Slim quieter than the original?
Marginally. Under peak load, both models produce similar noise levels. However, the Slim’s fan tends to stabilize faster, resulting in slightly quieter operation after initial ramp-up.
Final Verdict: Does Size Matter?
When it comes to pure performance, the answer is clear: no, size doesn’t matter. The PS5 Slim delivers the exact same gaming horsepower as the original. Gamers won’t notice differences in frame rates, texture streaming, or system responsiveness. What changes is convenience—smaller footprint, lighter build, easier storage expansion, and improved ergonomics.
For new buyers, the PS5 Slim is the obvious choice. It represents a refinement of the original concept, addressing early feedback about bulkiness and limited storage. For existing owners, upgrading is unnecessary unless space constraints or storage needs make the newer model more practical.
Sony’s evolution of the PS5 demonstrates that thoughtful engineering can reduce physical size without compromising function. The Slim isn’t a downgrade—it’s a streamlined iteration built for real-world usability.
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