PS5 Slim Vs Original PS5 Does The Size Difference Actually Matter For Cooling

When Sony introduced the PS5 Slim in late 2023, many gamers welcomed the smaller footprint and lighter weight as a natural evolution of the original console. But with a 30% reduction in volume, questions quickly emerged: has the internal redesign compromised thermal performance? Can a smaller console handle the same heat output without throttling or long-term reliability issues? These concerns are more than just cosmetic—they strike at the heart of system longevity, performance consistency, and user experience.

The original PS5 was no slouch when it came to thermal management. Its large chassis housed an expansive heatsink, dual intake/exhaust vents, and a 120mm fan designed to move air efficiently across critical components like the AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU. The PS5 Slim, while maintaining the same core specs, reengineers nearly every internal aspect to fit into a more compact form. So, does shrinking the console come at a cost to cooling? The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no”—it depends on how you use your system, where you place it, and what kind of games you play.

Inside the Design: How Cooling Works in Both Models

Cooling in any gaming console relies on three principles: convection (airflow), conduction (heat transfer via materials), and radiation (heat dissipation from surfaces). The original PS5 used a brute-force approach—large surface-area heatsinks, generous airflow channels, and a spacious interior that allowed heat to dissipate before recirculating. This design prioritized thermal headroom over compactness, which helped maintain stable clock speeds even during extended gaming sessions.

The PS5 Slim takes a different engineering path. Instead of relying solely on size, Sony optimized component placement, improved heatpipe routing, and redesigned the motherboard to reduce power draw slightly. The new model also features a more efficient vapor chamber-style cooling solution over the main SoC (System on Chip), replacing the bulkier aluminum stack used previously. While the overall volume is reduced, the density of cooling elements has increased.

According to Mark Cerny, lead system architect for the PS5, “Every revision gives us an opportunity to refine not just the aesthetics but the underlying efficiency.” In interviews following the Slim’s release, Cerny emphasized that thermal targets were maintained despite the smaller shell. That doesn’t mean the methods are identical—but they aim for the same outcome: sustained performance without overheating.

Thermal Performance: Real-World Testing and Data

To assess whether the size difference impacts cooling, several independent tech reviewers conducted side-by-side stress tests using identical environments, ambient temperatures (around 22°C), and gameplay conditions. Games known for high GPU utilization—such as *Spider-Man: Miles Morales*, *Horizon Forbidden West*, and *Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart*—were run for one-hour intervals, with infrared thermography and internal sensor logging used to track temperatures.

The results showed minimal differences in average GPU and CPU junction temperatures:

Model	Avg. CPU Temp (°C)	Avg. GPU Temp (°C)	Fan Noise (dB)	Surface Temp (Top Vent)
Original PS5 (Disc Edition)	68	71	42	43°C
PS5 Slim (Disc Edition)	70	73	44	45°C

While the Slim runs about 2–3°C warmer on average under load, this falls well within safe operating margins. Modern chips are rated for up to 90–95°C before thermal throttling engages, and neither model approached those limits. However, the slight increase in fan speed (+2 dB) suggests the system works marginally harder to maintain equilibrium—a trade-off for denser internals.

Tip: Place your PS5 in a well-ventilated area, especially the Slim model. Avoid enclosing it in tight cabinets or stacking items on top.

Design Trade-offs: What Changed Beyond Size?

The PS5 Slim isn’t just smaller—it’s structurally different. Key changes include:

• Revised Internal Layout: Components are stacked vertically in some areas, reducing horizontal spread but increasing localized heat concentration.
• Smaller Heatsink: Despite being less massive, the new heatsink uses higher-grade thermal paste and direct contact optimization for better heat transfer.
• Detachable Disc Drive: For the first time, the disc drive is modular. While convenient, this reduces structural rigidity near the optical bay, potentially affecting airflow symmetry.
• New Stand Design: The Slim requires a new screw-in base, which alters how air enters from beneath—though testing shows only minor impact on bottom intake efficiency.

One often-overlooked factor is dust accumulation. The original PS5’s larger vents are less prone to clogging, whereas the Slim’s tighter mesh grilles may require more frequent cleaning. Over time, restricted airflow can degrade cooling performance regardless of initial design quality.

“Miniaturization always introduces thermal challenges, but modern materials and simulation tools allow engineers to compensate effectively—even in constrained spaces.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Thermal Systems Engineer at NexaCool Labs

Case Study: Long-Term Usage in a Home Entertainment Center

Consider the case of Alex R., a gamer in Chicago who owns both PS5 models. He upgraded to the Slim to fit his console inside a closed media cabinet alongside a soundbar, router, and cable box. After two months, he noticed the Slim was shutting down intermittently during 4K gameplay sessions.

Upon inspection, infrared imaging revealed the top surface reached 52°C—well above normal. The root cause? Poor ventilation in the enclosed space compounded by heat from adjacent electronics. When moved to an open shelf with 5 cm clearance on all sides, temperatures dropped by 8°C and stability returned.

In contrast, his original PS5 had operated flawlessly in the same cabinet for over a year. Why? Its larger chassis acted as a passive radiator, and its lower component density allowed heat to escape even in suboptimal conditions. This example illustrates a crucial point: the Slim isn’t inherently worse at cooling, but it’s less forgiving of poor placement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Cooling Efficiency

Whether you own the original PS5 or the Slim, proper setup ensures optimal thermal performance. Follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Location: Place the console in an open area with at least 10 cm of clearance on all sides, especially near intake (bottom and rear) and exhaust (top and back).
2. Avoid Enclosed Spaces: Closed entertainment centers trap heat. If unavoidable, add external ventilation fans or leave the door open during use.
3. Position Correctly: If using vertically, ensure the stand is securely attached. Horizontal positioning should avoid blocking the side vent near the disc drive (on disc models).
4. Clean Regularly: Every 3–6 months, use compressed air to blow out dust from vents. Focus on intake grilles and fan shroud access points.
5. Monitor Temperatures: Use built-in system diagnostics or third-party tools (via USB drives or network logs) to check for unusual spikes.
6. Update Firmware: Sony occasionally releases updates that improve fan curves and thermal regulation logic.

Tip: Never cover the PS5 with objects, even temporarily. A single game case left on top can disrupt airflow and raise internal temps by 5–7°C.

Performance Implications: Does Heat Affect Frame Rates?

Unlike PCs, the PS5 uses a variable frequency strategy—clock speeds adjust dynamically based on temperature and power availability. The goal is consistent performance within a fixed power envelope, not maximum clocks at all costs.

In practice, this means both models deliver nearly identical frame rates and loading times in real-world scenarios. Even under sustained load, the difference in GPU frequency rarely exceeds 2–3%, which is imperceptible to players. However, during rapid successive sessions (e.g., marathon gaming), the Slim may reach thermal equilibrium faster due to less thermal mass, leading to slightly earlier frequency adjustments.

For competitive gamers or those pushing 4K/60fps titles, this nuance matters little. The system is designed to stay within performance bands, not peak extremes. As long as cooling is adequate, neither model will hinder gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the PS5 Slim overheat more easily than the original?

Under ideal conditions, no. But in poorly ventilated spaces, the Slim reaches critical temperatures slightly faster due to reduced internal volume and less thermal inertia. Proper placement mitigates this risk entirely.

Is it safe to lay the PS5 Slim flat without the stand?

No. Without the stand, the console blocks its primary intake vent. Always attach the stand—vertical or horizontal—to ensure unobstructed airflow.

Do I need a cooling fan accessory for the Slim?

Not under normal usage. External cooling docks are generally unnecessary unless the console is in a hot environment or heavily overclocked (which isn’t possible on PS5). They can even create turbulence that disrupts internal airflow.

Checklist: Ensuring Optimal Cooling for Your PS5

• ✅ Position console with 10+ cm clearance on all sides
• ✅ Keep vents free of dust and obstructions
• ✅ Use official stand when placing horizontally or vertically
• ✅ Avoid stacking items on or around the unit
• ✅ Clean internals every 3–6 months
• ✅ Monitor for sudden shutdowns or loud fan behavior
• ✅ Update system software regularly

Final Verdict: Size Doesn’t Dictate Cooling Fate

The PS5 Slim proves that thoughtful engineering can overcome spatial limitations. While it runs marginally warmer than the original, the difference is negligible in real-world use—as long as basic thermal best practices are followed. The size reduction brings tangible benefits: easier placement, reduced material use, and a sleeker aesthetic—without sacrificing core performance.

Ultimately, cooling effectiveness depends more on user habits than hardware alone. A well-maintained Slim in an open room will outperform a dusty, enclosed original PS5 every time. The takeaway isn’t that one model is better cooled than the other, but that both demand respect for airflow fundamentals.

🚀 Ready to optimize your setup? Re-evaluate your console’s position today, clean those vents, and enjoy cooler, quieter, and more reliable gaming—whether you’re on the original or the Slim.