Ps5 Slim Vs Original Ps5 Does The Smaller Size Mean Hotter Temperatures

When Sony unveiled the PS5 Slim in late 2023, many gamers welcomed the sleeker form factor and reduced footprint. But with a significantly smaller chassis—nearly 30% smaller than the original model—questions quickly arose: Does this compact design compromise thermal performance? Can a smaller console effectively manage heat under sustained loads like 4K gaming or ray tracing? These concerns are not unfounded; history has shown that shrinking hardware without rethinking cooling can lead to throttling, fan noise, and long-term reliability issues.

The answer isn’t as simple as “smaller means hotter.” While the PS5 Slim reduces volume, it also incorporates internal refinements that affect how heat is generated, distributed, and dissipated. To understand whether the trade-off between size and temperature is worth it, we need to look beyond surface-level comparisons and examine engineering choices, user reports, and real-world testing data.

Design Evolution: From Original PS5 to PS5 Slim

The original PlayStation 5, launched in 2020, was notable for its bold, futuristic design and large dual-tone casing. Its size wasn’t just aesthetic—it housed a substantial heatsink, wide airflow channels, and a 120mm double-sided intake fan designed to pull cool air across the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) and other critical components. This layout prioritized thermal headroom, especially important given the high power draw of early-gen 7nm AMD chips used in the launch model.

In contrast, the PS5 Slim reflects advancements in semiconductor efficiency and manufacturing cost reduction. It uses a revised motherboard built on a more efficient 6nm process node for the custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU. Smaller transistors generate less heat per operation, allowing engineers to reduce overall cooling requirements. Additionally, the internal layout has been reorganized: the optical drive is now removable (on disc versions), and the base stand mechanism is simplified, freeing up space for denser component packing.

Despite being smaller, the PS5 Slim retains active cooling via a similarly sized but redesigned fan and heatsink assembly. However, due to tighter spacing, airflow dynamics have changed. The exhaust vents are narrower, and the path from intake to outlet is more constrained. This raises valid questions about whether convection and heat exchange remain as effective.

Tip: Always ensure at least 4 inches of clearance around your PS5’s intake and exhaust vents, regardless of model, to maintain optimal airflow.

Thermal Performance: What Benchmarks and Teardowns Reveal

To assess actual thermal differences, several independent tech reviewers conducted stress tests using identical games, ambient room temperatures, and monitoring tools. Digital Foundry, a respected authority in console analysis, performed detailed thermal imaging and internal sensor readings during extended gameplay sessions of demanding titles such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

Their findings showed that while the PS5 Slim runs slightly warmer on average—by about 2–4°C under full load—the difference is within acceptable margins. Surface temperatures near the exhaust were measured at approximately 42°C on the original model versus 45°C on the Slim after two hours of continuous 4K gameplay. Internal die temperatures, monitored through software telemetry, remained below throttling thresholds in both cases.

“Even with a smaller chassis, the PS5 Slim benefits from a more efficient SoC. The net thermal impact is minimal—well within safe operating ranges.” — Richard Leadbetter, Technical Analyst at Digital Foundry

This suggests that while the physical size decreased, improvements in chip efficiency offset much of the potential thermal penalty. Moreover, the revised power delivery system consumes less energy overall, reducing waste heat at the source. According to Sony’s internal specifications, the Slim model draws roughly 10–15 watts less under peak conditions, which translates directly into lower thermal output.

Comparative Overview: PS5 Original vs PS5 Slim

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Dimensions (W×H×D)	390 × 104 × 260 mm	358 × 96 × 216 mm
Weight	4.5 kg (disc), 3.9 kg (digital)	3.2 kg (disc), 2.6 kg (digital)
SoC Process Node	7nm (later updated to 6nm in some batches)	6nm
Cooling System	Large heatsink, dual-intake 120mm fan	Redesigned heatsink, optimized airflow path
Average Load Temp (APU)	~78–82°C	~80–85°C
Power Consumption (Peak)	~200–220W	~180–200W
Noise Level (Subjective)	Moderate; increases under heavy load	Slightly louder in sustained scenarios

While the table shows minor increases in operating temperature, the context matters. A 3–5°C rise does not equate to diminished performance or shortened lifespan when staying well below the maximum junction temperature of 95°C for the AMD APU. In fact, modern semiconductors are designed to operate reliably even at sustained temperatures above 80°C.

Real-World Example: Long-Term Use in a Home Entertainment Setup

Consider Mark, a gamer from Chicago who owns both the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim. He upgraded to the Slim primarily for space-saving reasons—his entertainment center is narrow, and the original unit barely fit alongside his soundbar and streaming devices. After switching, he noticed the console felt warmer to the touch after long sessions, particularly around the rear exhaust grille.

Concerned, he downloaded a network-enabled monitoring app that reads system sensors remotely. Over six weeks, he logged temperatures during different activities: idle, menu navigation, 1080p gameplay, and 4K HDR gaming with ray tracing enabled. His data revealed that peak APU temps reached 84°C during *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III* campaigns—a game known for pushing hardware—but stabilized quickly once gameplay paused. Fan speed increased accordingly, but never hit maximum RPM unless the room temperature exceeded 26°C.

More importantly, Mark observed no frame rate drops, crashes, or unexpected shutdowns. The system maintained consistent performance throughout. He concluded that while the Slim runs marginally hotter, it manages heat effectively enough for daily use in a typical living room environment.

Best Practices for Managing Console Temperatures

Regardless of model, environmental factors play a bigger role in console thermals than most users realize. Placement, ventilation, dust accumulation, and ambient temperature all influence how efficiently a PS5 cools itself. Here’s a checklist to optimize performance and longevity:

✅ Cooling Optimization Checklist

• Position the console vertically or horizontally with unobstructed airflow paths
• Maintain at least 4 inches (10 cm) of clearance on all sides, especially near intakes
• Avoid enclosing the PS5 in cabinets or tight shelves without ventilation
• Clean dust filters every 3–6 months using compressed air or a soft brush
• Keep room temperature below 25°C (77°F) when possible
• Use a hard, flat surface—never place on carpet or fabric that blocks bottom vents
• Consider a cooling stand with passive airflow enhancement (though not strictly necessary)

Tip: If you notice unusually high fan noise or sluggish performance, check for dust buildup in the intake grilles—this is often the real culprit behind overheating symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PS5 Slim overheat more than the original?

No, the PS5 Slim does not technically \"overheat\" more than the original. While internal temperatures are slightly higher under load, they remain within safe operational limits defined by AMD and Sony. There is no evidence of widespread thermal throttling or hardware failure linked to the Slim's design.

Is it safe to stack devices next to my PS5 Slim?

It’s not recommended. Stacking AV equipment or placing objects directly adjacent to the console restricts airflow and traps heat. Even if the device seems fine initially, prolonged exposure to elevated ambient temperatures can degrade internal components over time, including capacitors and solder joints.

Can I upgrade the PS5 Slim’s cooling system?

Not practically. Unlike PCs, consoles are sealed systems with proprietary designs. Opening the unit voids the warranty and risks damaging sensitive components. Any modifications to fans or heatsinks are strongly discouraged unless performed by authorized technicians.

Conclusion: Size Reduction Without Major Thermal Trade-Offs

The transition from the original PS5 to the PS5 Slim represents an evolution in console engineering rather than a compromise. Yes, the smaller chassis generates marginally higher surface and internal temperatures—typically 2–5°C above the original—but this increase is counterbalanced by a more efficient chipset, lower power consumption, and refined thermal management.

For most users, the difference will be imperceptible during regular gameplay. Those in hotter climates or with poorly ventilated setups should remain vigilant about placement and maintenance, but these considerations apply equally to both models. Ultimately, the PS5 Slim proves that thoughtful miniaturization, backed by semiconductor advances, can deliver comparable performance and reliability in a more compact package.

If you're deciding between models, let space, price, and availability guide your choice—not fear of overheating. Both versions are engineered to last, perform, and keep your games running smoothly for years to come.

💬 Have experience with both PS5 models? Share your observations on temperature, noise, or performance—we’d love to hear real-world insights from fellow gamers!