Ps5 Slim Vs Original Ps5 Is The Smaller Console Actually Quieter And Cooler

When Sony introduced the PS5 Slim in late 2023, it wasn’t just a cosmetic update—it represented a significant shift in design philosophy. The new model is noticeably smaller, lighter, and more compact than the original PS5 that launched in 2020. But beyond aesthetics, many gamers are asking: does the reduced size come at the cost of performance, heat management, or acoustics? Or, conversely, has Sony managed to improve thermal efficiency and reduce noise through smarter engineering? This article dives deep into the real-world differences between the PS5 Slim and the original PS5, focusing specifically on temperature, fan noise, and overall system stability under load.

Design Evolution: From Bulky to Streamlined

The most obvious difference between the two consoles is physical. The original PS5 was one of the largest home consoles ever released, measuring 390mm x 104mm x 260mm and weighing approximately 4.5 kg (about 9.9 lbs) for the disc version. Its futuristic, dual-tone white-and-black design made a bold statement but also posed challenges for entertainment center fit and airflow clearance.

The PS5 Slim trims down significantly. It measures 358mm x 92mm x 216mm—reducing volume by nearly 30%—and weighs about 3.2 kg (7 lbs) for the disc edition. That’s over a kilogram lighter. The internal redesign allowed Sony to shrink components without sacrificing core specs: both models use the same AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 825GB SSD.

This miniaturization raises an immediate concern: can a smaller chassis effectively dissipate heat generated during long gaming sessions? And with less space for air circulation, could the fan become louder?

Tip: Always leave at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clearance around your PS5 for optimal airflow, regardless of model.

Thermal Performance: How Hot Do They Get?

Heat buildup is a critical factor in console longevity and performance consistency. Overheating can lead to throttling, unexpected shutdowns, or even hardware degradation over time. Both PS5 models feature liquid metal thermal compound on the APU (a rarity in consumer electronics), which offers superior heat transfer compared to traditional thermal paste.

Independent lab tests and user reports indicate that the PS5 Slim maintains slightly lower surface temperatures under sustained load. How is this possible in a smaller case?

• Denser internal layout: Components are better integrated, reducing thermal resistance.
• Improved heatsink design: Despite being smaller, the heatsink uses optimized fin density and airflow channels.
• Newer manufacturing process: The APU may benefit from minor yield improvements, leading to slightly better power efficiency.

In side-by-side testing conducted by multiple tech reviewers, the original PS5 reached surface temperatures of up to 45°C (113°F) after two hours of gameplay in *Spider-Man: Miles Morales*. The PS5 Slim peaked at around 41°C (106°F) under identical conditions. Internal sensor data showed similar trends, with the Slim’s APU junction temperature averaging 3–5°C lower.

“Smaller doesn’t mean hotter when you engineer for efficiency. Sony rethought airflow paths and component placement—they didn’t just shrink the box.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Hardware Engineer & Console Analyst

Noise Levels: Is the PS5 Slim Actually Quieter?

Fan noise is a major quality-of-life factor, especially in quiet rooms or during late-night play. The original PS5 earned praise for its near-silent idle state but drew criticism when the fan ramped up during intensive games like *Horizon Forbidden West* or *God of War Ragnarök*, producing a noticeable whirring sound.

The PS5 Slim features a redesigned centrifugal fan with improved blade geometry and a more efficient motor. While the fan spins at similar RPMs, it generates less turbulence and high-frequency noise. Acoustic measurements show a reduction of 2–3 decibels (dB) during peak loads, which may not sound dramatic but is perceptible to human ears—especially in mid-to-high frequency ranges where the original model was most intrusive.

At idle, both consoles operate below 30 dB, blending into ambient room noise. During moderate gameplay, the Slim stays around 36–38 dB, while the original often hits 40–42 dB. In stress tests using synthetic benchmarks, the original PS5 occasionally reached 45 dB, whereas the Slim capped at 41 dB.

Subjectively, users report the Slim feels “smoother” and less abrupt in fan response. Instead of sudden spikes, the ramp-up is more gradual, making it less distracting during cinematic sequences or quiet exploration.

Direct Comparison: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Original PS5 (Disc)	PS5 Slim (Disc)
Dimensions	390 x 104 x 260 mm	358 x 92 x 216 mm
Weight	4.5 kg	3.2 kg
Storage	825 GB SSD	1 TB SSD
Expandable Storage	M.2 NVMe slot	M.2 NVMe slot
Optical Drive	4K UHD Blu-ray	4K UHD Blu-ray (detachable)
Max Surface Temp (Load Test)	~45°C	~41°C
Peak Fan Noise	~45 dB	~41 dB
Internal Revisions	CFI-10XX/11XX/12XX	CFI-20XX

Note: The PS5 Slim also includes a detachable 4K Blu-ray drive—a first for PlayStation. This allows users to upgrade storage more freely and reduces production costs for Sony, though it introduces a new point of potential mechanical failure.

Real-World Usage: A Gamer’s Experience

Consider Alex, a dedicated RPG player who logs 20–25 hours per week across titles like *Elden Ring*, *Final Fantasy XVI*, and *Baldur’s Gate 3*. He upgraded from an original launch PS5 (CFI-1015A) to the PS5 Slim three months ago, primarily due to space constraints in his bedroom setup.

Initially skeptical about cooling in the smaller form factor, he monitored both systems using a non-contact infrared thermometer and a calibrated sound meter. After running *Hogwarts Legacy* for 90 minutes continuously:

• The original PS5 reached 44°C on the top vent and produced 42 dB of noise.
• The Slim stayed at 39°C and registered 38 dB.

More importantly, Alex noticed fewer instances of fan surges during cutscenes or menu navigation. “It’s not just quieter,” he said, “it feels more composed. Like it’s not working as hard to keep up.”

He also appreciated the extra 175GB of base storage, which delayed the need to install an M.2 SSD. However, he did express mild frustration with the new screw-on stand mechanism, which requires an additional tool (included) instead of the twist-lock design of the original.

Step-by-Step: Optimizing Console Cooling

Regardless of which PS5 model you own, proper ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining low temperatures and minimizing fan noise. Follow these steps to ensure optimal thermal performance:

1. Position the console horizontally or vertically based on space and airflow. Vertical orientation often promotes better convection, but horizontal works fine if there’s clearance above.
2. Leave ample space around all sides. At minimum: 10 cm (4 inches) on each side, especially near intake (bottom/sides) and exhaust (back).
3. Avoid enclosed cabinets. Closed shelves trap heat. If you must place it inside furniture, choose one with mesh doors or open backs.
4. Clean dust regularly. Use compressed air every 3–6 months to blow out vents. Never vacuum—static can damage components.
5. Monitor internal temps via rest mode diagnostics. While Sony doesn’t expose real-time sensors in settings, third-party tools (used cautiously) can provide insight.
6. Use a cooling pad only if necessary. External fans may help in poorly ventilated rooms, but they’re rarely needed with proper setup.

Tip: Dust buildup is the #1 cause of increased fan noise over time. Clean your PS5 every six months for consistent performance.

Expert Insights: What Engineers Say About Miniaturization

Console miniaturization isn’t just about shrinking parts—it’s a holistic redesign involving power delivery, thermal interface materials, and airflow dynamics. According to Mark Riegler, a former thermal systems designer at a major electronics firm, “Every watt saved in voltage regulation or clock gating gives you breathing room in a tighter chassis.”

Sony likely leveraged process refinements in the semiconductor supply chain. Even without moving to a smaller node (both APUs are 7nm), small tweaks in binning, packaging, and power gating can yield meaningful gains in thermals and acoustics.

“The PS5 Slim proves that thoughtful engineering beats brute-force cooling. You don’t need a bigger fan—you need a smarter one.” — Mark Riegler, Ex-Thermal Systems Designer

This aligns with observed behavior: the Slim doesn’t eliminate fan noise, but it manages it more gracefully. Frequency analysis shows a shift away from high-pitched tones toward a deeper, less irritating hum—similar to modern laptops using vapor chamber cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PS5 Slim overheat more than the original?

No. Despite its smaller size, the PS5 Slim runs slightly cooler due to improved internal layout, better airflow design, and possibly more efficient component binning. Real-world testing confirms lower surface and internal temperatures under load.

Is the fan really quieter on the PS5 Slim?

Yes. Acoustic tests show a 2–4 dB reduction in peak noise levels. While subtle, this translates to a noticeably smoother and less intrusive sound profile, particularly during extended gameplay sessions.

Can I upgrade the SSD in both models the same way?

Yes. Both the original PS5 and PS5 Slim support M.2 NVMe SSD expansion via the internal bay. The process is identical: remove the cover, insert the drive, secure it with a screw, and format in settings. Just ensure your SSD meets Sony’s speed requirements (5500 MB/s minimum).

Conclusion: Smaller, Cooler, and Quieter—With Smart Engineering

The PS5 Slim isn’t just a smaller version of the original—it’s a refinement. By rethinking internal architecture and leveraging incremental advancements in component efficiency, Sony managed to reduce size and weight while simultaneously improving thermal performance and lowering noise output. For most users, the Slim delivers a more refined experience: it runs cooler, sounds quieter, and fits more easily into living spaces—all without compromising on the powerful gaming performance that defines the PS5 generation.

If you're buying a new PS5 today, the Slim is the clear choice. And if you own the original model, there’s no urgent need to upgrade unless space, noise sensitivity, or the extra storage are priorities. Either way, both consoles represent impressive feats of engineering—one evolving boldly from the other.

🚀 Ready to optimize your PS5 setup? Share your cooling tips, placement strategies, or upgrade experiences in the comments below—help fellow gamers get the most out of their consoles!