Ps5 Slim Vs Original Ps5 Is The Smaller Version Louder Or Quieter During Gameplay

The PlayStation 5 has undergone a significant design evolution with the release of the PS5 Slim. As Sony’s more compact iteration of the original console, the PS5 Slim promises the same high-performance gaming experience in a reduced footprint. But one question looms large for audiophiles, night gamers, and those sensitive to background noise: Is the smaller version louder or quieter than the original PS5 during gameplay?

This isn’t just a matter of preference—fan noise can impact immersion, disturb others in shared spaces, and even indicate thermal efficiency. To answer this thoroughly, we’ll compare hardware design, conduct real-world noise assessments, examine cooling architecture, and analyze user reports to determine whether the PS5 Slim sacrifices acoustic comfort for size.

Design Evolution: From Original PS5 to PS5 Slim

The original PS5, released in 2020, was notable not only for its powerful specs but also for its bold, futuristic design. Standing at approximately 390mm tall, it was one of the largest home consoles ever made. Its size wasn’t arbitrary—it housed a large heatsink, expansive airflow channels, and a 120mm double-sided intake fan designed to keep thermals under control during extended gaming sessions.

In late 2023, Sony introduced the PS5 Slim, reducing the console’s volume by nearly 30%. The new model measures about 358mm in height and features a redesigned internal layout. While the core components—the AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 825GB SSD—remain unchanged, the cooling system has been re-engineered to fit within tighter constraints.

Critically, the Slim uses a smaller, 100mm fan and a more compact vapor chamber-based cooling solution instead of the original’s larger heat pipe array. This change raised immediate questions: Can a smaller fan moving less air maintain equivalent temperatures without spinning faster—and thus, louder?

Tip: Position your PS5 in a well-ventilated area, regardless of model, to minimize fan strain and reduce overall noise output.

Noise Output: Measured Decibels and Real-World Perception

To assess whether the PS5 Slim is louder or quieter, several independent tech reviewers conducted controlled decibel (dB) tests using identical games, ambient conditions, and microphone placement. Results were recorded at three key points: idle, moderate gameplay (e.g., open-world exploration), and peak load (e.g., fast-paced action or ray tracing-heavy scenes).

Here’s a comparative summary based on aggregated data from Digital Foundry, Gamers Nexus, and Console Logics:

Scenario	Original PS5 (dB)	PS5 Slim (dB)	Perceived Difference
Idle (Home Screen)	34–36 dB	35–37 dB	Negligible
Moderate Load (e.g., Spider-Man: Miles Morales)	38–40 dB	39–41 dB	Slightly louder
Peak Load (e.g., Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart + Ray Tracing)	42–44 dB	43–46 dB	Noticeably louder

While the differences may seem small numerically, human hearing perceives a 3 dB increase as roughly a doubling of loudness. In practice, users report that the PS5 Slim’s fan becomes more noticeable during intense gameplay, especially in quiet rooms. The tone is also slightly higher-pitched due to the smaller fan’s rotational speed, which some find more intrusive than the deeper hum of the original.

“Even minor increases in fan noise can disrupt immersion, especially in narrative-driven games with subtle audio cues.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Acoustic Ergonomics Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Cooling Architecture: Efficiency vs. Compactness

The heart of the noise debate lies in thermal management. The original PS5’s cooling system was praised for its effectiveness and relative silence under load. Its large heatsink and dual intake design allowed for efficient heat dissipation with minimal fan effort.

The PS5 Slim, however, had to balance performance with size. Sony replaced the traditional heat pipes with a vapor chamber—a thin, flat cooling plate that spreads heat across a wider surface area. While effective in smartphones and ultrabooks, vapor chambers in consoles are less common and require precise engineering.

Additionally, the Slim’s smaller chassis reduces internal airflow. Air enters through narrower side vents and exits via a rear port that’s now split between Wi-Fi and exhaust. This constrained path means the fan must work harder to maintain airflow, especially when the console is placed horizontally or near walls.

Thermal tests show the PS5 Slim runs about 2–4°C warmer on average under sustained load. While not alarming, this slight increase prompts the fan to spin faster sooner, contributing to the elevated noise levels.

Real-World Example: Night Gaming in an Apartment

Consider Alex, a software developer living in a small urban apartment. He plays games after work, often between 9 PM and midnight. His living room doubles as a bedroom, so noise is a concern for both him and his roommate.

Alex upgraded from the original PS5 to the PS5 Slim for its sleeker look and easier shelf integration. Initially pleased, he soon noticed that during late-night sessions of *Horizon Forbidden West*, the fan noise was more persistent and piercing. “It’s not deafening,” he said, “but I find myself turning up the TV volume more often, and my roommate mentioned it kept her awake once.”

After repositioning the console to improve ventilation and enabling rest mode during downloads, the issue improved—but not completely. For Alex, the trade-off in acoustics wasn’t worth the modest space savings.

User Experience and Environmental Factors

Noise perception is highly subjective and influenced by environment. Several factors can amplify or mitigate the PS5 Slim’s fan output:

• Placement: Vertical orientation generally improves airflow over horizontal, reducing fan strain.
• Ventilation: Consoles placed inside closed cabinets or tight shelves will run hotter and noisier.
• Ambient Noise: In a busy household or with soundbars/AVR systems, fan noise is less noticeable.
• Game Selection: Titles with aggressive ray tracing or high frame rates push the GPU harder, increasing thermal load.

Interestingly, some users report that the PS5 Slim feels quieter during light tasks like streaming or media playback. This is likely because the smaller fan can operate at lower RPMs when full cooling isn’t required. However, under gaming loads, the advantage disappears.

Tip: Use external cooling pads designed for consoles if you frequently play demanding games in poorly ventilated spaces.

Expert Verdict: Is the PS5 Slim Louder?

The evidence points to a clear conclusion: Yes, the PS5 Slim is slightly louder than the original PS5 during gameplay, particularly under heavy loads.

It’s not a dramatic difference—no one should expect a jet engine—but the increase is perceptible in quiet environments. The combination of a smaller fan, reduced airflow, and marginally higher operating temperatures results in a fan that spins faster and produces a more noticeable whine.

That said, the Slim remains impressively quiet for its size. For most users with average room noise or external audio setups, the difference may go unnoticed. But for audiophiles, competitive gamers using headsets, or those in shared living spaces, the original PS5 still holds an edge in acoustic comfort.

“The PS5 Slim represents excellent engineering compromise, but miniaturization always comes with trade-offs—acoustics being one of them.” — Mark Chen, Senior Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Practical Tips for Reducing PS5 Fan Noise

Whether you own the original or the Slim, these strategies can help minimize fan noise and extend your console’s lifespan:

1. Ensure proper ventilation: Leave at least 10 cm of clearance around all sides, especially the intake vents on the sides.
2. Keep vents clean: Dust buildup restricts airflow. Use compressed air every 3–6 months.
3. Use vertical orientation: If possible, stand the console upright to optimize natural convection.
4. Limit background processes: Close unused apps and disable automatic downloads during gameplay.
5. Adjust power settings: Enable \"Set Minimum Rest Mode\" to prevent unnecessary activity when idle.
6. Monitor game settings: Lower resolution or frame rate caps in non-essential titles reduce GPU load.

Checklist: Optimizing Your PS5 for Quiet Operation

• ✅ Place console in open area with good airflow
• ✅ Clean dust from vents quarterly
• ✅ Use vertical stand (included with Slim)
• ✅ Avoid stacking items on or near the console
• ✅ Disable voice commands and camera if not used (reduces background load)
• ✅ Update system software regularly for fan curve optimizations

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PS5 Slim run hotter than the original?

Yes, marginally. Thermal testing shows the Slim runs 2–4°C warmer under sustained load due to its compact cooling solution. This is within safe limits but contributes to increased fan activity.

Can I replace the PS5 Slim’s fan with a quieter model?

Not officially. Sony does not support third-party fan replacements, and doing so may void the warranty. Additionally, the fan is integrated with proprietary connectors and firmware controls.

Is the noise difference noticeable with a headset?

Generally, no. When using headphones, especially wireless ones with active noise cancellation, console fan noise is rarely audible. The difference is most apparent when relying on TV speakers in a quiet room.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Size and Silence

The PS5 Slim is a triumph of industrial design—smaller, lighter, and more aesthetically versatile than its predecessor. But engineering trade-offs are inevitable when shrinking high-performance hardware. In this case, the cost is a slight uptick in operational noise during intense gaming.

If space is your primary concern and you play in a noisy environment or with headphones, the PS5 Slim is an excellent choice. But if you prioritize a silent, immersive experience—especially during late-night sessions or in studio apartments—the original PS5 remains the quieter, more thermally efficient option.

Ultimately, both models deliver the same stellar gaming performance. The decision between them should factor in your physical space, usage habits, and sensitivity to background noise. With proper setup and maintenance, either console can provide years of quiet, reliable service.

🚀 Have you switched to the PS5 Slim? Share your experience with fan noise in the comments below—your insights could help others decide!