Ps5 Slim Vs Original Ps5 Which Model Runs Cooler And Quieter During Extended Sessions

The evolution of the PlayStation 5 has brought gamers a more compact alternative to the original bulky console—the PS5 Slim. Released in late 2023, the revised model promises the same high-performance capabilities while taking up less space and featuring updated internal hardware. But with changes to size, weight, and internal layout, many players are asking: does the smaller design affect cooling and acoustics during long gaming sessions?

This is a critical question for serious gamers who regularly play AAA titles for hours on end. Extended gameplay increases heat output, placing greater demand on a console’s cooling system. If temperatures rise too high, fans ramp up, leading to louder operation and potentially reduced component longevity. Understanding how the PS5 Slim compares to the original PS5 in thermal management and noise levels can help you make an informed decision about which model suits your setup and preferences.

Design Differences That Impact Cooling

The most obvious distinction between the two models lies in their physical design. The original PS5, launched in 2020, features a bold, futuristic aesthetic with large side panels and a prominent heatsink. It measures approximately 390mm tall, 260mm deep, and 104mm wide, weighing around 4.5 kg (about 9.9 lbs) for the disc edition. In contrast, the PS5 Slim reduces volume by nearly 30%, standing at 358mm tall, 215mm deep, and 96mm wide, with the disc version weighing just 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs).

Despite its smaller footprint, the PS5 Slim retains the same AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU architecture as the original, delivering identical processing power and graphical fidelity. However, Sony redesigned the internal cooling solution to accommodate the new chassis. The heatsink is smaller and repositioned, and the fan has been replaced with a more compact unit that spins faster under load. These modifications were necessary to maintain performance within tighter spatial constraints but raise legitimate concerns about thermals and noise.

Engineers at Sony emphasized efficiency in the redesign. According to internal documentation reviewed by technical analysts at Digital Foundry, the Slim uses improved thermal interface materials (TIM) and optimized airflow channels to compensate for reduced heatsink mass. While this suggests a thoughtful approach, real-world performance ultimately depends on sustained workloads—exactly the kind encountered during marathon gaming sessions.

Thermal Performance: How Hot Do They Get?

To assess which console runs cooler, we must examine both idle and sustained load temperatures. Independent lab tests conducted by multiple tech reviewers—including Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry and Gamers Nexus—measured surface and internal component temperatures across both models using infrared cameras and probe sensors placed near the SoC (System on a Chip).

In controlled environments simulating 4-hour gameplay of demanding titles like *Spider-Man: Miles Morales*, *Horizon Forbidden West*, and *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II*, the results showed only minor differences:

Model	Average SoC Temp (°C)	Surface Temp (Top Vent, °C)	Fan Speed (RPM)
Original PS5 (Disc)	67–71°C	42–45°C	2,100–2,400
PS5 Slim (Disc)	69–73°C	44–47°C	2,300–2,600

The data reveals that the PS5 Slim runs slightly hotter under prolonged stress—typically 2–3°C higher at the SoC level. Surface temperatures also edge up due to the denser internal layout and proximity of exhaust vents. However, these increases remain well within safe operational limits defined by AMD and Sony. Neither model triggers thermal throttling, meaning performance consistency is preserved.

Tip: Ensure at least 10 cm of clearance around all sides of your PS5, especially the rear and top vents, to maximize airflow and minimize heat buildup.

Noise Levels: Which Console Is Quieter?

Noise output is often more noticeable than temperature differences. Even if a console stays cool, excessive fan noise can disrupt immersion, particularly in quiet rooms or when using headphones.

Using calibrated decibel meters at a distance of one meter, testers recorded average sound levels during gameplay and rest modes. The findings indicate a subtle but perceptible increase in fan noise from the PS5 Slim:

• Original PS5: 42–46 dB during heavy loads, dropping to 38 dB at idle.
• PS5 Slim: 44–49 dB under similar conditions, with idle noise around 40 dB.

While the difference may seem small numerically, human hearing perceives every 10 dB increase as roughly double the loudness. A jump from 45 to 49 dB isn’t dramatic, but it becomes noticeable during quieter game moments—such as stealth sections in *The Last of Us Part I* remaster—or when the console sits close to seating areas.

“Sony made trade-offs to shrink the console. The fan is physically smaller and needs to spin faster to move the same volume of air. That inherently creates more high-frequency whine.” — Dr. Lin Wei, Acoustic Engineer at AudioTech Labs

The tonal quality also differs. The original PS5 produces a deeper, smoother airflow sound, often described as a “whoosh,” whereas the Slim emits a sharper, more mechanical hum. Some users report being more distracted by the timbre than the volume itself.

Real-World Usage: A Gamer’s Experience

Consider Mark, a software developer and avid gamer from Portland, who upgraded from the original PS5 to the Slim shortly after its release. He plays an average of 15–20 hours per week, mostly in the evening after work. His entertainment center is compact, with the console placed horizontally inside a closed cabinet with limited ventilation.

After two months with the Slim, Mark noticed the fan seemed louder during extended play. Using a free mobile decibel app, he measured peak levels near 50 dB when playing *Final Fantasy XVI*, compared to ~45 dB with his old unit in the same room. He also felt warm air accumulating inside the cabinet faster than before.

He adjusted by relocating the console to an open shelf with better airflow and installing a small USB-powered vent fan behind it. These changes brought noise perception down significantly and stabilized internal temps. His experience highlights that environmental factors often outweigh hardware differences when evaluating cooling and acoustics.

Tip: Avoid enclosing your PS5 in tight cabinets. Restricted airflow forces the fan to work harder, increasing both temperature and noise over time.

Step-by-Step: Optimizing Your PS5 for Cooler, Quieter Operation

Regardless of which model you own, several steps can improve thermal and acoustic performance. Follow this sequence to get the best results:

1. Evaluate Placement: Position the console vertically or horizontally with ample space—minimum 10 cm on all sides, especially near intake (rear) and exhaust (top/side) vents.
2. Improve Room Ventilation: Keep the room temperature below 25°C (77°F). Use air conditioning or fans during summer months.
3. Clean Vents Monthly: Use compressed air to blow dust from intake grills and exhaust ports. Buildup restricts airflow and insulates heat.
4. Adjust Power Settings: Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Set Features Available in Rest Mode and disable unnecessary functions like USB power supply to reduce background heat generation.
5. Enable Performance Mode (if applicable): Some games allow choosing between Resolution and Performance modes. Selecting Performance often stabilizes frame rates and reduces GPU strain, indirectly aiding thermal management.
6. Monitor Over Time: Pay attention to changes in fan behavior. A consistently loud or erratic fan may signal internal dust accumulation or failing components.

Expert Insight: Balancing Size, Power, and Efficiency

When asked whether shrinking a high-power console compromises reliability, hardware analyst Sarah Kim offered perspective based on teardown analyses:

“The PS5 Slim isn’t fundamentally less capable. Sony used better thermal paste, refined PCB routing, and a more efficient voltage regulator design. Yes, the heatsink is smaller, but they’ve offset that with smarter engineering. For most users, the difference in longevity will be negligible—if proper ventilation is maintained.” — Sarah Kim, Senior Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Her assessment aligns with field failure rate reports from repair shops like iFixit and Console Rescue, which show no significant uptick in overheating-related failures for the Slim since launch. This suggests that while thermal headroom is narrower, the design remains robust under typical usage.

Comparison Summary: Key Takeaways

The following checklist outlines what each model offers in terms of cooling and noise:

✅ Original PS5 Advantages

• Larger heatsink provides greater thermal headroom
• Louder only under extreme loads; generally smoother, quieter fan profile
• More forgiving in suboptimal ventilation setups
• Proven long-term reliability across four years of user data

✅ PS5 Slim Advantages

• Improved internal component density and manufacturing efficiency
• Better thermal interface materials enhance heat transfer
• Smaller footprint saves space without sacrificing raw performance
• Still operates safely within design specifications despite higher temps

FAQ

Does the PS5 Slim overheat more easily than the original?

No, the PS5 Slim does not overheat under normal conditions. While it runs 2–3°C warmer on average, it includes safety mechanisms that prevent damage. Thermal throttling is rare and only occurs in exceptional circumstances, such as blocked vents or extremely hot environments.

Can I reduce fan noise on either model?

Yes. Keeping vents clean, ensuring good airflow, and avoiding rest mode with active downloads can minimize fan activity. Third-party vertical stands with built-in cooling fans are also effective for enhancing convection and reducing thermal load.

Is it worth switching from the original PS5 to the Slim for quieter operation?

No—if anything, the original PS5 is slightly quieter. The Slim’s fan runs faster and produces a sharper tone. Unless space savings are a priority, there’s no acoustic benefit to upgrading.

Conclusion

The PS5 Slim and original PS5 deliver nearly identical gaming experiences, but when it comes to thermal and acoustic performance during extended sessions, the original model holds a slight edge. It runs marginally cooler and maintains a lower, less intrusive noise profile thanks to its larger cooling assembly and more spacious internal design. The Slim, while impressively engineered for its size, compensates for reduced physical dimensions with higher fan speeds and tighter thermal margins.

Ultimately, both consoles are reliable and safe for long gaming marathons. Your environment and setup play a bigger role than the model itself. By following best practices for placement, ventilation, and maintenance, you can ensure optimal performance regardless of which PS5 you own.

🚀 Ready to optimize your console? Share your cooling tips or ask questions in the comments—let’s build a quieter, cooler gaming community together.