New PS5 Model Has Smaller, Lighter Heatsink GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Gaming
New PS5 Model Has Smaller, Lighter Heatsink
Could mean a downgrade in performance
By Cesar Cadenas Cesar Cadenas Writer California State University - Long Beach Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry since 2016 on a variety of topics like cryptocurrency, video games, the latest gadgets, and much more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 30, 2021 01:09PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Gaming Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming A new PS5 digital model has been released in certain regions that has a notable reduction in weight and a new heatsink. These findings were discovered in a video by tech YouTuber Austin Evans who brought together the new model and launch model, and compared the two. Kerde Severin/Pexels Evans discovered the heatsink in the new model is significantly smaller and less powerful than the one found in the launch model. The new model is now 0.6 pounds (300 grams) lighter than the previous iteration as a result. A heatsink cools down an electronic device by transferring the generated heat away from the source to a medium like air or liquid coolant. During initial tests, it was discovered the newer model runs around three to five degrees warmer. After breaking the consoles down, the video shows that the copper plating and aluminum dissipation fins are much smaller in the updated console, compared to the older model. Evans goes on to say that the changes make this new PS5 worse than the launch model. He states that the difference in temperature is enough to cause performance issues. There were other, smaller changes to the new console, such as an easier-to-use stand screw, as well different wiring to the Wi-Fi chip, although it is not clear if the wiring will cause any significant performance changes. izusek/Getty Images As stated, these changes only affect the digital version of the PlayStation 5. There hasn’t been any indication that the disc drive version will have the same changes applied to it. Sony has not given any reason for the changes in the heatsink, although Evans speculates it may be a cost-cutting measure. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The New PS5 DualSense Edge Gives You a Lot of Personalization Options The Strengths and Weaknesses of the PSP Models PlayStation 6: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Sony PlayStation 5 Review: More Than Just More Powerful Nintendo Switch Pro: News, Rumors, and Expected Price, Release Date, and Specs Xbox Series X Review: One Power-Packed 4K Console Sony State of Play: Announcements, News, and More PS5 Backward Compatibility: How to Play PS4 Games on the PS5 PlayStation Plus Collection: Price, Game List & News The 8 Best Current Gaming Consoles of 2022 by Lifewire PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Which Console Is Right for You? Playstation Portable (PSP) Model Specifications List of Common Tools Useful for Working With Computers Installing a Chipset Cooler PS5 vs PS4 Pro: Should you upgrade? The History of Sony Cameras Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies