Sony has discreetly implemented a crucial manufacturing change to its PlayStation 5 consoles, finally addressing a persistent hardware concern that has worried owners for some time.
The Core of the Problem: Liquid Metal Migration
The issue centres on the liquid-metal thermal interface material (TIM) used to cool the console's powerful APU. Over time, this material was found to be susceptible to leaking or migrating, especially if the console was stored in a vertical position or moved frequently.
This leakage could lead to uneven cooling, creating dry patches on the APU, increased fan noise, and potential long-term stress on the hardware. For many gamers, it meant avoiding the popular upright stance for their console, limiting placement options.
Sony's Engineering Solution
The fix, which has been rolled out to newer PS5 Slim models and certain standard PS5 units, involves a significant revision to how the liquid metal is applied and contained. Instead of a simple dollop between the APU and the heatsink, the new design employs engraved grooves or trenches to better secure the metal and prevent any spillage or migration.
This improved TIM application is the same technology found in the recently released PlayStation 5 Pro. The revised models can be identified by their module codes, specifically the CFI-2100 and CFI-2200 series for the PS5 Slim.
Gamer Reaction and Long-Term Reliability
The news, reported by outlets like All Out Gaming, has been met with a mix of relief and surprise within the gaming community. On platforms like Reddit, one user expressed a common sentiment, stating: "I always keep my PS5 pro horizontal because of this issue. Great to hear they fixed it. So I can finally place it upright."
Another highlighted the severity of the now-resolved flaw, commenting: "Didn’t even know this was a problem but seems like a pretty massive one since Liquid Metal can cause shorts on the boards."
Sony's quiet but important hardware tweak is expected to dramatically reduce reports of cooling instability and noise issues. The move aims to bolster the long-term reliability of the consoles, giving players greater peace of mind regardless of how they choose to position their PlayStation 5.
