A design issue with the PlayStation 5’s cooling system is gaining attention among console repair experts. Análises Recent techniques indicate that the liquid metal, used to dissipate heat from the Unidade of
The failure arises from drying out and oxidation of the thermal compound, which creates areas without adequate contact with the heat sink and compromises cooling efficiency. Relatos that intensified throughout 2025 show that the problem is not restricted to the initial models. Consoles of version Slim, with less than 18 months of use, already show the same signs of wear, indicating a universal issue linked to the durability of the material under constant thermal cycles.
The Sony implemented this technology to ensure high thermal performance and allow the console to operate at high frequencies without overheating. However, the collective aging of units on the market is making the scenario more critical. Dados of independent repair centers pointed to an increase in the rate of overheating-related failures, rising from 5% in 2023 to around 8% by the end of 2025, raising a red flag for millions of owners.
The cause of the problem in the cooling system
Liquid metal is a metallic alloy, usually gallium-based, that remains in a liquid state at room temperature, offering much higher thermal conductivity than traditional thermal paste. On the PS5, its function is to create an ultra-efficient bridge for heat transfer between the main chip (APU) and the large copper heatsink. Essa engineering choice was fundamental to keep the console compact and silent, even when running games with high graphic demands that generate intense heat.
However, continuous exposure to heating and cooling cycles accelerates the natural degradation of the compound. Over time, the material tends to dry out and migrate beyond the designated contact area, forming solid residues and oxidizing. Esse process creates “hot spots” on the surface of the APU, where heat is no longer dissipated correctly. Como As a result, the console’s protection system is activated, reducing performance or, in more serious cases, causing shutdowns to prevent permanent damage to the hardware.
Warning signs that indicate the problem
The first noticeable symptom for many users is a significant increase in fan noise. The system tries to compensate for the inefficiency of heat transfer by accelerating the fan as much as possible, even in tasks that previously did not require as much cooling effort.
Another clear sign is the loss of performance during gaming sessions. Gamers may notice drops in frame rate, stuttering or stuttering, especially in more demanding titles and after long periods of continuous use when internal temperatures reach critical levels.
In more advanced stages, the console may suddenly start to shut down. Este is a safety mechanism to protect the APU from damage due to overheating. If your PS5 turns off by itself during gameplay and displays a temperature warning message when restarting, it’s a strong indication that the cooling system needs immediate attention.
Slim models are also affected by the flaw
The initial belief that only early PS5 models or those held upright would be vulnerable has been debunked by recent analysis. A case documented in late 2025 involved a PS5 Slim model CFI-2016 with just 18 months of use. When disassembled, the technician found visible oxidation on the APU and drying of the liquid metal.
This discovery reinforces the thesis that the root cause of the problem lies in the composition of the material and its factory application, and not in external factors such as the orientation of the console. Thermal wear appears to be the main accelerator of the process, making failure a matter of time for all units.
Expert reviews on durability
Experts like Matthew Cassels, from Alderon Games, developer of Path of The prediction of many techies is that eventually all PS5 units will face this issue to some degree, making liquid metal replacement a standard maintenance procedure, similar to changing thermal paste on high-performance PCs. Degradation occurs through the migration of the compound out of the contact area, creating heat islands that increase the risk of shutdowns and gradual loss of performance. Relatos confirm that even units stored horizontally exhibit the same oxidation patterns, which reinforces the need for regular inspections to maximize hardware life.
Sony’s answer and hardware revisions
Sony appears to be aware of the long-term behavior of liquid metal, as it has quietly implemented some design revisions in newer models. Starting with the CFI-2100 series, released in 2024, deeper grooves have been observed in the heatsink around the APU.
This engineering change aims to create a physical barrier to better contain the material, distributing it more evenly and making it difficult to migrate or leak under high temperatures.
The same improved layout was adopted in the PS5 Pro, which hit the market in November 2024, and in more recent Slim versions, such as the CFI-2116. Initial Testes indicate superior thermal stability in these models.
Despite these improvements, the company has not announced a repair or recall program for older units. The solution for owners of out-of-warranty consoles remains to seek specialized technical assistance.
Repair options for affected users
Owners of consoles within the one-year warranty period should contact official Sony support when they notice the first symptoms. The company is responsible for covering the repair or replacement of the defective unit.
For those with an expired warranty, the cost of repair at specialized technical assistance may vary. The procedure involves completely disassembling the console, carefully cleaning the APU and heatsink, and applying new, high-quality liquid metal, a process that requires tools and technical knowledge to perform safely.
The direct impact on gaming performance
The most immediate consequence of poor cooling is instability in games. Overheating forces the console’s operating system to reduce the APU’s operating frequencies (a process known as “thermal throttling”) to reduce heat generation. Isso directly translates into a compromised gaming experience, with frame drops and stuttering that can frustrate players, especially in titles that push the hardware to its limits.