All PS5 Consoles Could be at Risk of Degrading Liquid Metal – Report

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So, my PS5 is getting on a bit now – we’re heading into its sixth year – and I’ve been reading some interesting stuff. This modder and repair tech, Modyfikatorcasper, posted about how the thermal paste – actually it’s liquid metal – inside the PS5 is starting to break down. Apparently, it’s what keeps the main processor cool, and it looks like we might need to get our consoles serviced at some point to replace it. It’s a bit worrying, but good to know before something goes wrong!

A modder recently shared photos of a PS5 Slim (model CFI-2016) – less than a year and a half old – showing that its liquid metal thermal paste had broken down. It had dried out, oxidized, and formed a clumpy patch, losing its ability to effectively transfer heat away from the console’s processor and to the cooling system.

Modyfikatorcasper explained that this issue impacts all PS5 consoles and was a key factor in the design of the PS5 Pro’s improved cooling system, which included deeper ridges to prevent leaks and drying. He also confirmed that Sony addressed the problem in later PS5 models – the CFI-2100, CFI-2200, and CFI-2116 – by upgrading their cooling systems. Importantly, he stated that the console’s orientation (horizontal or vertical) doesn’t affect this issue, as the liquid metal will experience problems in either position.

According to recent findings, the position of the PlayStation 5 console – whether standing or lying down – doesn’t protect it from the liquid metal degrading. This issue impacts all PS5 models, even those less than a year old. The primary reason for the problem is the quality of the thermal paste used and how it breaks down over time with heat. Ultimately, every PS5 will eventually need to be professionally serviced.

When someone suggested the liquid metal issue might just be due to defective units, Modyfikatorcasper replied that their repair work often involves fixing overheating PS5s. However, Sony hasn’t officially acknowledged any problems with older consoles. It’s also possible Modyfikatorcasper is seeing a pattern that isn’t entirely accurate, as frequently dealing with broken hardware could lead them to overestimate how common these issues are.

If many PS5 consoles are affected by this problem, it’s likely covered by Sony’s standard warranty since the issue comes from inside the console itself.

The material connecting a computer chip to its cooler is crucial for keeping the system running properly. Liquid metal is popular in consoles and pre-built computers, and PC enthusiasts often choose it for overclocking—pushing the computer to run faster—because it transfers heat away from the chip very effectively. However, most computers use standard thermal paste, which is usually cheaper, especially if the user doesn’t plan to overclock.

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2025-12-10 16:11