Refreshed PS5 models run cooler than first revision consoles after all

[jsilva]

In context: A year after the PS5's launch, Sony decided to revise the console, introducing some small changes and a noticeable update on the cooling side. This update featured a new and smaller heatsink, which implied less cooling performance, but as it seems, it isn't as linear as that.

The first tests run by Austin Evans, although limited, concluded that the exhaust temperatures of the refreshed model were between 3º C to 5º C hotter. In the video, Austin also compared the system's new cooling solution with that of the "old" console, showing the difference in size, material, structure and a different fan. Another difference noted by the YouTuber was the Wi-Fi antenna setup, but no tests were conducted on it.

The higher exhaust temperatures per se don't prove the system has worse cooling performance. It just shows that the air getting out of the console is hotter. This could be due to several reasons, including the new position of the heatsink. A high exhaust temperature is also a consequence of efficient cooling, not just of components running hot.

Further testing was made by HardwareBusters, using sensors attached to different parts of the console, including the VRM, exhaust, VRAM and CPU. As per the data, the CPU runs 11º C cooler in the new PS5 console, from 51º C to 40º C. As for memory and VRM temperatures, they've increased 7.5º C and 1.5º C, respectively. Exhaust temperatures of the old PS5 were about 2.5º C lower.

However, that wasn't the end. After some unpleasant accusations of HardwareBusters testing methodology, the YouTube channel partnered with Igor's LAB, and took new measurements to compare with GamerNexus' test results collected from an older PS5. Instead of just comparing measured temperatures, they used the Δ over ambient temperatures to better represent the difference between both models.

According to the data shown in the table, the new PS5 model looks overall superior to the older console. Although some values could not be compared due to the lack of data on the old PS5, we can still check the improvements in VRM, memory and APU temperatures.

The APU was running 10-12º C cooler, similar to what we've seen in the first tests run by HardwareBusters, but the real surprise was in the VRM and memory. Both were running much cooler compared to GamerNexus' PS5, with VRM temperatures being about 9º C lower and memory temperatures too, ranging from 6.4º C to 20.4º C.

Other tests run by HardwareBusters show the fan duty cycle was about the same between the old and new models, but measured noise was slightly higher on the latter at idle. Power consumption of the two models while gaming was extremely similar, with a slight tendency of being higher in the new model. On the home screen, the refreshed PS5 tends to consume less power.

Table credit: Igor's Lab

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/91194-refreshed-ps5-models-run-cooler-than-first-revision.html

 

[Mjswooosh]

These results are highly suspect at least in part because the methodology is terrible: putting the heat probe on the heat sink fins and/or the heat shield behind the APU doesn't directly correlate with the numbers done by Gamers Nexus which IIRC placed the heat probe properly in between the APU and hearsink itself, for example.

Without using the same testing methods these numbers are useless in terms of showing revision differences.

We need to wait for GN to release their own analysis using identical methodology to their OG PS5 tests in order to have any scientifically valuable information.

 

[Kosmoz]

Yes, GN testing will put an end to this silly story, but so far these last 2 test are much better done, than that pathetic superficial and unprofessional testing Austin did, only to have a reason to smear Sony.

That being said I'll say again: if Sony themselves would have came 1st with their own testing and proved the new model is better, all this would have not happened. So it's Sony's fault for not owning the narrative, it's their product after all, they should have showed tests 1st.

 

[winjer]

These test seem to be very unprecise.
I'll wait for gamers Nexus to publish their results.
Steve already said he would test the new PS5, so it's only a matter of time.

 

[NumberSix]

Both are whisper quiet so does it even matter?

 

[OortCloud]

Both are whisper quiet so does it even matter?

As long as the hotter machine isn't thermally throttling at all, and there are no reliability implications then probably no.

 

[NumberSix]

As long as the hotter machine isn't thermally throttling at all, and there are no reliability implications then probably no.

Well I have yet to hear the fan in my PS5 so it is either buggered or it is will within thermal limits.

 

[pildorman321]

So, more heat, more power consumption and crappier cooler. but its better. ok

 

[ZedRM]

Now who would have thought that engineers actually know their craft and have the skills to make improvements? Who would have also thought that the revision would, in fact, be an improvement? Oh right, lots of people...