Could Sony’s promise to position its PlayStation 5 both horizontally and vertically be just a marketing gimmick? Since its launch on November 19, 2020, the latest console from the Japanese manufacturer is most often represented standing up. This is also the number of gamers who have installed it at home, often limited by the sheer size of the machine.
A faulty cooling device
However, the game console is the subject of criticism on social networks. In the first days of January, the publications showing damaged PlayStation 5 that have become unusable increase, explains Numerama. A manufacturing error is even anticipated by the videographer TheCod3r, specialized in computer hardware. Everything points to the use of the console in an upright position.
To design its PlayStation 5, Sony did not use thermal paste. This element is usually placed between the processor and the device responsible for dissipating heat. Except here, the thermal paste has been replaced by a liquid metal with much higher capacities. The only problem is that it seems that the gravity applied to this new component when the console is placed vertically causes it to come off its base.
Once the liquid metal has escaped from its position, heat dissipation inside the console is no longer guaranteed. Furthermore, since liquid metal is corrosive, its escape outside its dedicated space can cause damage. Therefore, the gamers in question have to deal with numerous unexpected shutdowns of their machine, even rendering it unusable.
A problem impossible to quantify
In France, fixers I Love My Console (since September 2021) and Logic-68 Consoles System (On twitter) shared his discovery on social media. However, as Numerama reminds us, the extent of the failure and the risks cannot be quantified. Similarly, potentially affected copies are the first published. Since it went on sale, the PlayStation 5 has already seen two design changes (and one price increase).
If the actual and photographed breakdowns cannot be denied, no one knows what use was made of the damaged consoles. The Tech&Co editorial staff can therefore only invite you to check the correct ventilation of the place where your PlayStation 5 is installed. Sufficient airflow should avoid the main risks of overheating of the machine and therefore a possible leak of the famous liquid metal.
For those who don’t want to take any chances (although the console shortage is over according to Sony), tilting the PlayStation 5 horizontally should ensure good system integrity.
Source: BFM TV
