Sony has made a subtle yet fascinating tweak to the PlayStation 5 Pro’s heatsink design, catching the eyes of many in the gaming community. A notable finding by TronicsFix, a YouTube channel known for console repairs, reveals that unlike the original model’s sleek surface, the PS5 Pro’s heatsink features a unique rectangular spiral pattern.
This change isn’t just for looks. TronicsFix suggests that the specific impression might be designed to tackle issues associated with liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM), which can lead to dry spots and surface oxidation as it spreads over the heatsink. Additionally, this new pattern might slightly expand the contact surface area, improving overall efficiency.
If you’ve ever used liquid metal, you know it tends to pool and is prone to flowing into areas you’d prefer it didn’t, unlike traditional thermal pastes. To counter this, systems meant for liquid metal incorporate seals or barriers around the heatsink to ensure the metal doesn’t migrate and cause potential damage.
The host of TronicsFix also believes the orientation of the PlayStation, especially when kept vertical, might exaggerate the movement of liquid metal over time. With his extensive experience repairing countless PS5s and other consoles, his insights offer a tangible glimpse into Sony’s challenges and their innovative solutions.
What’s especially intriguing is Sony’s shift from conventional cooling wisdom with the rectangular spiral grooves where the heatsink meets the AMD APU. Traditional cooling enthusiasts often take time to smooth out both the processor and heatsink surfaces to achieve the best cooling efficiency. But with liquid metal changing the game, Sony’s choice clearly suggests they have conducted rigorous testing comparing this design to the smooth alternative, deciding that the new approach offered significant benefits.
Given the PS5 Pro’s enhanced power capabilities, particularly its more robust GPU, these heatsink grooves are likely a strategic move to avoid overheating and potential performance drops.
The PS5 Pro was introduced to the public in early September, but only reached consumer hands this month. As gaming enthusiasts and experts continue to dissect the new design, initial insights were largely drawn from lead architect Mark Cerny during a live stream at launch. Each teardown reveals a bit more about the thoughtful engineering that went into this upgraded console.
