Tag: liquid metal

  • New PlayStation 5 Slim Variant Offers Major Quality Upgrade

    New PlayStation 5 Slim Variant Offers Major Quality Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PlayStation 5 Slim (CFI-2116) has an improved cooling system with a revamped heatsink to prevent liquid metal spillage.
    2. The new cooling design from the PS5 Pro has been integrated into the standard PS5 models.
    3. It’s unclear how many CFI-2116 consoles are currently available, but older models are expected to be replaced over time.
    4. Users should be cautious of potential liquid metal leaks, especially with the console positioned vertically.
    5. The CFI-2116 models allow disk drive sync without an internet connection, but they are sold in bundles at select retail locations.

    Sony has quietly improved the cooling system in its newest PlayStation 5 Slim model (CFI-2116). It continues to utilize liquid metal, but the heatsink has been revamped to avoid any spillage that could affect nearby parts and lead to shorts. The heatsink design from the PlayStation 5 Pro has finally made its way down to the standard models, as shared by X user @Modyfikator89.

    Upgrade Availability

    It remains uncertain how many of the new PlayStation 5 consoles sold across the globe feature this enhancement, but it’s likely that all previous models will eventually be replaced by the CFI-2116. Current PS5 users, however, need to stay vigilant for potential liquid metal leaks, particularly if the console is set up in a vertical position.

    Liquid Metal Concerns

    Although such incidents have been rare, the longevity of liquid metal is influenced by the temperature it reaches, which is directly related to how often the console is used. Many repair shops provide liquid metal replacement services, and for those who prefer to tackle it themselves, iFixit offers a comprehensive guide.

    Additional Features

    The user has also spotted another minor yet vital enhancement in the CFI-2116 models. Unlike previous generations, the PlayStation 5 now doesn’t need an internet connection to sync with a disk drive. Nonetheless, these new units are only sold in bundles at a select few retail locations.

    Source:
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  • Liquid Metal in PS5 Pro May Increase Defects

    Liquid Metal in PS5 Pro May Increase Defects

    Key Takeaways

    1. Initial complaints about faulty PlayStation 5 consoles are linked to liquid metal thermal paste issues.
    2. The vertical positioning of the console can compromise the seal, causing liquid metal to leak onto the motherboard.
    3. Overheating and potential short circuits result from liquid metal flow, affecting console performance.
    4. The issue is mainly reported in the launch model but also affects PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro versions.
    5. A recent survey shows an increase in overheating complaints among players, with 3% currently affected.

    A few years back, initial users started to voice their frustrations regarding faulty PlayStation 5 consoles, which were linked to issues with the liquid metal thermal paste used in the processor. iFixit’s teardown reveals that Sony employs liquid metal for better heat transfer from the APU to the heatsink. This thermal paste is secured by a unique type of seal.

    Issues with Vertical Positioning

    Nonetheless, when the console is set up vertically, this seal might not be secure enough, potentially allowing the liquid metal to flow from the processor onto the motherboard. This results in two main issues. Firstly, the APU cannot effectively dissipate heat due to the diminished thermal conductor, which can lead to overheating of the chipset and cause the console to crash. Secondly, the liquid metal, which conducts electricity, can cause short circuits on the motherboard.

    Increasing Complaints

    In a recent video by Moore’s Law is Dead, the founder of Alderon Games discusses how more gamers have been reporting this issue over time. This problem mainly impacts the launch model but has also been seen in the PS5 Slim and PlayStation 5 Pro (starting at $699 on Amazon). While Sony has made improvements in these newer versions, the risk remains since liquid metal is still used in all these consoles.

    User Experience

    For many users, the issue appears as the console crashing during extended gaming sessions, leading to overheating. The more resource-intensive the game is, the quicker the chipset overheats and shuts down due to the faulty cooling system. A survey conducted by the developer indicates that this problem currently affects around 3% of Path of Titans players, an increase from 2% just a few months ago. It is currently not feasible to predict how many consoles might experience this defect in the future.

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    Liquid Metal in PS5 Pro May Increase Defects
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  • PS5 Pro’s Grooved Heatsink Prevents Liquid Metal Leaks

    PS5 Pro’s Grooved Heatsink Prevents Liquid Metal Leaks

    Though quickly disproven, a significant worry about the initial PlayStation 5 was whether the liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM) would leak if the console was positioned vertically. Nonetheless, problems like dry spots forming due to contamination from the adhesive in the foam seal or oxidation of the liquid metal itself are not uncommon.

    New Design Improvements

    It appears that the new PS5 Pro addresses these concerns with its innovative grooved heatsink design. Steve Porter from TronicsFix shared a teardown video of the PS5 Pro on YouTube, showcasing the console equipped with this updated heatsink.

    While this issue wasn’t widespread, many older PS5s in vertical orientation experienced oxidation spots because the liquid metal settled at the bottom of the die. This situation required users to take apart the console, clear the oxidation, and reapply the liquid metal to restore its thermal efficiency.

    Enhanced Heat Management

    For the PS5 Pro, Sony has introduced a heatsink with precisely machined grooves that are intended to keep the liquid metal securely in place, avoiding any sinking or leakage. Steve highlights that these grooves also expand the surface area, which could theoretically lead to improved heat dissipation and cooling performance. He notes that although some liquid metal is found outside of the grooved sections, the bulk of the TIM remains contained within.

    To verify if the grooved heatsink effectively holds the liquid metal, Steve dropped the PS5 Pro from a few inches above his desk multiple times before taking it apart again. Upon inspection, the grooves indeed appeared to stop the liquid metal from leaking.

    Future Observations Needed

    However, this is by no means a scientific experiment, and only time will reveal if PS5 Pro users experience any oxidation or sinking of the liquid metal.

    Source: Link

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