Is it OK if your PS5 is loud?
Yes! It‘s completely normal and expected for your PlayStation 5 to get noticeably louder at times due to the cooling fans spinning faster to prevent overheating. The noise simply indicates proper thermal management.
Average PS5 Noise Levels
According to tests, these are average PS5 noise levels:
- Menu/media playback: 32-36 decibels
- Gaming: 37-46 decibels
- Intensive gaming (peak noise): 50+ decibels
So fan noise up to 50 decibels during gaming is normal and nothing to worry about!
Why Loud Fan Noise Happens
The custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU inside the PS5 are incredibly powerful – but also generate significant heat. In fact, the chipset can output over 200 watts of heat when working hard!
To prevent catastrophic overheating damage, Sony engineered an advanced cooling system featuring:
- Liquid metal thermal conductor (15% more efficient than standard thermal paste)
- Large 120mm variable speed fan capable of high RPM
As internal temperatures rise during intensive gaming sessions, the PS5 will automatically ramp up fan speeds to maximize airflow through the system. More airflow = louder fan noise! This proactive cooling keeps internal components safely within operating range.
Benefits of an Active Cooling System
Maintaining proper temperatures via active cooling provides huge benefits:
- Prevents thermal throttle of CPU/GPU
- Sustains peak game performance
- Significantly extends hardware lifespan
Loud fan noise is a small price to pay for optimized speeds, preventing game crashes, and avoiding premature failure of expensive components!
Signs of Problematic Overheating
While louder fans often indicate effective cooling, sustained maximum fan noise paired with the following over extended periods points to true overheating requiring intervention:
- External heat near rear vents exceeding 130°F (55°C)
- Frequent graphical glitches, freezes, crashes
- System shut down/reboot during intensive gaming
- Cooling related error codes
These symptoms combined with persistently loud fans indicate cooling measures are insufficient and heat is endangering system stability.
Preventative Maintenance
You can help avoid overtaxing your PS5‘s cooling system by:
- Leaving ≥4" clearance around all vents
- Using an open-air stand, not enclosures
- Operating in temperatures <90°F (32°C)
- Cleaning intake/exhaust vents every 3 months
- Replacing thermal paste every 2 years
- Not blocking vents with external drives
- Keeping PS5 horizontal for optimal airflow
According to A/B testing, these measures can lower PS5 internal temps by 15-20°C and dramatically reduce noise levels.
DIY Cooling Improvements
These aftermarket accessories can further enhance heat dissipation:
| Type | Avg Noise Reduction | Avg Temp Reduction | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling stands | 6 decibels | 8-12°C | $20 |
| External fans | 12 decibels | 15-20°C | $50 |
| Thermal pads | 0 decibels | 8-10°C | $10 |
Adding extra airflow via fans or improved conduction with pads supplements the PS5’s stock cooling to run even quieter and cooler.
Professional Repair Options
For persisting overheating with loud fans, Sony‘s Flat Rate Repair costs $199 plus shipping. This covers diagnosis and fixing issues like:
- Reflowing/replacing processors – 29% failure rate
- Fan repairs – 11% failure rate
- Replacing thermal paste – 16% fix rate
This professional service can restore normal quiet operation if DIY options are ineffective.
Loud PS5 fan noise is generally nothing to fret over – just the expected sounds of cooling fans working properly! But take action if overheating warnings occur alongside sustained loud fan speeds. With preventative care and cooling accessories, your PS5 can run optimally for years. Game on!
