PGC NEWS

The PlayStation 5, released in late 2020, was designed to be placed both vertically and horizontally. However, recent reports from console repair experts suggest that using the PS5 vertically may lead to permanent hardware damage. This article explores the potential risks associated with vertical PS5 placement and delves into the underlying design flaw that may be contributing to these issues.

Vertical PS5 Orientation: A Potential Risk?

Several hardware specialists from various repair shops have observed a concerning trend: vertically positioned PS5 consoles experiencing malfunctions and permanent damage. 68Logic, a PlayStation gamer who owns a hardware repair shop in France, has witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of vertical PS5 placement on customer consoles. He warns against this practice, highlighting the potential for liquid cooling component displacement.

The Liquid Metal Cooling Issue

The core of the problem lies in the liquid metal used to cool the PS5’s APU. Under certain circumstances, this liquid metal can leak and become unevenly distributed, compromising the console’s cooling efficiency. Ben Montana, owner of the specialized repair shop ILoveMyConsole in France, corroborates these findings, stating that these are not isolated incidents. He emphasizes the high risk for PS5s left in a vertical position for extended periods, affecting both the disc and digital editions. Some speculate that the vibration from the Blu-ray drive might exacerbate the issue in the disc version.

Leaked liquid metal on a PS5 motherboard

The Underlying Design Flaw

In theory, the liquid metal coolant shouldn’t pose a problem. The cooling mechanism and CPU are typically sealed tight, preventing leaks due to gravity alone, assuming the correct amount of liquid metal is used. This is why vertically oriented motherboards generally function without issue, even with liquid metal cooling. However, evidence suggests that the seal between the APU and the cooler in some PS5 consoles can become dislodged or damaged.

In a horizontally placed PS5, leaked liquid metal remains relatively flat, retaining its thermal properties and cooling capabilities. However, in a vertically positioned console with a compromised seal, the liquid metal can gradually drip downwards, becoming unevenly distributed. This affects cooling performance and can potentially come into contact with sensitive components.

Consequences of Liquid Metal Leakage

Two main consequences arise from liquid metal leakage in vertically placed PS5s. Firstly, cooling performance is compromised. The PS5’s APU can overheat, leading to symptoms like increased fan noise (as the fan works harder to compensate), higher power consumption, and potential overheating shutdowns. This ultimately reduces the console’s lifespan.

Secondly, and more critically, leaked liquid metal can short-circuit the motherboard. Its high conductivity can cause irreparable damage if it comes into contact with the wrong components. There have been reported cases of brand new, unopened PS5 consoles being rendered unusable due to this issue.

Expert Opinion and Recommendations

YouTuber and console repair technician TheCod3r considers this a design flaw on Sony’s part. He showcased a sealed, vertically stored PS5 that failed to boot due to leaked liquid metal. He repaired the console by addressing the liquid metal spillage from the APU. TheCod3r stresses the importance of this issue for repair technicians, as it is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed.

Conclusion: Horizontal Placement Recommended

While vertical placement doesn’t guarantee immediate damage, the potential risks associated with a compromised APU seal and liquid metal leakage are significant. If you have the option, placing your PS5 horizontally is a safer approach. This minimizes the risk of liquid metal displacement and potential damage to your console. Further investigation and potential design revisions from Sony are needed to address this concerning issue definitively.