PlayStation 5: why we recommend keeping it horizontal

The PlayStation 5 is designed to work both vertically and horizontally. Both positions are therefore provided for by the manufacturer.

From a maintenance point of view, however, when possible we recommend using it horizontally, especially in the case of the first versions of PS5 and consoles that have already accumulated quite a few hours of operation.

The reason concerns the particular system used to transfer heat from the processor to the heatsink.

PS5 uses liquid metal

Instead of traditional thermal paste, Sony uses on PS5 a compound based on liquid metal, very effective in transferring the heat produced by the processor.

This material, however, remains liquid even during normal use of the console.

Over the years, thousands of cycles of turning on, heating up and cooling down can modify its distribution on the processor surface.

In some consoles that have undergone maintenance, it is possible to find areas where the liquid metal has accumulated more and others where the amount present is significantly lower.

These areas are commonly referred to as dry spots and can reduce the efficiency of heat exchange.

Why horizontal is preferable

When the console is used vertically, the surface on which the liquid metal is located is also vertical.

Over time, gravity can therefore contribute to its uneven distribution.

By keeping the PS5 in horizontal position instead, the liquid metal remains on a plane and this effect is significantly reduced.

It does not mean that a PS5 used vertically is destined to break down, nor that the horizontal position can prevent any cooling problems.

Simply, all things being equal, the horizontal position represents an extra precaution that costs nothing.

When is it time for maintenance?

The position of the console is just one aspect to consider.

Over time, dust and residue accumulate inside the PS5 that can clog the fan, heatsink and air ducts. The liquid metal may also require a check and, when necessary, a new distribution or replacement.

It is advisable to consider thorough maintenance when:

• the fan has become noticeably louder;
• the console heats up much more than it used to;
• unexpected shutdowns occur during the most demanding games;
• the PS5 has been used for several years without ever being cleaned internally;
• the console works many hours a day or in particularly dusty environments.

True maintenance does not simply consist of blowing some air through the grilles.

To do a complete job, you need to properly access the cooling system, clean the fan and heatsink, check the condition of the liquid metal and restore its proper distribution when necessary.

If it's time, entrust it to a professional

If your PS5 has been in use for several years now or shows one of the symptoms described, you can contact our laboratory for thorough internal cleaning and for checking and renewing the liquid metal.

The console is disassembled, cleaned in the areas actually involved in cooling and the thermal system is checked and restored where necessary.

During this type of work we document the work with photographs and videos that are sent to the customer. In this way, it is possible to directly see the internal conditions of the console, the amount of dust present and the various stages of the maintenance performed.

For us it is a choice of transparency and correctness: the customer should not simply trust what is told to them, but can concretely see the work carried out on their console.

It is a maintenance intervention particularly suitable for heavily used consoles and can help maintain correct operating temperatures over time.

In the meantime, a good rule remains simple:

give your PS5 room to breathe and, if you can choose, keep it horizontal.