Many thanks for this one! I’m still running on a PS4 and ready for an upgrade. Hopefully, I won’t run into this issue, but it’s good to know it can be fixed on my own.
Glad I could help! Upgrading to the PS5 Slim is definitely a great move. While overheating issues are more common after extended use, regular cleaning and maintenance, like the one shown in this video, can help prevent problems before they start.
I wouldn't change the liquid metal in the first 5 years from the date of purchase of the game console, but it all depends on usage and environmental factors like temperature and dust. Liquid metal has a longer lifespan than classic thermal pastes. If you notice overheating or loud fan noise despite regular cleaning, it might be a sign that it's time to replace the liquid metal.
Replacing the thermal pads can improve cooling performance, only if the original pads are worn out, dry, or no longer making proper contact with the components. Thermal pads help transfer heat from sensitive components like the VRMs and memory chips to the heatsink, so if they are in poor condition, replacing them can help reduce temperatures and improve overall cooling efficiency. *But, if the original thermal pads are still in good condition, you do not need to replace them.*
Great question! Yes, you can use the thermal pad for GPUs, or other devices generating significant heat. The original compressed thermal putty thickness is close to 1mm. The 1.5mm thermal pad should be a good choice for most original putty replacements because, under pressure, it will take on the required thickness. Except for arrays for APU MOSFETs slightly thicker (2mm thermal pad) would work better since they sit in between taller inductor and capacitor arrays. But, you need to cut thermal pad pieces of the right size for different components. An alternative is a Thermal Putty like Upsiren UX Ultra PRO 16.8w/mk. I've included links in the video description below.
The difference between 12.8 W/mK and 16.8 W/mK thermal putty primarily lies in their thermal conductivity. The higher the thermal conductivity (measured in watts per meter-kelvin, W/mK), the better the material is at transferring heat. *12.8 W/mK:* Offers good thermal performance and is suitable for many standard electronic cooling applications. This is often used in consumer electronics or systems with moderate heat output. *16.8 W/mK:* Provides superior thermal performance and is better suited for high-performance electronics where more efficient heat dissipation is required. This thermal putty is typically used in high-power applications, such as gaming consoles, high-end GPUs, CPUs, or other devices generating significant heat.
Great question! When cleaning the *fan* using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment is best. The soft brush attachment can also help reach tight spaces like the ventilation grill. To clean the *heatsink* fins, it is better to use a soft brush, as I showed in the video. For brushing the *mainboard* an anti-static brush is highly recommended to prevent any static discharge that could harm the internal electronics.
Yes, it’s safe. Isopropyl alcohol is effective at removing dust, grime, residue, and everything else that cannot be cleaned with an anti-static brush, without leaving moisture behind, making it ideal for cleaning electronics. No specialized cleaner is necessary as long as you stick to high-purity isopropyl alcohol.
By "high-purity isopropyl alcohol," I mean isopropyl alcohol with a concentration of 90% or higher. This ensures that the solution contains minimal water, which is important when cleaning electronics like your PS5 Slim motherboard. The lower the water content, the faster it evaporates, reducing the risk of moisture damaging sensitive components. For best results, look for 90% or 99% isopropyl alcohol (link included in the description), which is commonly available at stores like Walmart or online on Amazon.
