PlayStation 5 runs hotter than the Xbox Series X with the PS5 peaking at 65 °C/149 °F according to unconfirmed report

A well-known next-gen console commenter has posted what appear to be the estimated and peak temperatures for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. Unsurprisingly, the information has deeply split opinion in regard to its veracity, especially as there have been some early reports that it is the Xbox Series X that is running particularly hot. However, according to this Twitter-based source, it is the PS5 that reaches the highest point on the thermometer.

Appropriately, the Xbox Series S with its less-powerful components is the coolest out of the three. The SoC die size is measured at 197.05 mm², the cooling fan is 120 mm x 14 mm, and the supposed temperatures are “estimate” 47 °C/116 °F and “peak” 58 °C/136 °F. The latter temperature is certainly toasty, but it is still lower than the figure given for the Xbox Series X, which is to be expected considering the higher-powered parts inside it.

The same source continues to state that the Xbox Series X, with its large 360.45 mm² SoC and capable 130 mm x 25 mm fan, runs at an “estimate” of 52 °C/125 °F and peaks at 62 °C/143 °F. That peak temperature is certainly very warm, but modern SoCs are designed to tolerate high thermal development that goes beyond that figure. It might not be wise to place a goldfish bowl or glass of iced coffee on top of the console, but if it is placed in an open space, there should be no real concerns.

Contrary to various early comments about the Xbox Series X, it appears in this case at least that the PS5 is the hottest of them all. With its smaller SoC at 308 mm² and 120 mm x 45 mm dual-sided fan, the purported figures for the PS5 start with an estimated temperature of 55 °C/131 °F that can apparently reach a peak of a scalding 65 °C/149 °F. Without a decent cooling solution in place, this would have been of great concern to future next-gen console owners…

But the recent PS5 teardown has shown how Sony has paid great attention to dealing with potential thermal issues. There’s a huge heat sink inside the console for a start, and there’s even a liquid metal cooling mechanism to deal with the heat produced by that small but high-clocking SoC. Chances are, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X will run almost as hot as each other, but as long as the consoles are in a well-ventilated area then memories of the Xbox 360 red ring of death and PS3 yellow light of death due to overheating can be left to fade away.