Sony revises PS5 Slim console with PS5 Pro-like cooling and repairability

A new teardown revealed how Sony has tweaked the PS5 Slim again. Technician Modyfikator89 discovered the revisions in a Marvel’s Wolverine digital console. While they won't significantly boost performance, the PS5 Pro-inspired changes benefit reliability and repairability.

Modyfikator89 confirmed the system employs the familiar EDM-051 motherboard. However, its streamlined design makes some parts more accessible. One of those components is the CR2032 battery, which preserves functions like the clock. Most gamers will never need to swap it, but it’s now a less daunting task.

The PS5 Pro leads the way

The technician also noted the cooling in the latest PS5 Slim takes cues from the PS5 Pro. By transferring heat between the CPU, GPU, and heatsink, liquid metal can keep temps lower during intense gaming. In the Wolverine digital console and potentially other SKUs, the compound should stay closer to the APU to improve efficiency.

The flagship PlayStation console already made modifications to prevent liquid metal leaks. Over time, the material may shift out of position, affecting performance. Another issue is that motherboard parts that come into contact with it become susceptible to short circuits. Although rare, it has led gamers to orient the hardware horizontally rather than vertically.

Sony economized by using a cheaper HDMI retimer. Nevertheless, according to Modyfikator89, the chip that minimizes signal interference is now more optimized.

Avoiding costly replacements

As PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro prices rise, buyers have grown anxious about protecting their purchases. Some analysts doubt the PS6 will launch as long as storage and memory costs remain inflated. As a result, the current generation may be extended longer than anticipated. The teardown didn’t reveal dramatic changes, but they could extend the console's lifespan further.

When Sony engineers revise PlayStation hardware, it’s rarely well advertised. Modyfikator89 found that the trend has continued, with the PS5 Slim manual not mentioning the enhanced repairability.