There PlayStation 5 is a commercial success, but its journey has not been without its hiccups. Among the most reported defects: a problem with liquid metal leak used for cooling the SoC (System on Chip). This leak could cause overheating or even complete failure, especially when the console was stored vertically or frequently moved.
The consequences ranged from reduced performance to complete console shutdown. For many players, this represented a latent risk that was difficult to anticipate. But today, a solution finally seems to have been found.
Technology from the PS5 Pro as a solution
According to a report from VideoCardzSony has discreetly modified the cooling system on several recent models. This update is directly inspired by the PS5 Prothe high-end version launched mid-generation.
The key? A new pattern of application of liquid metal associated with deeper grooves around the thermal chamber. This system prevents liquid metal from leaking, even when the console is used in a vertical position or moved.
Twitter user @modyfikatorcasper conducted a 36-hour test under full load, in a room at 19–20°C. Result : the temperature never exceeded 41.8°Cproof of the thermal stability of the system.
Which PS5 models are affected?
Attention, not all PS5s benefit from this improvement. Here are the references compatible with the new anti-leak system:
- CFI-2100 (2021 model)
- CFI-2200 (2022 model)
- CFI-2116 B01Y – PS5 Slim released in 2025
If you have an earlier model (CFI-10XX), you are potentially still at risk of the issue. Sony has not announced any replacement or retrofit programs at this time.
A strategic move to restore confidence
With this update, Sony shows that it is finally taking a long-ignored flaw seriously. After the complaints about the drift of DualSense controllersthis hardware correction marks a real turning point. This could also serve as the foundation for the PlayStation 6, expected in the coming years.
At a time when the competition is redoubling its efforts – notably Xbox with its new features and cloud offers – Sony had to strengthen the reliability of its hardware. A bet that could well pay off in the long term.