Faults related to a metallic liquid present in the PlayStation 5 have been noted. When the console is in the vertical position, this element would leave its location causing damage.
Could Sony’s promise to place its PlayStation 5 both horizontally and vertically be just a marketing stunt? Since its launch on November 19, 2020, the latest console from the Japanese manufacturer is most often represented standing. This is also how many players have installed it at home, often constrained by the large size of the machine.
A faulty cooling device
However, the game console is the subject of criticism on social networks. In the first days of January, publications showing damaged PlayStation 5s that have become unusable are increasing, explains Numerama. A manufacturing error is even advanced by the videographer TheCod3r, specializing in computer hardware. All point to the use of the console in a vertical position.
To design its PlayStation 5, Sony did not use thermal paste. This element is usually placed between the processor and the device responsible for dissipating the heat. Except that here, the thermal paste has been replaced by a liquid metal with much higher capacities. Only problem, it seems that the gravity applied to this new component when the console is placed vertically makes it come out of its base.
Once the liquid metal has escaped from its position, heat dissipation within the console is no longer ensured. In addition, the liquid metal being corrosive, its escape outside its dedicated space can cause damage. The players concerned must therefore deal with numerous untimely shutdowns of their machine, going so far as to render it unusable.
A problem impossible to quantify
In France, repairers I Love My Console (from September 2021) and Logic-68 Consoles System (on Twitter) shared their discovery on social media. However, as Numerama reminds us, the extent of the breakdown or the risks cannot be quantified. Similarly, the potentially affected copies are the very first released. Since going on sale, the PlayStation 5 has already seen two design changes (and a price increase).
If one cannot deny the real and photographed breakdowns, nobody knows the use which was made of the damaged consoles. Thus, the editorial staff of Tech&Co can only invite you to check the correct ventilation of the place where your PlayStation 5 is installed. A sufficient air flow should avoid the main risks of overheating the machine, and therefore a possible leak of the famous liquid metal.
For those not wishing to take any risk (although the console shortage is over according to Sony), tilting the PlayStation 5 in a horizontal position should guarantee good system integrity.
