Console Technician Uncovers Innovative Groove Design in PS5 Pro Heatsink to Prevent Solder Leakage

Sony has quietly introduced a fascinating innovation in the PS5 Pro’s design – a revamped heatsink. A renowned console repair YouTube channel, TronicsFix, has uncovered that the heatsink on the PS5 Pro isn’t your typical smooth surface. Instead, it sports a unique rectangular spiral pattern.

In a video, TronicsFix explores the reasoning behind this design. They suggest that the patterned surface helps minimize dry spots and oxidation, which can occur when liquid metal thermal interface material spreads across the heatsink. The idea is that this pattern not only helps contain the liquid metal more effectively but also slightly increases the area available for heat transfer.

For those unfamiliar with liquid metal, trying to spread it evenly can be quite the challenge. Unlike traditional thermal pastes, liquid metal tends to pool and flow unpredictably, which can lead to it seeping into areas it shouldn’t, potentially damaging sensitive components. To prevent such mishaps, systems designed for liquid metal incorporate seals around the heatsink.

TronicsFix also notes that the migration of liquid metal might be more pronounced in PS5 systems used in a vertical position, based on their extensive repair experience. This insight comes from their significant exposure to a variety of PS5 consoles, lending credibility to their observations.

It’s intriguing that Sony opted for these spiral grooves, particularly as it bucks traditional cooling norms. Enthusiasts often take great care to ensure that both processors and heatsinks are polished to near perfection. However, with the advent of liquid metal, the approach to cooling is evolving. Sony likely conducted extensive testing, comparing this new heatsink design to traditional smooth ones, and evidently found the benefits worth the shift.

Considering the PS5 Pro packs a punch with its amplified processing capabilities, especially with its robust GPU, the introduction of these heatsink grooves might just be a strategy to combat thermal throttling.

While the PS5 Pro made its official debut in early September, it only reached gamers’ hands this month. Both enthusiasts and experts are still dissecting its design to uncover all its secrets. Nevertheless, Mark Cerny, the console’s lead architect, provided key technical insights during the launch stream, giving everyone a head start on understanding the new features.