The new, revised models of the PlayStation 5 weigh in at 300 grams (0.66 pounds) lighter than the original models. The big question has been “How?” With the specs and outer form factor the same, what has Sony changed or sacrificed to result in the new model weighing less. The answer is a smaller heatsink, resulting in the revised console running hotter.
This discovery comes from technology YouTuber Austin Evans, who compared a new, revised unit of the PS5 Digital Edition from Japan to an original PS5 Digital Edition model. From his thermal testing, the new lighter model runs a significant 3 to 5°C (or 8 to 9°F) hotter than the heavier, original model.
Upon tearing down the two systems to compare the internals, Austin discovered the source of the new revision’s lower weight: a significantly smaller heatsink compared to the original. The difference is apparently visible, with less copper and aluminum heat fins present in the new heatsink. “Oh My God! I have like half the heat sink!” Austin remarked upon seeing the comparison.
(Left: original PS5 heat sink. Right: new PS5 heat sink)
The weight of the new revision’s internal board with heatsink clocked in at 1368 grams (3.0 pounds) and the original weighs in at 1639 grams (3.6 pounds).
Time will tell how the hotter temperatures and worse cooling will affect the new PS5 models long-term, as well any additional NVMe SSDs users install in them, which can run hot and need a heatsink of their own.
Another visible change in the lighter model appears to be a new Wi-Fi receiver component, which has yet to be closely examined or tested.
Austin’s new PS5 Digital Edition also contained a new fan manufactured by Delta Electronics. The new Delta fan has 17 wing blades, but the original Delta fan 23 wing blades. The wing blades on the new 17-wing Delta protrude longer into the center than the original 23-blade Delta fan. Since launch, Sony already has used different fans by the companies Delta, Nidec, and NMB for PS5 production.
The previously known significant change with the new lighter PS5 revised models was the screw used to secure the stand when the console is oriented vertically. The new screw features a thicker, textured head to allow it to be twisted in by hand, rather than needing a coin or flathead screwdriver.
The new, lighter PS5s are labeled with CFI-11XX model numbers (visible on the box). The original PS5s are under the CFI-1XXX model branding. The new models have been sold in Japan and Australia, though we can expect them to show up
Sony recently revealed the PS5 Standard Edition (aka the disc drive model) is no longer being sold at a loss, meaning it is making a profit on the console. The new, smaller heatsink in the revised PS5 models likely are cheaper, allowing Sony to further cut the cost of PS5s.
You can check out Austin Evans’ full video of his teardown comparison below.
