Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
World desk4 min

Does the Redesigned PS5 Slim Heatsink Improve Performance—or Just Cooling?

The PS5 Slim’s heatsink and cooling system were redesigned for a smaller chassis. The available teardown and revision-specific reports do not establish a frame-rate benefit.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

It is a cooling and packaging redesign, not a demonstrated game-performance upgrade. Sony’s 2023 PS5 Slim uses the same core technology as the existing PS5 in a smaller chassis; teardown reporting describes a redesigned cooling system but does not show that it raises frame rates. Temperature, fan noise, power use and game performance are separate measures, and results for one Slim revision should not be generalized to every unit.

What changed in the 2023 PS5 Slim?

Sony introduced the 2023 model as a smaller-form-factor PS5 that retains the existing console’s technology features. Its listed specifications include a Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2-based graphics and a 1 TB SSD. Sony said the new design reduced volume by more than 30% relative to prior models. Sony’s announcement describes the size and specification changes, not a Slim-specific increase in gaming performance.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tom’s Hardware’s November 2023 teardown reporting says the Slim retains the original PS5’s SoC and has a redesigned cooling system to fit the smaller chassis. It reports five heat pipes in the Slim, compared with four in the original. That is evidence of a changed cooling arrangement; the number of heat pipes alone does not establish faster gameplay or a higher frame rate. Tom’s Hardware’s teardown report also describes performance as sustained under load.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What do the reported noise and temperature results show?

2023 Slim versus original PS5

In the same teardown coverage, Tom’s Hardware reports noise readings of 33.6 dBA for the Slim and 33.8 dBA for the original PS5. These are readings reported for that coverage, not universal specifications for all consoles or a temperature measurement. They suggest similar noise in the reported comparison, but do not demonstrate that the Slim is cooler, quieter in every setup, or faster in games.

#1 Best Overall
PS5 Slim Cooling Fan Replacement – 19-Blade Internal Quiet Cooler for PlayStation 5 Slim Console CFI-2000 CFI-2015 Cooling Fan G12E12MS1AH-56J14, 11541GS-12M-WB-01
  • Specifically designed for PlayStation 5 Slim Console, this replacement cooling fan is fully compatible with model G12E12MS1AH-56J14, 11541GS-12M-WB-01, PVB120L12Q-P02-AE, KSB1212HEJF9. It’s the ideal solution to restore your PS5 Slim’s cooling performance.
  • Features a high-performance 19-blade structure that delivers better airflow, faster heat dissipation, and quieter operation compared to standard fans. Keeps your console running cool and quiet during intense gaming sessions.
  • Built with advanced noise reduction technology, this internal fan operates quietly without disturbing your gameplay. Say goodbye to overheating and loud fan noise.
  • Simple plug-and-play installation – no soldering required. Perfect for tech-savvy users or those doing their own PS5 Slim repair at home. Includes everything you need for a quick and secure replacement.
  • Made with high-quality materials for long-lasting durability and stable performance. Rigorously tested to meet OEM standards, giving your PS5 Slim console a second life.

European CFI-210 revision

A separate Notebookcheck report dated September 29, 2025, describes Austin Evans’s testing of a European CFI-210 revision. The report says the tested unit used no more power and ran at marginally higher temperatures; it also notes that its large fan could be quieter. Those are findings about that model and test, not a verdict on every PS5 Slim region or manufacturing revision. A marginal temperature difference by itself does not establish throttling or a frame-rate change. Notebookcheck’s CFI-210 report attributes its observations to the cited testing.

Will the redesigned heatsink improve FPS?

There is no published statistic in the cited reporting that quantifies a PS5 Slim game-performance gain from its heatsink. The Slim’s reported use of the same SoC as the original and the absence of a controlled, same-method frame-rate comparison across Slim revisions do not support promising extra FPS because of the cooling redesign.

Rank #2
Replacement PS5 Slim Internal Cooling Fan, Internal Cooler Fan Replacement for Sony PlayStation 5 PS5 Slim CFI-2000 CFI-2015 Series 11541GS-12M-WB-01 with 19 Blades
  • Only Fit: Brand new and silent 19 blades PS5 Slim fan for Sony Playstation 5 PS5 Slim CFI-2000 CFI-2015 Console Series
  • Compatible With: This 19 blades PS5 Slim Fan compatible with Sony Playstation 5 PS5 Slim Series Fan 12V 1.69A with General 19 Blades FAN
  • Good Quality: Each Fan was tested before shipping to make sure you will get a workable fan! P/N: 11541GS-12M-WB-01. This 19 blades ps5 slim fan will have a better low-frequency noise to offer a better experience!
  • Package Contain: 1x Replacement Sony Playstation 5 PS5 Slim 19 Blades Fan, 1x T8 Screwdriver
  • Each replacement CPU coolong fan was tested before shipping.

A heatsink can help move heat away from components, but that function is not itself evidence of faster games. To establish a performance difference, a comparison would need to measure gameplay frame rates under matched conditions and identify the exact console revisions tested. Temperature, fan noise and power draw can help describe cooling behavior, but they are not substitutes for frame-rate results.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why heatsink size alone is not a performance verdict

The 2021 discussion of a smaller heatsink concerned a different PS5 revision, not the Slim. Tom’s Guide’s summary of Digital Foundry’s collaboration with Gamers Nexus says the comparison found no meaningful end-user performance difference between the original and revised consoles. That is useful context for why a heatsink change does not automatically mean a gaming-performance change; it is not a direct Slim benchmark. Tom’s Guide’s summary covers that earlier revision.

Rank #3
SABRENT M.2 NVMe PS5 heatsink (SB-PSHS)
  • DESIGNED FOR THE PS5 CONSOLE: Engineered to fit perfectly and easily into the PS5 console's SSD expansion slot for a quick and easy install.
  • REVOLUTIONARY COOLING: Made from High-Quality CNC'd aluminum, the Sabrent Heatsink for the PS5 console was specifically designed to maximize cooling performance and simplify installation.
  • UPGRADE YOUR CONSOLE! Rather than creating a heatsink that would only trap the heat in the metal cover, we designed a heatsink that replaces the native PS5 consoles cover. This allows for better cooling using the native fan as well as being a larger heatsink.
  • INDUSTRIAL QUALITY: This SSD heatsink method also uses Sabrent's "Sandwich Design" which ensures even pressure throughout the SSD for efficient and consistent heat transfer unlike methods used by other brands.
  • CONVENIENCE: Comes with an installation guide as well as screws and thermal tape for easy convenient installation.

Sony’s official 2020 teardown post explains the original PS5’s design priorities. Masayasu Ito, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s EVP of Hardware Engineering and Operation, wrote: “We felt it was inevitable to make a generational leap in terms of performance in order to deliver a new, next-generation gaming experience. However, to do so, we had to balance every aspect of the system, from focusing on reducing the noise level to enhancing the cooling capacity, more than ever before.” The statement is about the original PS5 design, not a performance gain attributed to a Slim heatsink. Sony’s original PS5 teardown post provides the context.

How to compare PS5 Slim cooling claims

When looking at a claim that one PS5 Slim runs cooler, quieter or faster, check whether the comparison identifies the precise CFI model and region and separates the measurements. Useful details include:

Rank #4
GRAUGEAR Metal Heat Dissipation Cover for PS5 Pro/Slim M.2 SSD Expansion Slot | Fit for M.2 NVMe SSD with Heatsink | New Breathable Cellular Hole | Cooling and Dust Proof | Silver
  • 【PS5 Pro/PS5 Slim Expansion Slot Heatsink Cover】The M.2 SSD dust cover is designed to fit the PlayStation 5 Pro/Slim and improve the thermal performance of SSDs installed in expansion storage slots. The better the heat dissipation of your SSD heatsink, the more durable your PS5 M.2 SSD drive will be.
  • 【Fit for M.2 SSD with Heatsink】Most heatsinks didn't fit M.2 SSD with integrated heatsink, but this cover is made for this purpose. Combined with SSD with integrated heatsink to improve cooling performance and prevent overheating.
  • 【New Breathable Hole Design】With the hollow cellular hole, increase the heat dissipation area and absorb the heat generated by the M.2 SSD. Enhances the temperature conversion effect together with the PS5 internal cooling fan.
  • 【Dust Filter Frame】 Unique PVC dust filter greatly reduces dust accumulation inside the SSD expansion slot and enhances heat dissipation.
  • 【Package Contents】GRAUGEAR PS5 Pro/Slim M.2 SSD cover, screwdriver, cleaning cloth, warranty card and friendly customer service.
  • Workload and setup: what the console was doing, and the ambient and test conditions if reported.
  • Temperature: where it was measured and how the result compares under the same method.
  • Noise and power: the measurement conditions and whether the figures are for the same workload.
  • Gaming performance: frame-rate behavior measured in comparable games and conditions, rather than inferred from temperature or heatsink design.

The cited reporting does not provide a controlled temperature-and-frame-rate benchmark spanning every Slim revision. Treat each result as model- and test-specific.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Does an M.2 SSD heatsink cool the PS5 itself?

No. An optional M.2 SSD heatsink cools the storage drive installed for memory expansion; it is not the PS5 APU’s heatsink and does not change the console’s main cooling system. GRAUGEAR describes its G-PS5HS05+ as an M.2 NVMe 2280 heat-pipe cooler designed for PS5 Slim and Pro memory expansion. Its temperature-reduction statements are manufacturer claims, not independent proof of a console or game-performance improvement. See the GRAUGEAR product specification.

Best Value
GRAUGEAR Cooling & Dust Protection Upgrade for PS5 Pro/PS5 Slim, PS5 Pro/Slim M.2 SSD Heatsink Cover with Fan Dust Filter and Port Plugs, Prevent Overheating and Dust Buildup (PS5 Pro/PS5 Slim)
  • Complete PS5 Cooling & Dust-Proof Solution - All-in-one upgrade kit includes M.2 SSD heatsink cover, 4x fan dust filters, silicone port plugs, brush, screwdriver, and cloth — designed to keep your PS5 Pro/Slim cool and clean
  • Prevent Overheating During Gaming - Metal heatsink cover and internal fan filters ensure continuous airflow to reduce SSD and system temperature, preventing lags, crashes, or thermal throttling during intense play
  • Dust Blockers for Every Port - Includes silicone dust plugs that fit USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, LAN, and screw hole ports — protecting unused connectors from dirt and damage when not in use
  • Easy Installation with Tools Included - Quick and user-friendly setup with included screwdriver and cleaning brush. Designed for perfect compatibility with built-in screw holes of PS5 Pro/PS5 Slim
  • Breathable Filter Design - High-density mesh fan filters are both dustproof and breathable, allowing airflow while protecting your console. Filters are easy to clean for long-term maintenance

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.