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The 2023 PS5 Slim is smaller and lighter than the 2020 launch PS5, and Sony lists a 1TB SSD instead of the original’s 825GB. Sony’s published CPU and GPU specifications are the same, so they do not establish a gaming-performance upgrade. As for cooling and noise, Sony has not published a direct comparison that proves either console runs cooler or quieter.
At a glance
| Comparison | 2020 launch PS5 | 2023 smaller PS5 (“Slim”) |
|---|---|---|
| Disc model dimensions and weight | Approximately 390 × 104 × 260 mm (W × H × D), 4.5 kg; Sony’s measurement excludes the base and largest projection. | Approximately 358 × 96 × 216 mm (W × H × D), 3.2 kg; Sony says dimensions exclude projecting parts. |
| Digital Edition dimensions and weight | Approximately 390 × 92 × 260 mm (W × H × D), 3.9 kg; Sony’s measurement excludes the base and largest projection. | Approximately 358 × 80 × 216 mm (W × H × D), 2.6 kg; Sony says dimensions exclude projecting parts. |
| Advertised SSD capacity | 825GB | 1TB |
| Core CPU and GPU specifications | AMD Zen 2 CPU, 8 cores/16 threads, up to 3.5 GHz; AMD RDNA 2-based graphics, up to 2.23 GHz and 10.3 TFLOPS. | Same figures in Sony’s published specifications. |
| Cooling or noise winner | Not established by a reliable direct comparison in Sony’s cited material. | |
| Digital Edition disc-drive support | No disc drive; Sony says it cannot play Blu-ray discs. | Can accept a separately sold attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive. |
Sources: Sony Interactive Entertainment’s October 2023 smaller-model announcement, 2020 PS5 FAQ, and 2020 launch specifications.
![PlayStation 5 Slim Digital with 1TB SSD Storage, Wireless Dualsense Controller - PS5 Gaming System, White [video game] (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GFnxuXZPL._SL160_.jpg)
![PlayStation 5 Slim Digital with 1TB SSD Storage, Console Only - PS5 Gaming System, White [video game] (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Dmi+FSliL._SL160_.jpg)
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How much smaller is the PS5 Slim?
Sony says the smaller design is more than 30% smaller by volume than the previous models. Sony also reports that the disc version is 18% lighter and the Digital Edition 24% lighter. These are Sony’s stated comparisons; the announcement does not explain its volume-calculation method.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The listed dimensions show the practical difference, but the measurement notes are not identical: Sony’s 2020 specifications exclude the base and largest projection, while its 2023 announcement says the newer model’s dimensions exclude projecting parts. Treat the figures as published specifications rather than a perfectly like-for-like independent measurement. Check the dimensions for the exact model before planning a shelf or cabinet fit, and leave room for cables and airflow; Sony’s cited material does not give a universal clearance rule.
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
Does the Slim have better gaming performance?
Sony lists the same core CPU and GPU figures for the smaller model as it did for the original launch PS5: an AMD Zen 2 processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, variable frequency up to 3.5 GHz, and AMD RDNA 2-based graphics with variable frequency up to 2.23 GHz and 10.3 TFLOPS. On those official specifications, the Slim is not presented as a more powerful gaming console.
Matching specifications are not a benchmark of every game or every hardware revision. They do mean Sony’s published figures provide no basis for expecting a general frame-rate or graphics upgrade from replacing a working launch PS5 with the smaller model.
Does the PS5 Slim run cooler or quieter?
No dependable direct test in the cited Sony material establishes that the 2023 Slim runs cooler, hotter, quieter, or louder than the 2020 launch design. Sony’s 2020 teardown describes the original console’s design priorities: engineer Yasuhiro Ootori said, “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.” That explains the original design goal; it is not a comparative test of the Slim.
Reports about the 2021 CFI-1100 revision concern a different revision, not the 2023 smaller design. Heatsink appearance, exhaust-air temperature, or individual owners’ impressions alone do not establish which model operates at a lower temperature, makes less noise, or is more reliable.
Rank #3
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, Disc Drive, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold separately
Storage, ports, and disc-drive differences
Storage
Sony lists 1TB of SSD storage for the smaller model, compared with 825GB in the original launch specification. These are advertised capacities, not guarantees of how much free space is available for games and other content.
Disc drive
The original standard PS5 includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive; its Digital Edition does not support Blu-ray discs. The smaller disc model also includes a drive, while the smaller Digital Edition has a port for Sony’s attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, which is sold separately. The modular option applies to the newer Digital Edition, not the original Digital Edition. Sony also said the smaller PS5 comes with a horizontal stand and announced a vertical stand compatible with all PS5 models as a separate purchase; that announcement does not establish current pricing or availability.
Front ports
If front-panel connectivity matters, the 2020 specification lists one USB-C and one USB-A port at the front; Sony’s smaller-model specification lists two USB-C ports. Both specifications list two rear USB-A SuperSpeed ports.
Quick Recap
Which PS5 makes more sense?
- Choose the Slim if space or weight matters: its published dimensions and weight are lower, although you should measure the exact console and space where it will sit.
- Consider the Slim for its advertised capacity: Sony lists 1TB rather than the launch model’s 825GB.
- Choose based on how you use discs: the disc model includes an optical drive. The Slim Digital Edition can be upgraded with Sony’s separately sold drive; the original Digital Edition cannot play Blu-ray discs.
- Keep a working original if performance is the only reason to switch: Sony’s published CPU and GPU figures do not establish a gaming-performance gain.
- Compare the actual listing before buying: check region, model, included drive, bundle contents, and current price. Sony’s 2023 announcement gives historical launch information, not a current price or stock guarantee.
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.
