Widespread Liquid Metal Issues Affecting PlayStation 5 Consoles

Recent reports suggest that problems associated with the PlayStation 5’s liquid metal cooling system are becoming increasingly common. This particularly impacts early launch units that are now beyond their warranty period, raising concerns that many could fail within the next few years.

Alderon Games Sheds Light on Console Shutdowns

In a recent episode of the Moore Law Is Dead Broken Silicon podcast, Alderon Games’ founder, Matthew Cassells, addressed the critical issues related to the PS5. He explained that the liquid metal cooling solution tends to leak down the console’s interior when it is positioned upright, leading to dry spots on the APU. This deterioration can hinder system performance and may cause unexpected shutdowns under load.

Game-Specific Shutdown Issues

Alderon Games previously received feedback indicating that the latest update to their dinosaur-themed MMO, Path of Titans, resulted in sudden power losses for PS5 users. Initially, the team offered standard troubleshooting tips, including cleaning the console, but these measures failed to resolve the underlying issue. After engaging users on their Discord server, it became evident that more players were experiencing shutdowns. Notably, some staff members reported similar problems and have begun investigating potential causes.

Discussions with Sony revealed a troubling pattern: the more resource-intensive the game, the higher the likelihood of a shutdown due to this liquid metal defect. Reports from users indicate that with the latest update of Path of Titans, approximately 2% to 3% of players encountered this issue. While this may seem minor, it translates to a significant number of affected units in the broader PS5 user base. Additionally, identifying the precise cause of these shutdowns is challenging, as it appears to depend on several factors, including the location of dry spots and the specific components of the APU that are under the greatest stress. Unfortunately, the lack of software tools to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures complicates troubleshooting efforts, making it harder to implement solutions without potentially disrupting users whose consoles function properly.

Sony’s Attempt to Mitigate Design Flaws

It’s worth noting that not all PS5 consoles are equally affected by this design flaw. Sony made attempts to counteract these issues with the release of the slim model and the anticipated PS5 Pro by incorporating ridges in the APU and heatsink. These alterations are designed to minimize the risk of the liquid metal leaking downwards. However, it remains uncertain whether these modifications successfully eliminate the issue.

Call for Remedial Actions

Older PS5 models carry a greater risk of failure, and many of these units are out of warranty, making repairs a potentially expensive undertaking. During discussions with Sony, Cassells suggested implementing a complimentary repair program for affected consoles. However, the feasibility of such a program is questionable given the widespread nature of the problem. While the situation may not match the mass failures associated with the Xbox 360’s notorious Red Ring of Death (RRoD), the prospect of many consoles dying in the coming years remains a significant concern for PS5 owners.

Consumer Experience and Future Outlook

As someone who has used a launch PlayStation 5 with minimal issues regarding the liquid metal problem, I have yet to encounter these widespread shutdowns. Nonetheless, if a growing number of users continue to experience these difficulties, it is imperative for Sony to take action. Implementing a free repair program, as suggested by Alderon Games’ founder, would likely enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty in the long run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjR1uk9LI9cVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: PS5 Flaw Could Affect Millions, AMD Zen 6 Nears 7GHz, Switch 2 | Alderon Games | Broken Silicon 315 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjR1uk9LI9c)

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