How to Keep Your PS5 Cool: Overheating Fixes & Heatsink SSD Explained

Imagine you’re about to reach the next level of your favorite PS5 game and then your screen turns black with the message, ‘your PS5 is too hot’. PlayStations are built to keep themselves cool and expel any heat generated by intense usage. However, there is still a risk of your console overheating and sustaining lasting damage, especially when playing graphically demanding games.

In this guide, we will explain why PS5 overheating occurs, how to fix common causes, and why using a heatsink SSD can play an important role in keeping your system running cool and smoothly.

Why the PlayStation 5 consoles run too hot

As with any high-performance gaming system, the PS5 generates a significant amount of heat while running modern games. Its internal cooling system is designed to manage this, but factors such as poor airflow, dust buildup, high room temperatures, or improperly installed components can cause heat to build up faster than the console can dissipate.

Signs your PS5 is overheating

Luckily, there should be some warning signs that your PS5 is getting too hot before it causes any lasting damage.

• The internal fans will let you know if the console is getting too hot as you will hear them making a loud and unusual noise.
• Performance issues can also be an indication of overheating, such as graphical glitches and sudden game crashes.
• If you do see the dreaded message: ”Your PS5 is too hot. Turn off your PS5, and wait until the temperature goes down.” This is the biggest warning sign that the console is overheating.

The PlayStation 5 also has built-in thermal protection, meaning it may automatically shut itself down if temperatures get too high to prevent potential hardware damage.

Tips to improve PS5 cooling & prevent heat build-up

If you’re starting to notice signs that your PS5 is running too hot, the good news is that most overheating issues are easy to fix. With a few simple adjustments to your setup, airflow, and maintenance routine, you can make a big difference to help keep your PS5 cool and running smoothly during long gaming sessions.

Choose the right surface & environment

The surface on which you place your PS5 is key when it comes to keeping the console cool. Fabric surfaces such as carpets or a rug can cause dust and dirt to build up in the air vents. Instead, place your PS5 on a hard surface for optimal cooling and use the included PS5 stand to ensure there is enough space between the bottom of the console and the hard surface it is placed on.

Overall, the environment where you store your PS5 can make a big difference to the temperature of your console. Make sure it is kept in a well-ventilated area where there is sufficient airflow. It should not be kept in a cupboard or cramped space where there isn’t a constant flow of air to cool down the system. You want to make sure all the air vents are clear of any obstructions, so try to keep the console at least 10cm away from any walls.

If you keep your PS5 in a cabinet or entertainment unit, make sure there is plenty of open space around it, so the PS5 airflow isn’t restricted.

Clean your PS5 regularly

Dust can start to build up over time in the PlayStation 5 vents, which is why regularly cleaning your console, just like you would clean your computer, is so important. There are specific ports on the console where you can lightly vacuum out the collected dust. By regularly cleaning your PlayStation you maintain proper airflow through the console, which supports stable temperature regulation during extended gaming sessions.

Lower your SSD’s temperature with heatsinks

The M.2 NVMe SSD you install in your PS5’s expansion slot generates heat during heavy use, so installing one with a heatsink or adding a heatsink to your drive helps keep it running cooler under load. While this won’t replace proper airflow or regular cleaning, it can be an effective extra measure to support stable performance during long gaming sessions.