Console Repairer Unveils Innovative PS5 Pro Heatsink Design with Machined Grooves to Prevent Solder Paste Leaks

Sony has quietly rolled out an intriguing new design change with the PlayStation 5 Pro, specifically targeting the system’s heatsink. This isn’t your typical smooth and polished heatsink. Instead, the PS5 Pro features a unique rectangular spiral texture, as discovered by the well-known console repair channel, TronicsFix.

TronicsFix suggests that this machined texture isn’t just for show. It might be a clever move to mitigate the pesky issue of dry spots and surface oxidation, which are common problems with liquid metal thermal interface materials (TIM) migrating across heatsinks. There’s a theory that this pattern not only reduces these issues but also slightly boosts the contact surface area.

Anyone who’s ever dabbled with applying liquid metal knows how it tends to pool and flow uncontrollably compared to your usual pastes. This is why systems designed for liquid metal often incorporate seals or dams around the heatsink. This innovation ensures the electrically conductive liquid metal stays put, keeping other sensitive components safe from any potential damage.

What’s particularly interesting is TronicsFix’s observation regarding console orientation. He suggests that the movement of liquid metal might be more pronounced in PS5s that stand vertically—a position many of us likely favor for aesthetic reasons. With plenty of hands-on experience repairing PS5s and other consoles, his insights likely hit close to the mark.

Sony’s decision to alter the heatsink’s surface with these spiral grooves marks a fascinating departure from traditional cooling approaches. In the past, overclockers and enthusiasts have often polished heatsinks and processor surfaces to a mirror finish, ensuring an immaculate fit. However, the introduction of liquid metal is changing the rules of the game. It’s plausible that Sony conducted thorough A/B testing of this new design against the traditional option, concluding that the change is beneficial for thermal management.

Considering the PS5 Pro’s enhanced performance, especially its more powerful GPU, it’s likely these spiral grooves are a strategic addition to combat thermal throttling effectively.

Although Sony unveiled the PS5 Pro in early September, it only hit store shelves this month. As enthusiasts and experts continue to dissect its new features, most of us got the detailed technical scoop from the lead architect, Mark Cerny, during the launch live stream. The PS5 Pro’s design continues to unveil its secrets, and this unique approach to cooling is just one of the intriguing updates on this enhanced console.