The Hero Support guide to PlayStation 4 volume and unusual loudness
In this guide we’ll show you why your PlayStation 4 is loud and what you can do about it. The PS4 loudness is usually caused by 4 factors including where it is placed, any dust clogged in the unit and dryness of ECU thermal paste.
Is your PS4 in the wrong place?
Although putting your PS4 on a shelf under your tv or in a cabinet may look tidy, the hot air your PS4 pushes out will stay in the cabinet or shelf if it is not ventilated properly. If this happens the temperature in the PS4 will slowly rise causing the fans to work harder and make a lot more noise.
Try moving your PS4 into a more ventilated place and even standing it up vertically may help to keep it cooler and reduce the noise. If you have no choice in where your PS4 is located, you may look at buying a cheap external fan that will help circulate fresh air around your console.
Is your PS4 dusty?
Over time dust may build up in your PS4 and clog the inlets and outlets, as these become blocked your PlayStation fans will have to work harder to get fresh air in and out of the console. If you can see a build up of dust through the holes in the back of the console, chances are the air channels inside are filthy.
Try spraying a can of compressed air in through the holes to try and dislodge the dust. It’s best to do this when the PlayStation is turned off and when you turn it back on the internal fans should help blow out any of the dust you have dislodged. Cans of compressed air are inexpensive and can be purchased either online or in most computer/ electronics stores.
Although in extreme cases you may need to take the console apart to clean it, definitely try spraying through the vents on the outside of the PS4 first as this will not damage your PlayStation or void any warranties still valid at the time. If you do think it is necessary to open your console to clean it, please see opening your console advice below.
See our PS4 Game Console Repair Service
PS4 ECU thermal paste
Thermal paste is a substance put on the ECU of your PS4 to help keep it cool during use. Thermal paste is a lot like coolant in a car and coats the most intensively used part of your PS4. With high usage this thermal paste may start to dry out and become less effective, and although full thermal paste failure normally result in your console overheating and being un useable, this process takes time and as it deteriorates you will find that your console is louder than it once was.
Thermal paste is not expensive and for those of you who are quite handy, you will be able to follow along one of the many YouTube tutorials on how this can be replaced. Please see opening your console advice below.
Opening your PS4 console
BE WARNED. Opening your PS4 will void any valid warranty on your console and requires a specific set of tools. Going at it with a Phillips screw driver will not get you far without having to snap the outer shell of the console. Even if you do have the right torque drivers required for the many different bolts inside the PlayStation.
You will also need a ESD wristband and mat to carry out the work. This is a bit of kit that grounds your body and prevents you from releasing tiny electrostatic shocks onto your Playstation’s logic board, just one static shock can corrupt a chip on your logic board and destroy your PS4.
Ask Hero Tech Support to help with your PS4
If you need help with your PlayStation 4 then you can always ask us for advice and diagnosis for any repairs.
We offer game console repairs in Southampton and across Hampshire. Simply complete our contact form for a call back by one of our friendly computer engineers.
