Console Technician Uncovers Innovative PS5 Pro Heatsink Design — Engineered Grooves Believed to Prevent Solder Paste Leaks

Sony has subtly unveiled an intriguing update to the PlayStation 5 Pro’s heatsink system. The keen-eyed folks at the popular console repair YouTube channel, TronicsFix, were the first to spot this adjustment. Unlike the usual glossy-smooth finish, the heatsink on the PS5 Pro showcases a unique rectangular spiral pattern.

In a recent video, TronicsFix explained the rationale behind this change. According to them, the new textured design helps prevent both dry spots and surface oxidation, issues that occur due to the migration of the liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM) across the heatsink surface. By introducing this texture, it seems Sony aims to increase the contact area that this advanced TIM can adhere to.

For those familiar with liquid metal applications, it’s no secret that this material tends to pool and spread more freely than traditional thermal pastes. To manage this, systems tailored for liquid metal heatsinks typically include seals or dams to lock in the conductive liquid, preventing it from leaking and potentially damaging other components.

TronicsFix further suggests that storing and using a PlayStation in a vertical position might accelerate the movement of liquid metal. With a wealth of experience repairing numerous PS5 systems, as well as other consoles, Steve from TronicsFix offers insights that are likely grounded in substantial real-world observations.

Sony’s choice to integrate these spiral grooves on the heatsink connecting with the AMD APU might appear unconventional. Traditional cooling strategies often involve meticulously polishing and flattening surfaces to enhance efficiency. However, the use of liquid metal has altered these norms. It’s likely that Sony conducted thorough testing, comparing this new design with the classic smooth-surface approach, and concluded that the spiral grooves provided a substantial advantage.

The enhanced design of the PS5 Pro, especially with its powerful GPU, suggests this heatsink innovation is a strategic move to fend off potential thermal throttling.

Though Sony revealed the PS5 Pro in early September, it’s only recently become available for purchase. As enthusiasts and experts conduct deeper dives into the console’s design, more secrets may emerge. We learned many of the technical specifics from Mark Cerny, the console’s lead architect, during a special launch stream.