Various reports from hardware specialists have claimed that the PS5 has a major flaw in its APU cooling, particularly with the liquid metal that’s used in the process, and this may cause damage to your console.
Apparently, the liquid metal found in the PS5 can actually move in certain consoles. This liquid metal shouldn’t be able to move at all, and if you’re resting your console horizontally, it has no reason to. When placed vertically, however, gravity can cause the liquid metal to shift, which can result in overheating, worse performance, and possibly even permanent damage.
Here’s a video by TheCod3r that goes into this issue in depth:
Because the APU and liquid metal are present in both the Physical and Digital Editions of the PS5, it’s something that can potentially affect all PS5 consoles. It’s worth noting, however, that the problem isn’t all that common, and most PS5 owners don’t really have issues with their consoles. The risk is also only high among PS5s that have been standing upright for long periods of time, so if you just set your PS5 vertically for a few days or a week, then it’s unlikely your console has been damaged this way.
Still, even if the chances are low, you’re better off making extra space to set the PS5 horizontally just in case.
Source: Wololo
Update: Wololo has since retracted its original claim, with the website citing a “critical misunderstanding” of the PS5 video by TheCod3r. While Wololo originally assumed TheCod3r was referring to unopened boxed PS5s, he was actually referring to PS5s that were not opened up by other repair services prior to him.
The problem is still real AFAIK, but there is *no evidence* that it happens on consoles that have been sitting in their box. That part was a complete misunderstanding on our end.
The damage is done, but I have updated the article (pending cache refresh)https://t.co/jx0ngLqR41
— Wololo (@frwololo) January 9, 2023
Wololo still claims that the issue does exist, however.
My ps5 is overheating and so I started playing it horizontally. I think it’s damaged. And I can’t find the receipt. Didn’t happen till I played re4. Idk if that did it. But I’m pissed af. 550$ brick.