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Hair dryer level PS4 systems? Check thermal paste asap!

AkelisRain said:
I think the whine is the coil and is a known issue, I believe somewhere on Gaf a thread was posted about it back while back.
Click to expand...

im aware of the coil whine which was fixed last year in an update. my issue isn't that, the sound I get is a constant high pitched eeeeee..... its like my xbox has tinnitus.


Whipped Spartan said:
I wish they would have made the ps4 bigger. It's so loud. Needs a 120mm fan. That little guy is overworked.

I switched to a second system last summer had issue a second time. I don't think it's a quality control issue I think it's a fan size issue.


Depressing to find out the paste thing too though. Is it a product of it running so hot? PS4s run hot.
Click to expand...

thermal paste is supposed to be applied thin. its only meant to fill the tiny gaps in the metal surface of the processor and heat sink, not be a coating of peanut butter. the heat sink design in the ps4 is pretty poor as its attached to stamped out sheet metal. any warping could lead to poor contact between components.

the fan itself is a big issue. blower fans are always noisy since they have to push harder than your typical top down fan. that's why aftermarket gpu that note low noise levels never use them. increasing the fan size wont really help, it needs to be redesigned. Im not sure sony will do it since the ps4 will need to become thicker in order to make it quieter.
 
saturnine said:
this this this
I swear if I have to change the thermal paste every 10 months like with my ps3 I'm gonna rant on the internet or something

bought my ps4 in december, she's already gotten louder. hope it won't get worse.
Click to expand...

I've been using Artic Cooling MX4 on all my builds and repairs for a little while now. Has great in use long life stability of 8 years. Use to be a be fan if Arctic Silver, but that stuff can go off within 2 years and is conductive. Ain't got time restripping down laptops that often nowadays. I replace stock paste at the first signs of trouble, some brands are shockingly bad.

Cellphone apps are ok for measuring dB if you following a standardised testing procedure and only use the results from the same hardware/software to compare, and also take into account the mics are very directional. 115dB though... LOL are you deaf yet man?
 
big_z said:
im aware of the coil whine which was fixed last year in an update. my issue isn't that, the sound I get is a constant high pitched eeeeee..... its like my xbox has tinnitus.
Click to expand...

Sounds like electrolytic cap or coil whine to me, time to bust out the hot glue gun
 
My launch PS4 got insanely loud so I replaced it late last year. The replacement PS4 was quiet regardless of the games I played. Then three months after purchase it started getting loud just like my launch PS4.
 
big_z said:
was all the paste dry or just that one patch which is clearly crusty. the edges don't matter.



anyone know if youre supposed to replace the thermal pads on the ram when doing this?
Click to expand...

The entirety of the paste was dry af. No need to change thermal pads as long as they aren't burnt out.
 
Should've done this to my ps3 before it eventually stopped working. Would've saved me from buying another ps3.
 
I wonder if early tear downs pointed to a problem or is it simply a case of cheap and nasty paste being used?

Interesting to see if the same or similar happens to the XB1.
 
I just played some planetside 2, my Playstation was really annoyingly loud.

Is it really so that a proceduct can be sold with defect thermal paste? And the need for the costumer to pay for it to be fixed?
 
Since my fat launch PS3 died in july 2009 due to hot summer days in the south of France, I've placed an external fan (a basic Rowenta) near my AV furniture (Norstone Esse). Sure it's not very sexy but both the PS3 and PS4 are well ventilated and just mildly hot after a 2 1/2 hours gaming session. Since I'm a lousy handyman, I've never dared change the thermal paste.

rowenta-VU2011F0.jpg
 
big_z said:
was all the paste dry or just that one patch which is clearly crusty. the edges don't matter.



anyone know if youre supposed to replace the thermal pads on the ram when doing this?
Click to expand...

Just going to try to add some info to help:

1. If you're worried about warranty - you can use a heat gun or blow dryer (funny right) to heat the sticker seals off the back of the ps4 and use a small screwdriver to lift up and peel them. This melts the glue and makes it easier to lift off without damaging the seal (especially the two center stickers). Do the same when putting them back.

2. ZeroX's photo has way more paste than mine.

3. As I mentioned before - you need a Tork T9 SECURITY bit (the one with a hole). Ifixit has one for $5 but they charge you $5 for shipping. I bought SilverHill 10 piece bit set for $8 with Amazon prime. It makes WAY more sense (assuming you have a driver that takes bits.

4. The best tool to clean the dust with is a paintbrush with generous tip. You shouldn't expect to see an overwhelming amount of dust but nonetheless since the console is packed to precision - dust everywhere. Including fan and heatsink. I didn't use compressed air at all.

5. I can vouch for Arctic MX-5 paste. Another thread poster also said that he used Arctic Silver 5 but only noticed noise differences when using Arctic MX-4. The paste is really good and doesn't need any power on/off cycles to activate. I think the 4oz tube is $8 on amazon and it's prime.

6. I keep launching games that push the system. I left Killzone SF on for 25 minutes last night on Chapter 2 in game and can tell you that you can hear a gentle whirl from the fans when the soundbar was muted it's a fraction of what it used to be. While in game - I also hit the PS button to the desktop since my system would roar if I was on the home screen while a game was on. Zero difference in audible sound. I was extremely happy. I believe it's an acceptable level and that it's performing correctly because as soon as I close application the fans go down INSTANTLY. I can say that Tomb Raider DE is slightly louder than KZ:SF.

7. One thing I didn't mention is that I slightly bent the cpu/heatsink clamp more than it already is to add some downward tension to the cpu allowing it to make more contact with the heatsink. I can't confirm if this has done anything.
 
vin-buc said:
I've have a launch unit that gets hairdryer level loud (not kidding) when playing most games. With the new model releasing soon I was debating buying it since according to the new model thread, heat and noise are lower but I can't justify spending the money so I took matters into my own hands.

I decided to go ahead and completely disassemble my PS4 and do a thorough cleaning and thermal paste change. While there was dust - it wasn't as bad as I expected since the system is so compact. I got everything with my kids paintbrush (thick tip). But when I got to the motherboard - I was stunned that there was no thermal paste whatsoever on the chip. The backplate had some crusted paste which completely chipped off. I used Arctic Silver MX-4 paste and closed the system back up.

I've run MGS:Gz, PT and Tomb Raider (title screen only for TR). OMG - what a difference. It's unbelievable. I unfortunately don't have dB readings but it's so apparent there is no confusing the matter. It's not to say the system is dead silent - you can still hear the fans but the level is completely changed. Also, closing application to the home screen immediately kills the fan noise to nil.

I've created this thread with the hope of helping the ps4 console owners kill at least some of the noise. You need about $15 (thermal paste and T9 tork bit) and the confidence of taking the system apart.

Links to breakdowns:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uayVMlO9A5A

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xyz0rdMpqOM

https://www.ifixit.com/Device/PlayStation_4
Click to expand...

Thermal paste is suppose to dry out over time.
The reason its wet in the first place is to limit air contact, and make a seal of sorts.
It is not a lubricant, and needs only to make solid contact to be effective.
You just want there to be full contact with no air bubbles to make the best use of thermal paste.
If it drys very quickly, it is getting very hot, and the cooling/fan could be an issue to look into.

http://www.heatsink-guide.com/compound.htm
Thermal compound normally does not get hard, it will stay sticky for years. But depending on the solvents used in the making of the compound, it may dry over the years. This is not a reason to worry; it will still do its job when dry, and there is no reason to replace dried thermal compound.
Click to expand...
 
GutZ31 said:
Thermal paste is suppose to dry out over time.
The reason its wet in the first place is to limit air contact, and make a seal of sorts.
It is not a lubricant, and needs only to make solid contact to be effective.
You just want there to be full contact with no air bubbles to make the best use of thermal paste.
If it drys very quickly, it is getting very hot, and the cooling/fan could be an issue to look into.

http://www.heatsink-guide.com/compound.htm
Click to expand...

I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that I will gauge noise over use. For sure - this isn't a placebo effect. Playing games that previously made my console roar are now at acceptable levels. The difference is night and day and immediately noticeable. It could be a product of cleaning the fan but I could also say that when I took the fan out I was very surprised at how clean it looked. I have cleaned pc fans (in tight cases) and smaller LCD TV fans and they were so dusty it altered the fan spin up.

EDIT: there is also a difference in the quality of thermal pastes. Some brands lower temperatures extremely well while others barely. This is also a fact.
 
vin-buc said:
Just going to try to add some info to help:.
Click to expand...


its not my first rodeo but those tips will be helpful for many.

do you have far cry 4 by any chance. if you do try this:

-go into a weapons shop and go into the options menu wait a minute or two for the fan to slow.
-now exit the options and talk to the merchant and view a weapon so its model is displayed. wait a few minutes. this stressed the ps4 like crazy.

does the ps4 still go into jet mode when doing this?

when I played far cry 4 there were times I went into the options menu just to slow the fan because it was getting so loud.
 
big_z said:
its not my first rodeo but those tips will be helpful for many.

do you have far cry 4 by any chance. if you do try this:

-go into a weapons shop and go into the options menu wait a minute or two for the fan to slow.
-now exit the options and talk to the merchant and view a weapon so its model is displayed. wait a few minutes. this stressed the ps4 like crazy.

does the ps4 still go into jet mode when doing this?

when I played far cry 4 there were times I went into the options menu just to slow the fan because it was getting so loud.
Click to expand...

I have FC4 but haven't played much (months in fact). Last I remember I killed a few wolves in a mine type cave with some dynamite. Is there a specific place I can do that?

EDIT: I don't have it installed due to the lack of space I had to delete for space. Sorry.
 
vin-buc said:
I have FC4 but haven't played much (months in fact). Last I remember I killed a few wolves in a mine type cave with some dynamite. Is there a specific place I can do that?
Click to expand...

any vendor you can buy guns at works. its simply the menus that ease/push the system.
 
big_z said:
any vendor you can buy guns at works. its simply the menus that ease/push the system.
Click to expand...

Sorry big_z - it's not installed. I deleted it for space. I can try something else if I have it.

These are the larger games I have installed:
CoD: Ghosts
CoD: AW
BF4
Fifa 15
The Order 1886
GTA 5
PT
Driveclub
MGS:GZ
Tomb Raider: DE
Little Big Planet 3
Killzone SF

And a bunch of smaller downloadable titles. If there is anything you want me to test - feel free to let me know.
 
Mine can get loud but it depends on the game. Destiny seems to be the loudest. Although I wear headphones all the time so I don't hear it. I may still do this though, I am out of warranty.
 
big_z said:
do you have transistor installed? the menu in that is notorious for making the ps4 take off.
Click to expand...

I have the game installed and I'm early into it. These are the (unscientific) results:

Time elapsed (stop watch): 10 minutes.

Launch game mission and hit Options button to bring up the menu

First 2 minutes 7 seconds: dead silent

Time after until 10 minute lapse: slight whirl/slightly audible.

Room conditions - ambient noise only. Sound bar audio muted.

EDIT: 2 feet away from console.
 
I remember reading something similar ages ago...they're still skimping on thermal paste? I mean... really... maybe PS4 gets so hot it dries it all up :P
 
vin-buc said:
I have the game installed and I'm early into it. These are the (unscientific) results:

Time elapsed (stop watch): 10 minutes.

Launch game mission and hit Options button to bring up the menu

First 2 minutes 7 seconds: dead silent

Time after until 10 minute lapse: slight whirl/slightly audible.

Room conditions - ambient noise only. Sound bar audio muted.

EDIT: 2 feet away from console.
Click to expand...


usually transistor is quite loud in the menu. I guess its kinda hard to tell due to everyone having different tolerances to noise and ambient noise factoring in. Ive seen comparisons and changing the paste did nothing but I'll still probably reapply the thermal paste after the warranty is up just to see if I luck out. I have some mx4 sitting in my pc parts box anyways.


Skyzard said:
I remember reading something similar ages ago...they're still skimping on thermal paste? I mean... really... maybe PS4 gets so hot it dries it all up :P
Click to expand...

some ps4 have way too much paste on them. its not supposed to squish out over the sides, as long as the paste covers the area of the chips inside the cap its fine.
 
big_z said:
usually transistor is quite loud in the menu. I guess its kinda hard to tell due to everyone having different tolerances to noise and ambient noise factoring in. Ive seen comparisons and changing the paste did nothing but I'll still probably reapply the thermal paste after the warranty is up just to see if I luck out. I have some mx4 sitting in my pc parts box anyways.




some ps4 have way too much paste on them. its not supposed to squish out over the sides, as long as the paste covers the area of the chips inside the cap its fine.
Click to expand...

Just to elaborate on the ambient noise: No air conditioner, no ceiling fan, no appliances running, residential block with Windows opened about 4 inches, 2nd floor apartment.
 
AkelisRain said:
I wonder if it is viable to replace the fan with a stronger one.
Click to expand...

I looked into this - it's custom and would need some molding to get something to fit with the enclosure it comes with. EBay has fans for sale but they're stock cuh-1000 versions (not aftermarket).
 
vin-buc said:
I looked into this - it's custom and would need some molding to get something to fit with the enclosure it comes with. EBay has fans for sale but they're stock cuh-1000 versions (not aftermarket).
Click to expand...
There has got to be a gaffer here willing to make money! ><
 
If people do this, please make before-after comparison videos too.
Also really interested does the fan gather much dust, seems like it's in position to be easily cleaned just by taking the cover off.
 
vin-buc said:
What would be the best replacement fan matching the millimeter size? I could look into it. I would need a spare stock fan though to play with. No promises.
Click to expand...
I don't have a clue, I tried to look yesterday on any information about the fan and came up with nothing. I have yet to open my PS4 because it is still whisper quiet.
 
I'm so tempted to try this. My ps4 is loud as fuck. But then I wonder if it's worth potentially screwing it up and potentially wrecking any trade value for a revamped model.
 
So my neighbour has now broken his ps4 while trying to replace the thermal paste. Just as I got itches to do it myself. Definitely not going to do it now.

Why would Sony not use good paste and why would they deny that there's anything wrong with our systems? It's quite frankly ridiculous.
 
Damn, this is terrible. I got really shoddy controllers but a quiet PS4. I guess I came out ahead in the end.

Good luck to all those deciding to change their paste.
 
Eduardboon said:
So my neighbour has now broken his ps4 while trying to replace the thermal paste. Just as I got itches to do it myself. Definitely not going to do it now.

Why would Sony not use good paste and why would they deny that there's anything wrong with our systems? It's quite frankly ridiculous.
Click to expand...

What happened?
 
I did this with the launch ps3 when the ylod started happening even though I had no issues. Ps4 gets a little loud with ffxiv and bloodborne...guess I'm doing surgery today
 
I saw the video in OP and I got discouraged to open my PS4. Looks really complicated too many pieces has to be removed in order to get to the CPU.
 
vin-buc said:
I've have a launch unit that gets hairdryer level loud (not kidding) when playing most games. With the new model releasing soon I was debating buying it since according to the new model thread, heat and noise are lower but I can't justify spending the money so I took matters into my own hands.

I decided to go ahead and completely disassemble my PS4 and do a thorough cleaning and thermal paste change. While there was dust - it wasn't as bad as I expected since the system is so compact. I got everything with my kids paintbrush (thick tip). But when I got to the motherboard - I was stunned that there was no thermal paste whatsoever on the chip. The backplate had some crusted paste which completely chipped off. I used Arctic Silver MX-4 paste and closed the system back up.

I've run MGS:Gz, PT and Tomb Raider (title screen only for TR). OMG - what a difference. It's unbelievable. I unfortunately don't have dB readings but it's so apparent there is no confusing the matter. It's not to say the system is dead silent - you can still hear the fans but the level is completely changed. Also, closing application to the home screen immediately kills the fan noise to nil.

I've created this thread with the hope of helping the ps4 console owners kill at least some of the noise. You need about $15 (thermal paste and T9 tork bit) and the confidence of taking the system apart.

Links to breakdowns:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uayVMlO9A5A

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xyz0rdMpqOM

https://www.ifixit.com/Device/PlayStation_4
Click to expand...


That first video was clear as hell. I remember attempting the PS3 fat thermal repaste and the YouTube videos being unclear and messy at the time I did it. It also helps that it seems like there is less disassembly on the ps4 so it's better designed
 
Eduardboon said:
So my neighbour has now broken his ps4 while trying to replace the thermal paste. Just as I got itches to do it myself. Definitely not going to do it now.
Click to expand...

How? I broke something as well. The fan lead to the mobo is super small - I tugged on it too much and pulled the wires out of the harness exposing all the wires with copper tips. I got stressed but what I did was take tweezers and stuck the gray, black and red cables back in the harness. I covered it with a well cut piece of electric tape to keep it in place.

What's broken? Post a pic?
 
I have had my ps4 since launch and opened it up, both the fan and heatsink were full of black dust/crap. At the beginning I remember only The Last Of Us would kick up the fan speed but lately almost every game I tried did. So,tried Driveclub and seems whisper quiet, before fans would kick up after a few minutes. Haven't tried other games yet but so far so good.
 
entrement said:
It seems the PS4 hardware so far just seems cheap build wise. Console and controllers.
Click to expand...

The console itself is pretty impressive design/build wise. It didn't seem cheap at all when I opened it up. The controller is another story though


Vamp said:
I saw the video in OP and I got discouraged to open my PS4. Looks really complicated too many pieces has to be removed in order to get to the CPU.
Click to expand...

The only difficult part for me was the large aluminum cover. Especially around the rear inputs. If you're not comfortable with stuff like this then you probably shouldn't do it yourself
 
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