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Hair dryer level PS4 systems? Check thermal paste asap!

My ps4 is very loud, which my phone app says is about 72db.

Not sure if i should do this though... im well past warrenty, but dont want to mess it up
 
For people posting their PS4 noise levels using a phone app, try tapping your fingers lightly on the phone casing while the app is running and see what noise level it reports.


I can get up to 100db which is apparently equivalent to using a jackhammer, and could cause me serious long-term hearing damage!
 
Glad my launch unit has been a whisper.

However if it does get loud, the fix seems simple enough for most, versus a reflow.
 
This is interesting and, perhaps, why I never have problems with PS4 noise. I guess mine has appropriate levels of thermal paste. The loudest thing in my entertainment system is the projector, and that's fairly quiet.
 
If your ps4 doesn't sound like this - then you probably have nothing to worry about.

Mine sounded like this OFTEN:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PLn8NtWAnmU


But in that video the phone is sitting directly on top of the PS4, which will introduce vibrations which will show a louder noise level.

You need to re-read deranged_666's post, especially
A tripod or mic stand to mount it onto, along with a shock mount of some type to reduce vibrations and handling noise
 
I got one off craigslist with a broken hdmi port. Fixing meant sending the mobo off to someone. I cleaned off the old paste and used arctic silver 5.Now It's no where near as loud as in that video.
The old paste seemed really dried up and caky though. Better pastes I've seen still tend to have a bit of...pasty-ness, I guess? Even after years of use on my older pcs.
 
Strange enough, I got the limited edition Playstation Anniversary PS4 and didn't see an uptick in sound from my launch model to that one. I even ran them side by side. I can't test it after months of use, as I gave away my launch PS4 to someone else on here. So it's possible my base levels are louder. But I never get that uptick in jet engine/hair dryer noise levels. My old 360 and PS3s had those issues, so I know what people are talking about.

Honestly, I'm now nervous that my PS4 will become loud as hell in a year or two. It happened with my last gen consoles, and with so many people already having these issues early on, well shit. Doesn't give me much hope for the future.



Me too, honestly. Although I keep seeing people saying they can't wait for the Slim model PS4 though. Why would a smaller version have less issues? I didn't get a slim PS3, but did slim PS3 version eliminate all sound problems?

So maybe it's not a size issue (especially if OP is right and it's a thermal paste problem).



Of course none is silent. I imagine various factors explain why some don't hear any noise at all (general house noises, such as fans, air conditioning etc. The distance people sit from their PS4. The set up of their home entertainment system such as ventilation).

But having an uptick of noise where it sounds like your fans are struggling. Where you get hair dryer levels. Where people say it's like a jet engine. That is something anyone would be able to hear and notice.
My fat PS3 never was loud even on it's dying year. But yeah, I have a PS1 PS4 too and considering the extra 100 dollars, I'm worried too. I haven't really played the PS4 much until recently but I'm wondering if this might be a blessing in disguise. Actually, I currently put my console in Rest Mode but I have no idea if this might effect the thermal paste, fan, etc. or not.

Yeah, I was actually shocked at the MS announcement. I have my Elite controller on pre-order alongside that Forza blue console. Controllers are damn important. It's literally how you interact with the game. I wish all companies offered a high end version.

So kudos to MS for doing that. I just find it frustrating as I love the PS4 on a design level. I even think it looks more aesthetically pleasing than the X1. I just wish the QC and materials were slightly better.
I noticed the black flacks on my thumb after playing Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition. That alone confirms the sad state of affairs of the DS4. Apparently, there isn't really any Third-Party controllers but I wonder if they're adapters that allow different controllers to be played on the PS4.
 
I noticed the black flacks on my thumb after playing Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition. That alone confirms the sad state of affairs of the DS4. Apparently, there isn't really any Third-Party controllers but I wonder if they're adapters that allow different controllers to be played on the PS4.

Simple xbox one thumbstick mod does the trick for me. There's a GAF thread for that.

If you want to use the x360 or x1 controller google Titan One. I have it - it works but it's $60.
 
mine it's way louder

It could be a matter of just disassembling it and cleaning it. I have the ps3 slim and it would get really loud. Doing the self clean mechanism (power plug/eject button) made it almost dead silent for many months.

The thing with thermal paste is that good thermal paste WILL absolutely keep cpu Temps down. Those few degrees can be the difference of how hard your fan spins.
 
Mines loud at times when playing Arkham knight when there are lots of enemies on screen but other than that it's not too bad

Bookmarking this thread for the future though just in case
 
Philly40 said:
But in that video the phone is sitting directly on top of the PS4, which will introduce vibrations which will show a louder noise level.
Unless he's listening to the PS4 with his ear against the machine and finds the noise problematic that way, it's not important.
It's a way to at least somewhat consistently compare across different machines. Mine peaks at 55dB measured the same way, which I already find obnoxiously loud, and if you see "quiet" PS4s measured the same way they peak around 42 or below (which fits with my own observations).
 
Simple xbox one thumbstick mod does the trick for me. There's a GAF thread for that.

If you want to use the x360 or x1 controller google Titan One. I have it - it works but it's $60.

What games are people seeing super loud PS4 fan noise on? I've tried Driveclub, TLOUR, Planetside 2, and Infamous and the loudest my PS4 gets is that it's barely audible from 3 feet away. In most games I have to put my hand behind it just to make sure the fan is still running...
 
What games are people seeing super loud PS4 fan noise on? I've tried Driveclub, TLOUR, Planetside 2, and Infamous and the loudest my PS4 gets is that it's barely audible from 3 feet away. In most games I have to put my hand behind it just to make sure the fan is still running...

Scroll up for the horror stories =)
 
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?

Yeah sorry, no pics available. Just sold the unit for spare parts through our version of craigslist.

He broke a cord, just like you, but unlike you; when using tweezers he managed to snap off some pieces of cable which fell into the mainboard. Did not get any image when putting it back together. It still worked though; since sound came through.

Anyhow;

Measured my own PS4 unit to sit around 70DB when watching Netflix, playing games. It drops to 63 at main menu idling. But 70DB is way too much for a good Netflix experience. I even plugged in the Apple TV again for Netflix, since the Xbox one has this horrendous stutter with EVERYTHING video-related.
 
Thanks for the tip.

My PS4 runs at about 115db.

Evo X in front of his PS4

maxell_get_blown_away-big.jpg
 
Crude test with a phone app

Phone is 2 inches from the PS4.

Idle on menu - 50dB
TLOU Menu - 54dB
TLOU Gameplay - 60dB
Return to menu after closing game - 50dB

Now, no one is sitting 2 inches away from their PS4, so those figures are in relative terms and more to give an example of the jump that can happen.

Depending on other factors, people may well experience 100dB readings, but 100dB is chainsaw levels. You need to be very conscience of how you are testing this. It, ideally, should be from where you are sitting playing, not on the PS4 or near it.
 
Crude test with a phone app

Phone is 2 inches from the PS4.

Idle on menu - 50dB
TLOU Menu - 54dB
TLOU Gameplay - 60dB
Return to menu after closing game - 50dB

Now, no one is sitting 2 inches away from their PS4, so those figures are in relative terms and more to give an example of the jump that can happen.

Depending on other factors, people may well experience 100dB readings, but 100dB is chainsaw levels. You need to be very conscience of how you are testing this. It, ideally, should be from where you are sitting playing, not on the PS4 or near it.

I get similar readings but on MGS:GZ title screen and Bloodborne gameplay.
 
My PS4 has been a bit loud lately at times. I've been playing mostly Witcher 3 (digital version) and after a long gaming session sometimes the fan will get loud. Hard to tell if I'm as loud, or louder than the video above because I've never cut off all other noise- but I can hear it over the game itself which is a bit problematic. I also play in a fairly cool basement, and the unit is sitting in the open, not enclosed.

I noticed just on a touch test, the back near the power supply is very hot. Where I'm always in rest mode, I wonder if it never gets a chance to completely cool down. I've had it completely powered off for the past few hours. Gonna play TW3 again and see if the fan kicks in high gear, and how long it takes if it does. Will report back.
 
My PS4 has been a bit loud lately at times. I've been playing mostly Witcher 3 (digital version) and after a long gaming session sometimes the fan will get loud. Hard to tell if I'm as loud, or louder than the video above because I've never cut off all other noise- but I can hear it over the game itself which is a bit problematic. I also play in a fairly cool basement, and the unit is sitting in the open, not enclosed.

I noticed just on a touch test, the back near the power supply is very hot. Where I'm always in rest mode, I wonder if it never gets a chance to completely cool down. I've had it completely powered off for the past few hours. Gonna play TW3 again and see if the fan kicks in high gear, and how long it takes if it does. Will report back.


I've noticed this too. My launch PS4 was really loud and eventually died, and the replacement was much, much quieter. However, I have noticed that The Witcher 3 (digital version) has started making the fans go a bit mental and its definitely louder than it had been until this point.

Having said that we've just had one of the hottest weeks on record (UK) so that may explain a thing or two.
 
Crude test with a phone app

Phone is 2 inches from the PS4.

Idle on menu - 50dB
TLOU Menu - 54dB
TLOU Gameplay - 60dB
Return to menu after closing game - 50dB

Now, no one is sitting 2 inches away from their PS4, so those figures are in relative terms and more to give an example of the jump that can happen.

Depending on other factors, people may well experience 100dB readings, but 100dB is chainsaw levels. You need to be very conscience of how you are testing this. It, ideally, should be from where you are sitting playing, not on the PS4 or near it.

How would you describe idle on menu and TLOUR gameplay?

I just downloaded a dB app and put the phone mic laying down right in front of the rear vents. Playing LBP3 it's hovering between 39-41. I would define this as a slight whirl.
 
I just send this thread to Sony of Europe over the phone because, once again, they where denying that there is anything wrong.

Answer; Sony has tested every console (yeah right) and uses only quality components. Thermal paste can only disappear or get cakey if you PLACE YOUR PS4 IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. Everyone in the thread has probably used it wrong in last weeks hot spell. According to this helpdesk guy.

Yes, this was the answer I got. What, the, hell. Now; they still want to charge 200 for taking a "look" at the unit. And won't budge at all when explained that in Europe you get 2 years of warranty. Just nope.

I guess I will be moving away from Sony products. Between this broken unit, some broken Vitas (that weren't repaired either) and Sony blatantly accusing me of hacking my own account and removing my PS4 as main console, this has been the last thing I can take. What a horrible company towards it's clients. My god. They keep on lying and denying.

I will probably try the cuh-1200 version whenever I spot it in a store, but that'll be their last chance to keep me as a customer. As someone who has had all Sony consoles, this is a painful decision, but it sadly has to be done.
 
What games are people seeing super loud PS4 fan noise on? I've tried Driveclub, TLOUR, Planetside 2, and Infamous and the loudest my PS4 gets is that it's barely audible from 3 feet away. In most games I have to put my hand behind it just to make sure the fan is still running...

I'm sure ambient room temperatures have a lot to do with this
 
My PS4 has been a bit loud lately at times. I've been playing mostly Witcher 3 (digital version) and after a long gaming session sometimes the fan will get loud. Hard to tell if I'm as loud, or louder than the video above because I've never cut off all other noise- but I can hear it over the game itself which is a bit problematic. I also play in a fairly cool basement, and the unit is sitting in the open, not enclosed.

I noticed just on a touch test, the back near the power supply is very hot. Where I'm always in rest mode, I wonder if it never gets a chance to completely cool down. I've had it completely powered off for the past few hours. Gonna play TW3 again and see if the fan kicks in high gear, and how long it takes if it does. Will report back.

Played the Witcher for almost 2 hours now. Fan got loud a few times, but quiet again. It's rather warm here so it may have something to do with it but I'm not sure. At least it's not constantly loud, and I can safely say it's not like in the video.

Still does anyone think it would be worthwhile to purchase the extended warranty offered on the PS store?
 
Anyone ever attempt to install one of those passive heatsinks? Just cut a hole in the top and let it poke out.

Might not look pretty but would keep it quiet
 
Anyone ever attempt to install one of those passive heatsinks? Just cut a hole in the top and let it poke out.

Might not look pretty but would keep it quiet

I've seen them as well as water cooled solutions. One of the key aspects of the ps4 is its size. It's somewhat of a feat to have that power in that package. For the posters saying it's a shoddy build - they're absolutely wrong.

With that being said - I would never do this. I feel like it disfigures the system. Some noise level is acceptable.
 
I've now added a half inch thick piece of corkboard for the conole to rest on. Same type of corkboard that's used for hot pots. The heat resistance is excellent and it keeps the surface under the console less hot than the normal surfaces it would rest on. Not sure if this does anything but better to have less heat than more. It looks cool too.
 
One thing I've done with my electronics that lie flat is go to the hardware store and buy some nice thick furniture pads. The small plastic button ones that have adhesive on them. Stick those on the bottom and it allows a lot more air underneath.
 
One thing I've done with my electronics that lie flat is go to the hardware store and buy some nice thick furniture pads. The small plastic button ones that have adhesive on them. Stick those on the bottom and it allows a lot more air underneath.

I do this with most electronics.
 
I have the white ps4 (destiny launch) and its whisper quiet. Although my disc drive started ejecting discs and I had to send it back for Sony to fix which they did for free.
 
Thanks for the heads up T.C... Guess Sony didn't learn from the PS3 solder fiasco...

What fiasco ? Ps3 and 360 chips were fabricated on 90 nm compared to 28 nm for ps4 ..guessing xbox1 as well. Also they ran hot and the solder used for both was lead free.

Apparently using lead was/is not allowed....care to explain you imaginary made up fiasco? My launch 60 gig unit still works flawlessly possibly due to maintenance. I open it every 18 months for cleanup and apply new thermal paste.
 
I have the white ps4 (destiny launch) and its whisper quiet. Although my disc drive started ejecting discs and I had to send it back for Sony to fix which they did for free.


Funny as my white Destiny PS4 was just as loud as the one posted in the video
The Evil Within would EASILY make it scream and I eventually got rid of the system all together.
Now in have a TLOU bundle system and it's still fucking loud.
 
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