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Hair dryer level PS4 systems? Check thermal paste asap!

For whatever reason Rocket League makes my ps4 sounding a jet engine. Might look into this.

Android app: Sound Meter

Closed room - 2nd floor residential apt.
No appliances on: 21dB

Phone microphone facing and touching the back of the system underneath the HDMI input

System on desktop: 33dB

Launch game and in main menu: 57dB (2 minutes)

Launch single player game: 50dB (3 minutes)

Close application: 33dB (7 seconds)

This does get the fans going for sure.

Just for some reference I'm getting a good 49dB playing CoD:AW campaign map Terminus, New Baghdad Iraq (final mission).
 
I read somewhere today that that game (especially when in the menus) is causing ps4's to HUMMM. This was a beta issue (I think) but it still persists.

its a developer issue. They're not limiting frame rendering correctly so menus basically turn into stress tests for the ps4. There have been pc games that have the same problem but it typically gets patched or you can manually work around it. For whatever reason it gets ignored on ps4.
 
Im gonna do this for sure. These consoles are just mini pc's really and i take my pc apart all the time.

Probably needs a good clean anyway. Can see dust galore in the vents lol.
 
Guys; is it possible to use discs in the PS4 when using the console upside down? It's the only way I can get rid of the annoying sounds.
 
So I opened up my PS4 and cleaned it & applied new thermal paste but it's still just as loud. Also the fan still takes about 5 minutes to turn down after going into Rest Mode.

Is there anything else I can do? Should I crack it open again and try to reapply the thermal paste? Should I replace the thermal pads as well?
 
So I opened up my PS4 and cleaned it & applied new thermal paste but it's still just as loud. Also the fan still takes about 5 minutes to turn down after going into Rest Mode.

Is there anything else I can do? Should I crack it open again and try to reapply the thermal paste? Should I replace the thermal pads as well?

Did you use the spread method and have you adjusted the pressure plate so that it does touch the apu? I know that when the metal doesn't touch the apu properly it doesn't help at all. Also: did you use a good brand of paste and did you dust the console? If it's still as loud there may be something wrong with the power supply. Depends on where the hot air comes from.

Last thing: maybe the paste has to cure first. So please wait a while before opening it up again.
 
Did you use the spread method and have you adjusted the pressure plate so that it does touch the apu? I know that when the metal doesn't touch the apu properly it doesn't help at all. Also: did you use a good brand of paste and did you dust the console? If it's still as loud there may be something wrong with the power supply. Depends on where the hot air comes from.

Last thing: maybe the paste has to cure first. So please wait a while before opening it up again.

Thanks for the reply!

I used the dot method instead of spreading it over the chip myself. As for the paste, I used MX4. Also I did dust it out as best I could. I'm pretty sure I screwed the pressure plate on tight, but I could be wrong.

Maybe I'll give it a week and see if it changes. If not perhaps I should try the spread method?
 
Good 'ole thermal paste. I've probably re-applied that stuff every other year to both my CPU and GPU in my PC. Seems like it's always the first culprit when shit acts up.

On a side note, after having gone through multiple PS1s and PS2s back in the day for shitty hardware, my '07 fatty PS3 is still kicking good as day 1 (..fully plan on jinxing it and seeing it die this weekend).
 
So I opened up my PS4 and cleaned it & applied new thermal paste but it's still just as loud. Also the fan still takes about 5 minutes to turn down after going into Rest Mode.

Is there anything else I can do? Should I crack it open again and try to reapply the thermal paste? Should I replace the thermal pads as well?

it was the same for me, replacing the thermal paste with arctic silver didn´t help much. so i ordered a new internal fan (cost about 30€) and replaced mine and it´s a lot better now.
 
I actually replaced the motherboard of my broken PS4

It now works just fine (though i lost teh Blu ray function)

I installed new thermal paste (mid grade) and the noise level varies depending on the game I am playing

it was the same for me, replacing the thermal paste with arctic silver didn´t help much. so i ordered a new internal fan (cost about 30€) and replaced mine and it´s a lot better now.

Might be something to this

Fans are dirt cheap on ebay. PS4 is ridiculously easy to disassemble and work on.
 
Another thing.......does anyone let their PS4 cool down before shutting it off? Doing that immediately after playing a game is not a good idea i would think. The temperature would still be high when you turn it off. I always let it sit for 5 minutes until the fan goes into into its lowest speed.
 
Good 'ole thermal paste. I've probably re-applied that stuff every other year to both my CPU and GPU in my PC. Seems like it's always the first culprit when shit acts up.

Seriously, what the hell are you people doing with the paste that requires it being reapplied so often. I've never had thermal issues after a correct application that required redoing it - even years down the line.
 
Thanks for the reply!

I used the dot method instead of spreading it over the chip myself. As for the paste, I used MX4. Also I did dust it out as best I could. I'm pretty sure I screwed the pressure plate on tight, but I could be wrong.

Maybe I'll give it a week and see if it changes. If not perhaps I should try the spread method?

If I'm not mistaken I think the dot method needs a few days to spread over the chip. But I think the spread method works better.

The reply about a new fan is also a good suggestion, if the switch of thermal paste doesn't work for me I'm going to order one of those. (Although I'm not doing it myself because I always break my stuff)
 
Wouldn't it be a good idea for posters here to maybe post a video of how their PlayStation sounds? The guys who have loud ones and the guys who don't? Maybe try it with different games too and compare. I'm always hearing stories but would love to be able to actually see and hear what people are describing.
 
Well, i opened up my PS4 to apply thermal paste and now the eject/power buttons are non responsive, the console boots up maybe 50% of the time, and the fans just keep roaring louder and louder until i have to just pull the plug out of the socket incase it takes off into orbit.

I'm quite handy when it comes to fixing electrical things, not a lumbering oaf pulling out all the wires, so i really dont know what has gone wrong here, i was being super careful :/
 
Just a few notes from my experiences:

1. I tried flipping the console upside down - in all actuality it makes sense as the mobo and cooling are upside down. However - I didn't notice any decrease in Rocket League while in game and fans working. Although that game is louder than AW (campaign), MGS:GZ, PT.

2. From what i've read Artic MX-4 doesn't have any activation time (meaning you don't have to have a certain number of power cycles before it kicks in). I used the pea method and was generous. i actually had to open up the machine again and lift the metal plate - i can tell you that mine spread after making contact.

3. In the US - those ebay fans are $16. I'm skeptical about them but wanted to actually get one to see if you can someone mod the fan itself. I remember using some really robust exhaust fans on my pc and the plastic used was a-grade. The sony fan is really puny in comparison and the plastics seem really chintzy - especially the rim around the blade. I wonder how much vibration it creates.
 
Well, i opened up my PS4 to apply thermal paste and now the eject/power buttons are non responsive, the console boots up maybe 50% of the time, and the fans just keep roaring louder and louder until i have to just pull the plug out of the socket incase it takes off into orbit.

I'm quite handy when it comes to fixing electrical things, not a lumbering oaf pulling out all the wires, so i really dont know what has gone wrong here, i was being super careful :/

You should take it apart and put it together again. Unlike you - i was a lumbering oaf and accidentally yanked the fan lead wires to the motherboard out of it's harness seated on the mobo. The three lead wires were all exposed. I had to shove them back in and use electric tape nicely cut to wrap over them and keep them in place. It all worked in the end. I had to take it apart twice though because of a simple routing mistake with the mobo/power supplier connector. I can take that thing completely apart in less than 7-10 minutes now.
 
2. From what i've read Artic MX-4 doesn't have any activation time (meaning you don't have to have a certain number of power cycles before it kicks in). I used the pea method and was generous. i actually had to open up the machine again and lift the metal plate - i can tell you that mine spread after making contact.

My system wasn't too loud, and when I tried Arctic Silver 5, I really didnt notice a difference. A couple of months later I tried MX-4 later and it did seem to better job. It's also easier to work with than AS5.
 
Just an FYI to anyone re-applying thermal paste: it is very easy to put too much on. In fact, most probably overdo it thinking more is better.

What you want is a thin, evenly applied layer.
 
This is how mine looked like after 15 months of use in dusty environment.

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The thermal paste had completely hardened up like PoP, I was surprised it even ran in that condition. After cleaning up and applying new thermal paste its been running quite smooth and silent so far.
 
I have sent my PS4 to an Apple repair centre. They have never seen a PS4 before and will deliver it back to me on wedsnesday after a thorough check-up and clean-up. Maybe I should invest in these skills myself some day. But this feels good.
 
So I opened up my PS4 and cleaned it & applied new thermal paste but it's still just as loud. Also the fan still takes about 5 minutes to turn down after going into Rest Mode.
The Rest Mode thing is normal. In fact, I think they added it to the system in an update, it helps the system cool down after shutdown instead of killing the fan while the components may still be hot. That said, it shouldn't be loud in any event, so I'm not sure what else is going on.. I can hear mine still going in Rest Mode, but only if I lean down next to it.. I managed to get one of the quiet systems at launch, it seems.
 
Good 'ole thermal paste. I've probably re-applied that stuff every other year to both my CPU and GPU in my PC. Seems like it's always the first culprit when shit acts up.

On a side note, after having gone through multiple PS1s and PS2s back in the day for shitty hardware, my '07 fatty PS3 is still kicking good as day 1 (..fully plan on jinxing it and seeing it die this weekend).

Are you serious? I work for a chip maker and I can tell you that this is abnormal.
 
My PS4 just reached some all time highs in noise levels. It has always been really loud, but this was on a whole other level. I honestly didn't know it could physically reach the levels that it just did. It got so loud that it woke up my dog, he jerked up and looked startled over at the system, and then looked back at me with the biggest "WTF is happening" look he has ever given me. He then looked back at the system for a moment, sighed, got up and walked out of the room. This shit is absurd.
 
My PS4 just reached some all time highs in noise levels. It has always been really loud, but this was on a whole other level. I honestly didn't know it could physically reach the levels that it just did. It got so loud that it woke up my dog, he jerked up and looked startled over at the system, and then looked back at me with the biggest "WTF is happening" look he has ever given me. He then looked back at the system for a moment, sighed, got up and walked out of the room. This shit is absurd.

Your machine probably needs a good dusting.
 
My PS4 just reached some all time highs in noise levels. It has always been really loud, but this was on a whole other level. I honestly didn't know it could physically reach the levels that it just did. It got so loud that it woke up my dog, he jerked up and looked startled over at the system, and then looked back at me with the biggest "WTF is happening" look he has ever given me. He then looked back at the system for a moment, sighed, got up and walked out of the room. This shit is absurd.

Currently sitting in an intermission at a Train concert. Confirmed... PS4 is louder than this. But seriously... This is obviously a common issue. just because the system isn't "failing" this type of thing is acceptable to Sony.
 
Some people here seem to have the wrong idea about thermal paste - it's SUPPOSED to get dry and harden over time. You're also supposed to apply a very thin layer or a small line because it's only meant to fill the tiny gaps and imperfections between the chip and heatsink surfaces. Also, a good paste lasts at least 8 years or more - more than the average lifespan of a computer.
 
shiiiiiit i just got a ps4 last week and now it's doing this. i was hoping getting a later one in the production line would avoid it. :(
 
shiiiiiit i just got a ps4 last week and now it's doing this. i was hoping getting a later one in the production line would avoid it. :(

What game is causing it? If it's Rocket League, it's probably just because of that game, my PS4 is pretty quiet with everything but that, after about half an hour on it to day it sounded like it was about to take off.
 
So I called the Sony Customer service (NZ) and told them my console was super noisy. The guy didn't even really ask any questions (apart from my name and other personal details) and just told me to send it for a replacement.

I'll do that today after backing up my saves (you can just copy them to a usb drive right?). I really hope they replace it quickly. I want it back for MGSV.

Edit: Just sent it. It's my first time sending a console back so hopefully it all goes smoothly and I didn't forget anything.
 
So my launch PS4 used to be really fucking loud, in a way, that I had to turn the volume of my speakers all the way up or use headphones in order to enjoy playing games. Like hair dryer loud, just a real bummer overall. Since I'm out of warranty, i decided to open the thing and see what a fresh batch of thermal paste could achieve. After following one of the guides on Youtube I got it open and decided to check out if there was any dust in the heat sink. To my surprise i discovered a big amount of dust which I carefully removed. Afterwards I reapplied the thermal paste (pea method) and put the system back together. In this process I tried another thing to make my PS4 quieter. I got the idea for this in a forum a I found through google:http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php/758144-Arctic-Silver-5-PS4 . Basically I put a copper coin under the preassure bracket of the PS4 to apply some tension and to prevent too much space between chip and heat sink. After everything was back together I started up the main menu of Rocket League (which is known to make the PS4 go wild) and it stayed super calm! I fired up Witcher 3 and got the same results! I can hear the fan spinning when i mute my speakers but even then it's not annoying and doesn't bother me at all. To be frank I'm not sure which one the steps i described led to these results or if it's a combination of all of them but I'm just super happy that I can enjoy my PS4 again.
 
So my launch PS4 used to be really fucking loud, in a way, that I had to turn the volume of my speakers all the way up or use headphones in order to enjoy playing games. Like hair dryer loud, just a real bummer overall. Since I'm out of warranty, i decided to open the thing and see what a fresh batch of thermal paste could achieve. After following one of the guides on Youtube I got it open and decided to check out if there was any dust in the heat sink. To my surprise i discovered a big amount of dust which I carefully removed. Afterwards I reapplied the thermal paste (pea method) and put the system back together. In this process I tried another thing to make my PS4 quieter. I got the idea for this in a forum a I found through google:http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php/758144-Arctic-Silver-5-PS4 . Basically I put a copper coin under the preassure bracket of the PS4 to apply some tension and to prevent too much space between chip and heat sink. After everything was back together I started up the main menu of Rocket League (which is known to make the PS4 go wild) and it stayed super calm! I fired up Witcher 3 and got the same results! I can hear the fan spinning when i mute my speakers but even then it's not annoying and doesn't bother me at all. To be frank I'm not sure which one the steps i described led to these results or if it's a combination of all of them but I'm just super happy that I can enjoy my PS4 again.

When you say "under the prrssure bracket", is that the one metal piece that is held on with 2 screws? The coin isn't actually touching the chip, right? They said to use a 20mmx20mm pure copper shim if it's actually touching the chip.
 
My PS4 is also very loud (and the controller still squeaks when I press the R2 trigger).
Great games for this console, but the build quality is awful.

Where I live, it is obscenely hot in the summer (30C at night and 35C in the daytime) so I basically never turn my consoles on until the ambient temperature gets back to something reasonable. Still, the PS4 is loud even in the winter months.

You would think they had learned something after all the heat-related failures of PS3s.
 
Damn, Sony's customer service is amazing.

I sent my console in on Monday at 3:30pm. They received it on Tuesday at 8am, and I got a replacement unit just 10 minutes ago (Wednesday 11am).

It looks brand new, it's not scratched at all. The only annoying thing is that I used my PS4 box to send it in but they only sent me back a plain cardboard box. That's going to hurt the resale value of the console.

I'll download Ground Zeroes and give it a stress test, hopefully it's quieter.

Edit: So I played Ground Zeroes for a bit and it's a bit better. It's still a loud console (louder than 360, PS3 and Wii U) but it doesn't go full jet engine. I don't think I believe people that say they have consoles that are actually quiet.
 
It probably depends on what other noises are happening and how close they are sitting - certainly when I first got my 20th anniversary PS4 it was really quiet (I had to listen specifically for it) but now I hear it as soon as it's on.

I wonder how long yours will last until it gets noisey again - unless of course the refurbs have had the paste re-applied better.
 
I had my balls up my throat just changing the PS4 HDD. I'd die of a heart attack if I had to open my PS4.

Fortunately mine is silent as hell, so there should be no need to access its innards.
 
I've changed the thermal paste to Arctic Silver MX4 and it's still as loud as before.

And I know it can be much quieter because it was much quieter and used less power (because the fan never spun this high) until quite recently.

And it isn't the first summer for the device either.
 
I've changed the thermal paste to Arctic Silver MX4 and it's still as loud as before.

And I know it can be much quieter because it was much quieter and used less power (because the fan never spun this high) until quite recently.

And it isn't the first summer for the device either.

Did you dust the entire system (heat sink, fan, etc.)?
 
Did you dust the entire system (heat sink, fan, etc.)?
Yeah, looked pretty clean after I was done with it.

But maybe the thermal paste wasn't applied that great. It's a tight fit to get it all put back together without separating the heatsink from the chip again when putting it back together.
(Maybe I should first affix those two screws main screws on top of the SoC and then try to fit it back together instead of doing it in the order I did.)
 
Mine is only loud when I close the door to my entertainment center. When it's open, it cools down pretty quickly.

But I've done this with my PS3 and I'm sure I can add some paste to my PS4 within an hour if I needed to. It's probably no different than doing it on a laptop, which I've done hundreds of times.
 
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