PS4 Too Loud ? - How to Replace Your PS4 Thermal Paste

 

If your PS4 is too loud, especially during gameplay or when running intensive applications, it's often due to the console overheating. One effective solution to reduce overheating and noise is to replace the thermal paste. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace the thermal paste on your PS4: ### What You Will Need: - New thermal paste (high-quality thermal compound like Arctic Silver 5, Arctic MX-4, or similar) - Phillips screwdriver (typically size #1 or #2) - Flathead screwdriver or prying tool (for opening the PS4) - Cleaning cloth or paper towels - Isopropyl alcohol (at least 90% concentration) - Cotton swabs or Q-tips ### Steps to Replace PS4 Thermal Paste: #### 1. **Prepare Your Workspace:** - Turn off your PS4 completely and unplug all cables. - Place the PS4 on a clean, flat surface covered with a soft cloth or antistatic mat to prevent scratches. #### 2. **Open the PS4:** - Remove the glossy panel on the top of the PS4 by applying gentle pressure near the seam and lifting it off. - Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screws securing the bottom cover of the PS4. - Carefully lift off the bottom cover to access the internal components. #### 3. **Accessing the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit):** - Locate the main circuit board where the APU is housed. This is the large chip under the heatsink/fan assembly. #### 4. **Removing the Heatsink:** - Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screws securing the heatsink to the motherboard. - Gently lift the heatsink off the APU. There may be thermal pads on other components; carefully detach them without tearing. #### 5. **Cleaning Old Thermal Paste:** - Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the old thermal paste from both the APU and heatsink. - Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging any components. #### 6. **Applying New Thermal Paste:** - Apply a small, pea-sized amount of new thermal paste onto the center of the APU (CPU/GPU). - Spread the thermal paste evenly using a clean, flat surface (like a plastic card) or a gloved finger. Ensure it covers the entire surface without over-applying. #### 7. **Reassembling the PS4:** - Carefully place the heatsink back onto the APU, ensuring it aligns properly with the screw holes. - Secure the heatsink with screws, tightening them in a diagonal pattern to ensure even pressure. - Reattach any thermal pads and components that were removed. #### 8. **Closing the PS4:** - Place the bottom cover back onto the PS4 and secure it with screws. - Reattach the glossy panel on the top of the PS4. #### 9. **Testing:** - Plug in all cables and power on your PS4. - Monitor the noise levels during gameplay or intensive tasks to see if the thermal paste replacement has reduced fan noise and overheating. ### Additional Tips: - **Avoid Over-Application:** Applying too much thermal paste can lead to inefficiencies or even short circuits. - **Regular Maintenance:** Consider cleaning the internal components and replacing thermal paste periodically, especially if your PS4 is several years old or experiences frequent overheating. By following these steps, you can effectively replace the thermal paste on your PS4 to reduce noise caused by overheating. Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and prolongs the lifespan of your console.