Console Technician Unveils Innovative Grooved PS5 Pro Heatsink Design to Prevent Solder Paste Leakage

Sony’s latest PlayStation 5 Pro introduces an intriguing modification to its heatsink design that’s quietly making waves. The well-known console repair expert on YouTube, TronicsFix, has unveiled that the PS5 Pro’s heatsink flaunts a distinctive rectangular spiral pattern, a subtle departure from the typical smooth surface we’ve come to expect.

In his analysis, TronicsFix suggests that this intentional design tweak aims to mitigate dry spots and surface oxidation that can occur when liquid metal thermal interface material migrates across the heatsink. This unique pattern might also slightly increase the contact surface area, enhancing overall thermal performance.

Anyone who has experimented with liquid metal knows it can be tricky to manage, as it tends to gather in pools and is prone to moving beyond the intended area, posing a risk to the surrounding components. To address this, systems utilizing liquid metal heatsinks often incorporate a seal or barrier around the heatsink. This prevents the conductive liquid metal from escaping and potentially damaging other parts of the system.

Additionally, TronicsFix points out that the movement of liquid metal can be more pronounced in PlayStation systems that operate in a vertical position. His insights come from considerable hands-on experience with numerous PS5 and other console repairs, lending credibility to his observations.

Sony’s choice to use these spiral grooves with the AMD APU is fascinating, particularly since it somewhat contradicts conventional wisdom in cooling systems, where a polished and flat surface is traditionally the goal. Overclocking enthusiasts often meticulously ensure their heatsinks are mirror-like, but the advent of liquid metal has altered the dynamics. Sony likely conducted extensive A/B testing, comparing this new heatsink design with a conventional smooth one, and found the change advantageous enough to implement.

Considering the PS5 Pro’s enhanced power, especially with its significantly more robust GPU, these heatsink grooves likely play a role in preventing thermal throttling, ensuring the console maintains optimal performance.

The PS5 Pro made its public debut in early September, but it wasn’t until recently that it hit store shelves. Enthusiasts and experts are still dissecting the console’s new features, though the bulk of its technical advancements were shared by lead architect Mark Cerny during a live stream at launch.