A Closer Look at the Most Advanced PlayStation Console Yet – PlayStation.Blog

The PlayStation 5 Pro stands as the pinnacle of gaming innovation in the PlayStation lineup, ushering in an era of elevated gaming experiences with its enhanced GPU, cutting-edge ray tracing capabilities, and the revolutionary PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). This AI-driven upscaling technology pushes the envelope of image clarity and high-framerate gameplay. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the console’s internal architecture with valuable insights from Sony Interactive Entertainment engineers Shinya Tsuchida, the Mechanical Design Lead for PS5 Pro, and Shinya Hiromitsu, the Electrical Design Lead.

In this discussion, for clarity, we will refer to the PlayStation models as follows: the 2020 PS5 as the “original PS5,” the 2023 version as the “current PS5,” and the newly launched 2024 version as the “PS5 Pro.”

Please bear in mind that trying this at home poses risks of fires, electric shock, or other injuries. Disassembling your console will also void any warranty.

Moving onto the exterior design of the PS5 Pro, Tsuchida explains its need for effective cooling due to its high performance. The console features three distinct horizontal slits—these serve as new airflow channels absent in previous models, ingeniously dubbing them “blades.” This addition not only boosts airflow but also enhances the console’s design aesthetic.

Design comparisons show the PS5 Pro’s distinctive look, complete with its new ventilation system, while maintaining a slight reduction in size from the original PS5.

The innovative inclusion of “louvers,” nestled between the main unit and cover, plays a dual role in both design and functionality. These structures mitigate fan noise directed towards users, enhancing the gameplay experience by keeping distractions to a minimum.

Taking a look at the console’s rear, important changes have been made to enhance airflow efficiency. Tsuchida highlights the strategic positioning of input and output ports. While the power button remains conveniently at the base to ensure accessibility, USB, HDMI, and LAN ports are positioned higher. This decision accommodates the PS5 Pro’s denser circuit design, contributing to its overall improved functionality.

When it comes to disassembly, starting from the top, the PS5 Pro continues to provide user-friendly features like a dust catcher and an M.2 SSD slot. Thoughtful details, like a securely attached battery screw, prevent accidental losses or mishaps.

The console’s cooling needs are addressed with a newly designed fan—larger and optimized for efficient airflow without increased noise levels. Despite having the same number of blades as previous models, the PS5 Pro’s fan is fine-tuned for quieter operation, taking into account the unique demands of a gaming console.

Inside the cabinet, metal shields secured by numerous screws suppress electromagnetic noise. This strategic placement ensures interference with nearby electronics is minimized.

The PS5 Pro’s motherboard represents a significant evolution with its integration of liquid metal for superior thermal management. This larger, more complex board accommodates a new position for the fan and optimizes input/output arrangements, thanks to additional circuit layers.

With its enhanced SoC at the center, the PS5 Pro delivers superior graphics and rapid, AI-boosted gameplay. The motherboard design, with additional DDR5 memory, separates processing tasks and optimizes the gaming experience without sacrificing performance.

The use of liquid metal, an element carried over from previous models, continues to play a crucial role in maintaining chip temperatures. Improvements in PS5 Pro include refined application grooves that ensure stable cooling, anticipating future semiconductor advancements.

This brings us to the larger, more powerful power supply unit—a tailor-made piece to fit snugly within the console’s chassis while showing discreet design details that facilitate correct installation.

Integral to the Pro’s thermal management is its carefully placed heat sink, with added heat pipes and strategic cooling fin placement that maximizes heat dissipation.

In the connectivity department, the PS5 Pro becomes an early adopter of Wi-Fi 7, despite the challenges faced during its development phase. This move underscores Sony’s commitment to future-proof technology, assuring cutting-edge connectivity on a global scale.

In wrapping this up, the PS5 Pro’s architecture reveals a meticulous orchestration of components, each playing a critical role in delivering the breathtaking graphics and seamless gameplay that elevate it to the forefront of gaming technology.