The Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4) is one of the most popular gaming consoles globally, renowned for its ability to deliver a superior and immersive gaming experience. However, it is not uncommon for users to encounter a rather disturbing problem – the PS4 getting excessively loud.
But what makes the PS4 fan so loud?
The main reason why your PS4 fan is loud is dust. It’s impossible to make your PS4 dustproof. Cleaning the outside doesn’t prevent dust in the air from getting into your gaming console. The more dust accumulates inside the gaming console, the noiser the PS4 becomes.
In this guide, I’ll be showing different reasons on how to fix ps4 loud fan. Let’s get started.
Why Is Ps4 Fan So Loud?
If your PS4 console is overheated, the fan will likely spin and become notably more noisy than usual. Remove whatever objects are on or around the PS4 console. Then, wait a little while and see if the device cools and becomes silent. Simply leave adequate space around the rear and sides of the PS4 for airflow.
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Overheating | The PS4 has an in-built fan system to prevent overheating. However, when it gets too hot, the fan has to work harder, causing the noise. |
| Dust Accumulation | Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside your console, obstructing the fan’s smooth operation, leading to noise. |
There are a few potential reasons why your PS4’s fan might be running loudly. The most common reason is that the console is overworking itself trying to cool down. If you’re playing a game that is particularly demanding, or if you have several applications open at once, your PS4 will have to work harder to keep everything running smoothly. This can cause the fan to run louder than usual in order to keep the console from overheating.
Another possibility is that there is something blocking the fan’s vents, preventing it from working properly. This could be dust buildup, or even something as simple as a loose screw. If you suspect this might be the case, try taking a look inside your console and seeing if you can spot anything blocking the fan.
Finally, it’s possible that your PS4’s fan is simply defective and needs to be replaced. If you’ve ruled out all other potential causes, this is likely the problem. Fortunately, replacing the fan is a relatively simple process that you can do yourself with a few tools.
If your PS4’s fan is loud and you’re not sure why, don’t panic. There are a few potential causes and solutions. With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to figure out what’s causing the problem and get your console running quietly again in no time.
Below are different ways you can fix ps4 loud fan so that you can be able to enjoy the smooth gaming experience.
Identify the source of the noise
Because you can start to fix anything, you’ll first need to identify the source of the noise problem.
Just a recap, here are the possible causes of noise in your Ps4 console:
- Old/broken ps4
- Failing hard drive
- Cooling fan
Listen to the nature of the sound and try to figure out where it’s coming from. If the source of the noise is the fan, you’ll notice the following: The console will frequently overheat and, at times, shut down.
Rattling noises could be a result of loose parts that need tightening or replacement if broken. Whining noise is an indicator of a failing hard disk.
Now that you’re aware of the possible sources of the noise problem, it’s time to learn how to fix them.
Place your PS4 in a ventilated area
Your PS4 needs to be able to breathe, so make sure it’s in a well-ventilated space. If it’s too hot, the fan will kick into overdrive and become noisy.
Make sure there is plenty of airflow around the console, and don’t put it in an enclosed space. If your console does overheat, it could damage the internal components and shorten its lifespan.
You should also avoid putting your PS4 in direct sunlight, as this can also cause it to overheat. If you’re worried about your console overheating, consider investing in a cooling stand or other similar accessory. This will help ensure that your PS4 stays at a safe temperature, even during long gaming sessions.
Try a can of compressed air on PS4
If your PS4 is starting to act up, one of the first things you can try is a can of compressed air. Compressed air will help to clean out any dust or dirt that may be clogging up the system, and it’s easy to do.
Just make sure that you’re using a can of compressed air that’s specifically designed for electronics, and not just any old can of compressed air.
Also, be sure to hold the can upright so that the air doesn’t come out too forcefully and damage the system.
If your PS4 is still having issues after trying a can of compressed air, then you may need to take it in for repairs. But before you do that, you should try some other troubleshooting steps first.
For example, if your PS4 is having trouble reading discs, then you can try cleaning the disc drive with a soft cloth. If that doesn’t work, then you may need to get a new disc drive.
If your PS4 is still having issues after trying all of these troubleshooting steps, then it’s time to take it in for repairs. You can either take it to a local gaming store or send it off to Sony for repairs. Either way, you’ll probably have to pay for the repairs, so be prepared for that.
Place your PS4 console in a vertical position
Commonly, we place our gaming console, either PS4 or PS3 horizontally. However, if you place it in an upright position, it can help eliminate some noise and heat problems on your console.
Give this method a try and see if your console will become cooler and quiet.
If the above hacks don’t seem to work, it’s time to try and solve the noise problem from the inside.
The process described below involves opening your gaming console and may require the help of a professional if you’re not handy enough.
Turn off Boost Mode
One of the most common complaints about the PS4 is that it can get quite loud – especially when you’re playing games in Boost Mode.
Boost Mode is a feature that was introduced with the PS4 Pro. It’s designed to improve performance, but it can also make your console louder.
If you’re not using your PS4 Pro for 4K gaming, you can turn off Boost Mode. Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings. From there, set the “Output to Headphones” option to “Off.”
Open your Ps4 and clean it out
Disclaimer: if you proceed with this step, you will lose your PS4 warranty. Therefore, if your PS4 is new or just within the 1-year warranty, send it to Sony or a certified dealership.
If the can of compressed air doesn’t seem to do the trick, it’s time to do a deep clean. Here’s what you should do:
- #1. Use a T9 or T8 Torx like TECKMAN 10 in 1 Torx Screwdriver Set to remove the screws. If you don’t have one at hand, click on the link, and you’ll be redirected to Amazon.
- #2. Remove all the 4 screws at the back of the ps4 gaming console. Open the gadget, and you should be able to see the fan.
- #3. You can wipe clean the dust covering the fan using a clean piece of clothing or a can of compressed air.
You can also spray compressed air to other dusty components of your PS4 as well to ensure a smoother gaming operation.
- #4. When you’re done cleaning, place everything back into place and screw back all the screws. Turn On your PS4 and enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
- Soundproof Gaming Room DIY Complete Guide
Use Vacuum Cleaner
Using a vacuum cleaner is one of the most effective methods for removing dust on the vents. While there are claims on the internet that Sony advises this, there is no mention in the user guide. However, using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dirt on the cooling vents is practically safe.
The accumulation of dust can hinder the flow of air that flows into and out of the ps4 console, preventing it from cooling itself effectively.
It’s important to note that cleaning your PS4 with a vacuum cleaner will only eliminate the dust accumulated on the fans and vents. The vacuum cleaner won’t remove dirt accumulation in the heat sink. In some cases, the dust accumulated in the heat sink will only move and block the airway of the heat sink and fan, making the console hotter than ever.
Clean the Heat Sink and Replace Thermal Paste
Cleaning the heat sink will help with overheating and noise. Heat sink is designed to take in heat from the CPU and then distribute it away from the components. Heat dissipation is made possible by the fins on the heat sink, which increase the surface area during heat transfer. To maximize cooling, a heat sink must have a good contact with the thermal paste. 
Thermal paste has only one purpose. The paste serves the purpose of transferring heat from the console APU straight to the heatsink. The central processing units (CPUs) in pcs, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices generate heat. If they weren’t cooled, they would inevitably self-combust. Similar to an antifreeze (coolant) in a car. Its sole purpose is to heat transfer.
How does the PS4 cooling system work?
The PS4 is built around a semi-custom Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) developed by AMD. The APU combines a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU) on a single chip. The CPU consists of an eight-core x86-64 AMD Jaguar processor, while the GPU is based on AMD’s Radeon technology. This architecture allows for efficient processing of both gaming and multimedia tasks.
One of the key challenges in designing a gaming console like the PS4 is managing heat generated by the system. High-performance processors and graphics chips generate a significant amount of heat during operation, and if not properly managed, it can lead to overheating and potential damage to the hardware.
To address this, the PS4 employs a sophisticated cooling system. It includes a combination of a large internal cooling fan, heat sinks, and a carefully designed airflow system. The internal fan helps circulate cool air into the console while expelling hot air generated by the components. Heat sinks are used to draw heat away from critical components, such as the CPU and GPU, and dissipate it into the surrounding air.
The PS4 also features sensors that monitor the internal temperature of the console. If the temperature reaches a certain threshold, the fan speed can be increased to provide additional cooling. This helps maintain the system within safe operating temperatures and prevents overheating.
Proper cooling is crucial for the longevity and performance of the PS4. It allows the console to operate at optimal speeds and ensures that the hardware components are not subjected to excessive heat stress. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the vents and keeping the console in a well-ventilated area, can also help in maintaining effective cooling.
How do you make PS4 quieter without taking it apart?
- Positioning: Ensure your PS4 is in an open area to improve ventilation. Keep it away from walls and other objects that may restrict airflow. It should be on a flat surface so all the vents are unblocked. The more ventilation your PS4 has, the less it will have to work to cool itself down, resulting in less fan noise.
- Cleaning: Use compressed air to clean out dust from the vents, which can cause the console to overheat and the fan to run more loudly. Make sure the console is turned off and unplugged before doing this.
- Reducing workload: Try to reduce the workload on the PS4 when possible. For example, quit games and apps when you’re not using them, and avoid running demanding games for extended periods. If possible, limit the frame rate in your games to reduce the strain on your console.
- Software Update: Ensure your PS4’s software is up-to-date. Some updates can make the system run more efficiently, reducing the need for fan speed.
- Invest in a cooling stand or pad: There are cooling stands and pads available on the market designed to aid the PS4’s ventilation and cool it down. However, these can be hit-or-miss, so do your research before purchasing one.
- Limit playing time: Lengthy gaming sessions will heat up your PS4 and cause the fan to work harder. Taking breaks can help cool down your PS4.
- Avoiding stacking other devices: Don’t place your PS4 under other electronic devices such as a DVD player or amplifier, and certainly not under another game console. Heat from these devices can raise the ambient temperature and make the PS4 hotter.
Final Thoughts
A loud PS4 can be a distraction and a dampener to your gaming experience. However, it’s usually a simple issue to fix, often related to dust accumulation or overheating.
By ensuring proper ventilation, regularly cleaning your PS4, or even replacing the fan, you can bring the noise levels down and get back to enjoying your favorite games. Just remember, if you feel uncomfortable doing these procedures, you can always seek professional help. Happy gaming!
References:
- https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-PlayStation-4
- https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/PlayStation+4+Thermal+Paste+Replacement/139167
- https://cleanerstalk.com/is-it-safe-to-vacuum-ps4/#t-1618038040283
- https://www.reddit.com/r/PS4/comments/i2gzky/is_there_a_way_to_clean_ps4_heatsink_without/
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.