A Kickstarter initiative is making waves with its promise of a PlayStation 5 cooling system designed to combat overheating and prevent rear I/O ports from melting. At the time of writing, the campaign had already raised $89,000 and is aiming for a stretch goal of $125,000. The cooling accessory starts at a price of $39.
Called the Arctic PS5 cooler, this gadget claims to be the world’s first AI-driven PS5 cooling solution. It’s essentially a clip-on vent that attaches directly to the rear exhaust of Sony’s PS5 console. The core functionality is delivered via four or six fans that work actively to manage heat levels. The unit is powered through a single USB port and even includes a pass-through USB port so you don’t lose any connectivity options on your console.
SCRY, the masterminds behind this Kickstarter, have introduced three distinct models tailored to different PS5 versions: the original (nicknamed the “fat” model by SCRY), the PS5 Slim, and the recently introduced PS5 Pro. Both the Pro and Slim versions include a configuration of four fans, arranged with three at the top and one at the bottom. Meanwhile, the “fat” version is equipped with six fans to enhance cooling performance.
Prominently featured on their Kickstarter page, SCRY boasts of “smart thermal AI” technology that modulates fan speed based on the console’s internal temperatures. However, it’s not entirely clear how this system differs from the fan-speed control mechanisms that have been a mainstay in PCs for years. Apparently, once the PS5 hits 50°C, the fans accelerate to their maximum speed to ensure optimal cooling.
According to SCRY, this new cooling system cuts the PS5’s temperature by 30% compared to standard operation, reducing from a peak of 64°C to 55°C. Thermal imaging provided on their site indicates a 9-degree Celsius reduction at the hottest spot, which is the ethernet port at the rear of the PS5 chassis.
These cooling solutions aim to mitigate any potential overheating problems that Sony’s latest gaming console might encounter. Last year, there were murmurs about overheating issues in several games, including Final Fantasy XVI, with occasional reports of the console becoming so hot that some rear connectors were at risk of melting.
Beyond the PS5 coolers, SCRY is also showcasing a Gen 4 M.2 SSD equipped with a heatsink as part of their Kickstarter offerings.
Their main page highlights a stretch goal of $125,000, unlocking a complimentary “vertikal” universal PS5 stand once reached. Additional stretch goals exist for $75,000 and $100,000, but specifics will only be disclosed as they’re met.
