The first PS5 launched in 2020 would break down one after the other. In question: a manufacturing defect. The liquid metal used to cool the system would be poorly distributed and could damage the internal components.
If you have had a PS5 for several years, it is likely that you will hear its fans more and more. In question, and it is rather normal: a cooling system that ages over time. Since 2020, Sony has chosen to use “liquid metal” (gallium, indium and tin alloy) as the thermal interface between the main processor (APU) and the radiator, rather than the classic thermal dough. The Japanese manufacturer presents this choice as an innovation, since it allows a much more effective heat transfer.
Problem: according to WCCFTECH, on June 25, 2025, the choice of Sony began to turn against him. There were already defaulting metal liquid reports, with liquid that flows down the console, but the situation would be worsening. In question: more and more owners of the console encounter the problem, since the lifespan of this liquid metal is a priori of 5 years. The liquid flows and leaves the processor without protection, which would cause overheating over time.
Putting your PS5 horizontally should reduce the problem
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The PS5 concerned would go unexpectedly, as soon as they overheat. The developers would receive more and more similar reports, which suggests that the problem begins to spread. It is still too early for Sony to communicate, but the situation could quickly degenerate if other PS5 broke down. WCCFTECH indicates that the problem was once rare, but that crash reports are increasing (3 % of consoles would already be affected).
To avoid this problem, one of the solutions suggested is to place its console horizontally. In this configuration, hot liquid metal is not likely to melt and sink. The problem with a vertical PS5 is that the liquid metal gradually separates from the APU and no longer protects it. In the event of too intensive sessions and hot weather, fans cannot cool the system, which plants.
In April 2025, Sony had published an article on the design of the PS5 Pro. Shinya Tsuchida, chief engineer responsible for mechanical components, praised the choice of liquid metal: “One of the specificities of PS5 consoles is that the thermal interface material (TIM) of the main processor benefits from the excellent thermal conductivity of liquid metal. »» He added: “Using liquid metal as thermal interface material was a complex challenge to be resolved during the design of the original PS5. As the liquid metal allows much better cooling compared to other TIMs, we adopted it after having carried out many tests to ensure that it was without danger. »»
5 years later, the choice of Sony could turn against him. The PS5 could be more and more numerous to die while they are no longer under warranty. A repair will undoubtedly be possible by applying thermal dough or liquid metal on the APU, but at what price?
The company says it has added grooves on the liquid metal of the PS5 Pro, which could limit the risk of flow, but the risk for it is to see more and more users suffering from this choice of material. Until then, we advise you to switch your PS5 horizontally.
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