The PlayStation 5 Pro has arrived, promising to redefine gaming experiences with its upgraded GPU, advanced ray tracing, and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology. This article delves into a comprehensive teardown of the console, offering an exclusive look at the innovative engineering and design philosophy behind Sony’s most advanced PlayStation to date. Join us as we dissect the PS5 Pro, examining its internal architecture and highlighting the key advancements that set it apart from its predecessors.
This deep dive, guided by Sony Interactive Entertainment engineers Shinya Tsuchida (PS5 Pro Mechanical Design Lead) and Shinya Hiromitsu (PS5 Pro Electrical Design Lead), uncovers the secrets of the console’s enhanced performance and cooling capabilities. From the distinctive exterior design to the intricate motherboard layout, every detail is scrutinized to reveal the technological marvel that is the PS5 Pro. Get ready for an inside look at the future of gaming.
Exterior Design: Three Distinct Horizontal Lines
The PS5 Pro introduces a redesigned exterior to enhance cooling performance. The console features three distinct slits, or ‘blades,’ that increase airflow. These airflow paths were absent in previous PS5 models. This design is a product of collaboration between engineers and designers, aiming to optimize both functionality and aesthetics. The blades not only improve ventilation but also serve as a unique visual element.
Tsuchida: ‘PS5 Pro is a high performing console, so it requires more air to cool it down. The distinctive three slits are new airflow paths…we refer to them as ‘blades’ within the engineering team. The slits enhance airflow while also acting as a design element.’
Compared to the original PS5, the PS5 Pro is slightly smaller, showcasing efficient use of space while accommodating enhanced hardware. Despite the size reduction, the console maintains a consistent design language with the PlayStation family, ensuring a cohesive look.
Louvers: Minimizing Fan Noise for Immersive Gameplay
An innovative louver structure is positioned between the main unit and the cover of the PS5 Pro, designed to reduce fan noise. This structure, resembling a series of slats, prevents fan noise from escaping towards the front of the console. Given that most users face the front of the console during gameplay, this design choice minimizes distractions, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Tsuchida: ‘Inside the PS5 Pro, there is a structure called a “louver”…it also prevents some of the fan noise from escaping the console towards the front direction…we intentionally designed the system to make it harder for players to hear the fan.’
By strategically managing noise emission, the PS5 Pro ensures that players can fully immerse themselves in their games without the intrusion of distracting fan sounds. This focus on user experience underscores Sony’s commitment to delivering a premium gaming platform.
Rear Changes: Optimizing Airflow and Port Placement
The rear of the PS5 Pro features notable changes aimed at improving airflow and usability. The power button is positioned at the bottom for easy access when the console is placed vertically, a consistent design choice across successive PlayStation models. The HDMI, LAN, and USB ports are placed slightly higher due to the high-density circuit design of the PS5 Pro’s mainboard.
The exhaust vent surface is larger compared to other PS5 models, facilitating better ventilation. Air is drawn in and exhausted from both the rear and bottom surfaces, ensuring efficient cooling. Preliminary research indicated the need for larger intake and exhaust vents, leading to a design that optimizes thermal performance.
Teardown Highlights: Key Internal Components
The teardown reveals several key internal components that contribute to the PS5 Pro’s enhanced capabilities. A dust catcher, similar to previous PS5 models, is included for easy cleaning. The bottom side features an M.2 SSD slot, a disc drive connector, and a coin cell battery hatch. The battery screw is thoughtfully designed to remain attached to the cover, preventing accidental loss or swallowing.
A new fan design is implemented to increase airflow efficiently while minimizing noise. The fan is larger than the current PS5 model’s fan, and the blade shape has been optimized with smaller blades in between the main blades. This design ensures quiet yet effective cooling, a critical aspect of the PS5 Pro’s performance.
Tsuchida: ‘The two fans have the same number of blades, but our teams re-designed the blade shape for further optimization…we wanted our fans to produce more air “quietly.” I think this specific design philosophy is unique to PlayStation consoles.’
Motherboard Evolution: Enhancing Performance and Memory
The PS5 Pro’s motherboard is larger than that of the current PS5, accommodating an increased number of circuits for enhanced performance. The SoC (System-on-a-Chip) handles high-resolution graphics, including PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Power delivery lines have been enhanced to maximize SoC performance. The motherboard also features additional internal layers for more efficient signal routing, resulting in faster memory performance.
A significant change is the addition of a ninth DDR5 memory chip, dedicated to slower processing tasks, while the remaining eight GDDR6 memories handle high-speed rendering. This division of labor optimizes memory usage and overall system performance. The GDDR6 RAMs themselves have been improved for faster performance compared to previous PS5 models.
Hiromitsu: ‘In the PS5 Pro, we added a ninth DDR5 memory which is dedicated to the slower processing, while the remaining eight GDDR6 memories handle all the high-speed rendering required for gameplay.’
Advanced Cooling: Liquid Metal and Heat Sink Design
The PS5 Pro continues to leverage liquid metal as the Thermal Interface Material (TIM) for its main processor, a technology integral to PS5 consoles. Fine grooves have been added where the liquid metal is applied for more stable cooling. This approach ensures superior cooling capabilities, crucial for managing the heat generated by the console’s powerful components.
The heat sink features copper heat pipes and aluminum fins for efficient heat dissipation. The heat pipes are strategically located next to the SoC, and the fin layout has been optimized for maximum cooling performance. The PS5 Pro’s heat sink design reflects a meticulous approach to thermal management.
Connectivity: Embracing Wi-Fi 7 for Faster Speeds
The PS5 Pro adopts Wi-Fi 7, a new standard released in 2024, for enhanced wireless connectivity. This choice reflects a commitment to high performance and future potential. Despite the challenges of validating Wi-Fi 7 during the console’s development, the PS5 Pro became an early adopter, ensuring compatibility with the latest wireless technology.
Conclusion: A Symphony of Innovation and Design
The PlayStation 5 Pro teardown reveals a console meticulously engineered for peak performance and user experience. From its distinctive exterior design to its advanced internal components, every aspect of the PS5 Pro reflects a commitment to innovation and quality. The enhanced cooling system, optimized motherboard layout, and adoption of Wi-Fi 7 underscore Sony’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology.
The PS5 Pro stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of engineers and designers, who have harmonized functionality and aesthetics to create a truly remarkable gaming platform. As the most advanced PlayStation console to date, the PS5 Pro promises to deliver unparalleled gaming experiences, setting a new standard for the industry. This teardown offers a glimpse into the future of gaming, where performance, innovation, and design converge to create immersive and unforgettable moments.
Leave a Reply