The launch of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) in 2020 brought not only next-generation graphics capabilities but also a radical cooling system solution – Liquid Metal. While Sony engineers presented this solution as a technological breakthrough, a real panic erupted in the gaming community after reports emerged about potential liquid metal leakage when the console is held vertically. In this article, we will analyze how scientifically grounded this fear is and what happens inside the console.
1. What is Liquid Metal and Why is it Used?
Traditional cooling systems use thermal paste, but the PS5 employs liquid metal (usually a gallium, indium, and tin alloy known as Galinstan). Its main advantage is its extremely high thermal conductivity.
Scientific literature (e.g., Zhang et al., 2021) emphasizes that liquid metals have significantly lower thermal resistance between the processor (SoC – System on a Chip) and the heat sink surface compared to polymer pastes. This allows the PS5 to maintain a high clock speed without noisy fan operation. However, liquid metal has two risky properties:
- Electrical Conductivity: It conducts electricity, so any contact with the motherboard components can cause a short circuit.
- Fluidity: It remains liquid at room temperature, so under the influence of gravity, it can theoretically move.
2. The Origin of the Myths: The Vertical Position Issue
The discussion peaked in early 2023 when several maintenance specialists (notably the case of TheCod3r) shared photos showing PS5 processors with “dripped” metal. It was claimed that holding the console vertically causes gravity to pull the liquid metal to the bottom, leaving the top part of the processor dry, which can lead to overheating or corrosion of the motherboard.
Sony’s Safety Mechanisms
It is important to understand that the PS5 is not just “coated” with metal. Engineers designed a special containment seal.
- APU Isolation: There is a special sponge/gasket around the processor that is meant to contain the liquid inside.
- Pressure: The cooler is pressed against the processor with significant force, creating surface tension that prevents the liquid from moving freely.
3. When Does a Myth Become Truth?
Can liquid metal leak? Yes, but only under certain conditions. Research on the stability of liquid metal (e.g., Kong et al., 2019) shows that gallium can react with other metals (a process known as alloying). If the sealing gasket is compromised due to a manufacturing defect or if the console has suffered a strong physical impact (like a drop), the hermetic seal may fail.
Main Reasons Why Liquid Metal Might “Escape”:
- Improper Sealing: A small number of consoles may have defective gaskets that cannot withstand the liquid pressure when held vertically.
- Third-party Repairs: If the console has been disassembled by an unqualified technician and the liquid metal was applied incorrectly or the gasket was damaged, the risk of leakage in a vertical position becomes enormous.
- Vibrations and Impacts: Continuous vibration or mechanical stress can weaken the surface tension between the processor and the cooler.
4. Horizontally or Vertically: What Does Science Say?
Most experts agree that statistically, using the PS5 vertically is safe. Millions of users operate their consoles vertically without any issues. However, if we evaluate only the laws of physics, the horizontal position is safer.
In a horizontal position, gravity presses the liquid metal evenly across the entire surface of the processor, while in a vertical position, there is a constant downward vector. Although seals are designed to withstand this, the horizontal position eliminates any theoretical risk of leakage even in the presence of a minor manufacturing defect.
5. How to Know if Your PS5 Has Problems?
If your console is standing vertically, pay attention to the following symptoms:
| Symptom | Cause | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent fan spikes | The fan runs at maximum speed in a simple menu. | Check for dust buildup or thermal interface issues. |
| Unexpected shutdowns | System overheating during graphically intensive games. | Contact service immediately. |
| Error messages | Message “Your PS5 is too hot”. | Do not use the console until the issue is resolved. |
This may indicate that due to the displacement of the liquid metal, dry spots have formed on the processor, causing heat to no longer be effectively transferred to the cooler.
Conclusion
The claim that standing the PS5 vertically will damage the console is a myth for the average consumer. Sony’s engineering solutions are reliable enough. However, this is true if we are talking about devices with manufacturing defects or after physical damage. If you have the space and want maximum peace of mind, keep the console horizontally – this physically neutralizes the effect of gravity on the liquid metal.
Sources
- Zhang, H., et al. (2021). Gallium-based liquid metal composites as thermal interface materials. Nature Communications.
- Kong, Y., et al. (2019). Interfacial reaction and reliability of liquid metal thermal interface materials. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics.
- Sony Interactive Entertainment (2020). PlayStation 5 Teardown: Inside the Cooling System.
- Cai, L., et al. (2022). Thermal Management Challenges in Next-Generation Gaming Consoles. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.
- TheCod3r & Digital Foundry (2023). Technical Analysis of Liquid Metal Spillage in PS5 Hardware.
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