Tiny PS5 Project Fixes Overheating Issues, Compresses To Six Liters, And You Can Do It Too

The PlayStation 5's overheating issues are well known in the console gaming space, but a modder has successfully fixed that overheating problem and also crammed the PlayStation 5 into a smaller chassis. This project, dubbed Tiny PS5 Redux (since it's meant to be a reproducible refinement on a prior Tiny PS5) crams the PlayStation 5 into a 6-liter chassis with superior cooling and a built-in handle for easy transport. The build is made from aluminum with a Cerakote finish, and the top panel is dark acrylic allowing some limited visibility within. The build utilizes a Alpenfohn Black Ridge CPU cooler with two 120mm Noctua fans in a push-pull configuration against the rear of the system, and the exhaust doubles as a recessed pocket handle with three 80mm slim Noctua fans. Since the system runs at just 50 degrees Celsius on average while under heavy load, we imagine this handle shouldn't end up getting too hot to the touch.

The full Not From Concentrate video showcasing the project goes into detail on how it was conceived, built, and iterated upon until it reached its final form. It's a fairly interesting look at the custom hardware design process and what goes into it. Despite the project largely being an upgrade over the stock PS5, there are some key limitations in play, like the need to use external Bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas since the metal chassis would otherwise disrupt wireless functionality. On the bright side, attaching external antennas also makes for faster, more reliable wireless networking, so it's a worthwhile tradeoff. Rhe design is only compatible with the 1215A and 1215B models of the PlayStation 5 though— the refreshed Disc and Digital models of the PlayStation 5.


Modders can't account for every single revision of the PlayStation 5, so some limitations are to be expected. Plus, improving the thermals still benefits in-game performance even if your system wasn't already prone to crashing. More stable framerate thanks to lower operating temperatures is a major boon, especially for more recent PS5 titles that push the base system's power and thermal limits to capacity. Achieving that will be costly and require a high degree of expertise and patience, though—while the store page does sell all the reference material you'll need to recreate the project for yourself for relatively cheap, you'll still pay a pretty penny for the custom CNC parts and off-the-shelf components in use. If you have your own 3D printer and materials, you'll at least be able to cut down on those costs.

As it stands, though, the Tiny PS5 Redux does seem to be a significant upgrade, while being substantially smaller and running cooler than off-the-shelf PS5 consoles. It should prove a good companion for the twice-delayed Grand Theft Auto VI, which is sure to push a base PS5 to its limits.