How to Repaste a PS5
After 3–5 years, the factory thermal paste in a PS5 dries out. Replacing it is the most effective fix for loud fans and console shut-downs under load.
Never use liquid metal on a PS5 or Xbox
The PS5 uses an aluminum vapor chamber; liquid metal reacts with aluminum and destroys it within hours. The Xbox Series X uses a copper-based vapor chamber, but liquid metal is still unsafe on all consoles: the APU die is surrounded by SMD components that liquid metal will permanently damage on contact. Use only standard thermal paste or phase change material on any console.
Signs your PS5 needs repasting
Loud fan during menus or light gameplay
The PS5 fan should be near-silent during non-intensive tasks. Constant loud fan is a sign the APU is running hotter than it should be.
Shut-downs under sustained load
The console shuts down to protect the APU from thermal damage. This is a late-stage symptom. Repasting at this point is urgent.
Warm top surface at rest
The top of the console getting notably warm even at the home screen suggests the cooling loop is working harder than it needs to.
Console is 3+ years old
Factory thermal paste in console environments typically degrades between 3 and 5 years due to sustained high operating temperatures.
What you need
Tools
- › T8 Torx screwdriver
- › JIS #1 Phillips screwdriver (NOT standard Phillips)
- › Plastic pry tool or spudger
- › Compressed air (optional but recommended)
Materials
- › Thermal paste: standard paste or phase change
- › Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ or Fusion Cleaner
- › Lint-free wipes
- › Cotton swabs
Time
- › Original PS5: 30–45 minutes
- › PS5 Slim: 25–35 minutes
- › Xbox Series X: 40–50 minutes
- › First time: add 15 minutes for lookups
PS5 step-by-step
This covers the original PS5 (CFI-1000 / CFI-1100 / CFI-1200). The PS5 Slim (CFI-2000) is similar but has a slightly different cover removal sequence.
Remove the faceplates
Stand the PS5 vertically. Grip the top faceplate at the top edge, push down and away from the console. It clips off without tools. Repeat for the bottom faceplate. On some units the bottom plate also has a small indent. Use a finger or plastic tool to start the separation.
Remove the base and outer cover
If using the vertical stand, remove it now. Remove the four T8 Torx screws on the underside to access the inner chassis. The large black cover lifts straight off. There is one additional JIS #1 Phillips screw in some revisions. Check before forcing the panel.
Disconnect the fan and remove it
Locate the fan connector (a small white plug) and pull it straight out. Remove the three screws securing the fan. Lift the fan out and set it aside. This is a good time to blow out any dust from the fins with compressed air.
Remove the heatsink
Six T8 Torx screws hold the heatsink assembly (some revisions use fewer). Remove them in a diagonal cross pattern. Lift the heatsink assembly straight up. The vapor chamber plate will be visible. Handle it from the edges. The contact surface is machined flat and should not be scratched.
Clean both surfaces
Apply Fusion Cleaner to the APU die (the large chip in the center of the board). Let it soak 15–20 seconds and wipe off with a lint-free cloth. Repeat until the surface is matte and uniform. Do the same on the heatsink contact surface. The PS5 APU die is exposed silicon. Avoid pressing hard.
Apply fresh paste
The PS5 APU is an exposed die with no IHS. It is larger than a typical laptop CPU or GPU die. A 4–5 mm dot centered on the die is appropriate. Do not pre-spread. Heatsink mounting pressure distributes the paste. If you prefer a line method, a thin horizontal line across the center of the die also works.
Reassemble in reverse
Remount the heatsink and tighten screws in a cross pattern. Reconnect the fan and replace the fan screws. Replace the outer cover and T8 screws. Clip the faceplates back on.
Test under load
Boot the PS5 and launch a demanding game (or use the PS5's built-in Rest Mode as a brief load test). The fan should run at a lower speed than before. A successful repaste typically reduces peak fan speed by one to two steps on the PS5 fan curve.
Xbox Series X / Series S
The Xbox Series X uses a similar approach: standard paste on the APU, no liquid metal (the die is surrounded by SMD components that liquid metal will damage). Access is through the bottom after removing the rubber base and T8 Torx screws. The Series X has a more modular design and is generally easier to service than the PS5.
The Xbox Series S runs significantly cooler by design and rarely requires repasting. If the Series S is loud, cleaning the fan and heat pipe fins is the better first step.
Which paste to use
Standard paste or phase change both work well on consoles. Never use liquid metal. The vapor chamber is aluminum.
Best performance
Fusion Supreme Paste
12.8 W/mK. Maximum heat transfer for demanding sessions. Non-conductive and safe on the PS5 APU.
Set and forget
Phase Change Material
Melts at 45°C and re-solidifies on cooldown. Eliminates pump-out completely. Ideal if you rarely open the console.
Essential
Fusion Cleaner Kit
99% IPA with lint-free wipes. Removes factory paste cleanly before you apply new compound.