[Solved] Why Is My PS4 So Loud

Scott Tarmey

2021-08-25 18:15:09

0 views, 5 min read

The PS4 is one of the best gaming consoles of all time. Yet, despite having great technical design, it'll inevitably become loud. It's a common problem owners of Sony's eighth-generation console face. Depending on how often they play with it, their PS4 will sooner or later start sounding louder than a jet engine.

Not only does it become annoying, but also it raises concerns about the system's health. Thankfully, there are solutions for overcoming this problem when it arises and ways to keep your PS4 purring like a kitten for a longer time.

The most crucial step to take when your console makes loud noise is to identify the source. Once you’ve been able to figure where the majority of the sound is coming from, you can begin tackling the problem.

Noise Is Coming from the Fans

A possible source of loud noise from a PS4 is the fans. The console has a reasonably robust cooling system that tends to run quietly for a long time. However, dust and other dirt inevitably find their way into its internals. Your PS4's fans respond to its chipset's temperature. When it gets higher, the fans will automatically start spinning faster. When contaminants gather inside the console and block its exhausts, heat gets trapped in, resulting in your fans going at maximum speed all the time.

While not as critical a problem as a failing hard drive, your system will need a cleanup if its fans scream louder than a newborn. Fortunately, cleaning a PS4 is also relatively easy.

• Your first step is to clear the exhaust grill of your console. You can use a can of compressed air sprayed at an angle to get the dust bunnies out of the way. Usually, this is enough to get a loud PS4 to calm down.

• However, if the noise persists, you'll have to get inside and do a more thorough cleaning. All you need is a couple of screwdrivers and a few cotton swabs, as well as a bit of time.

• Then, you can follow the detailed instructions laid out by the wonderful people at MakeUseOf. Once the dust has settled, your PS4 should be back to its quiet old self.

Noise Is Coming from the Hard Drive

The PS4's hard drive is a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) type. It's a mechanical piece of hardware that relies on spinning platters to read and write data. It's because of its nature that this type of hard drive can produce a lot of noise.

It's normal for SATA drives to make some noise throughout their life cycle. The levels of sound they typically produce shouldn't be high enough to be a problem. However, if your PS4 is making a lot of noise and you identify it's from the hard drive, then this means it's failing.

Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to save a failing SATA drive. Your only option is to replace it as soon as possible. The good news is that replacing a PS4 hard drive is simple.

• For starters, you'll want to back up your game saves via cloud saves which is available to PS Plus subscribers. If you don't have Plus, you can use a USB stick or external hard drive to back up your saves.

  1. Go to Trophies, press the OPTIONS button and select the Sync Trophies With PSN. 

  2. Insert the external storage device you'd like to use for the backup into one of the PS4 USB ports.

  3. Go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore. Select Back Up. 

• The next step is to get a compatible replacement hard drive. There aren't any strict requirements, so you've got plenty of options.

  The only actual limit is that the PS4 isn't compatible with internal storage higher than 8 TB. As a bonus, you can also choose a Solid State Drive (SSD) instead of the mechanical type. Not only will it last longer, but also it'll load games faster. Seagate Firecuda 2tb Gaming SSHD is the best mechanical hard drive option and the Crucial BX500 SSD is the best solid state drive option.

• Once you have a new hard drive, grab yourself a Phillips screwdriver and proceed to install it by following Sony's official instructions.

Noise Is Coming from the Console

So, you've checked both the fans and the hard drive, yet despite being fine, your PS4 is still screeching loud. In this case, there's only one explanation as to why your PS4 makes so much noise. Either it's too old, or it's nearly broken. Like almost any hardware out there, Sony's eighth-generation console is susceptible to old age. With moderate usage, it can last for more than 5-7 years without issue. If you play it every day for several hours per session, it won't last as long.

Whatever the case may be, if your PS4 is making noise despite having a healthy hard drive and squeaky clean internals, then it's on its last leg. Your only option is to get a replacement console. The good news is that if you're still happy with a PS4, you can find a new one relatively cheap these days. Another option is to buy a second-hand console from a reputable shop, such as GameStop (US) and GAME (UK).

The PS4 is a piece of hardware. Like any other device and piece of technology, it has a limited lifespan. Therefore, it's essential to take care of it to ensure it doesn't get loud often and lasts longer. Here are a few tips to help keep your PS4 quiet and healthy:

• Replace the hard drive with an SSD even if it’s not failing. SSDs are quieter and have longer life cycles.

• Blow out the exhaust grill regularly with a can of compressed air. Doing so will prevent dirt from getting sucked in by the fans.

• Replace the thermal paste of your PS4's heatsink every few years. There's a handy guide on iFixit that shows you how to do this painlessly.

• Place your console in an open space that allows it to get more cool air. Keeping your PS4 in an enclosed or tight place will build up more heat and dust.