Last updated: January 7, 2022 at 11:24 am
If you’re a console gamer, then chances are, your PS4 has been extremely loud before. It can be annoying, especially when you’re deep into an intense gaming session. It may also be a big cause for concern. If your PS4 is loud, it’s probably because the fan has an issue.
These problems can occur over a long period of time, and they can be serious. But they’re also normally easily treatable so long as you address the problem as soon as it occurs.
In this article, we’ll look at the main reasons why PS4 is so loud, and actionable ways to reduce overall noise.
Why Your PS4 Is Loud
Cooling Fans
Problems with the cooling fans is one of the biggest reasons why your PlayStation is so noisy. Cooling fans have the task of getting rid of all of the heat that your console produces, as well as to cool the motherboard, which is the heart of your console.
Cooling fans get noisy for three main reasons. Firstly, the fan can become dusty. The backlog of dust will reduce the efficiency of the fan, making it noisy. Secondly, the fan can become loose. This is normally a sign that your PS4 is getting pretty old, but you can tighten the fan fairly easily.
Finally, the fan can just become weak over time, resulting in noise. The only way to fix this is to get a new fan, which can be expensive.
Your PS4’s Hard Drive
The hard drive of your PS4 is what stores all the games and your progress in these games. Unfortunately, your hard drive can also cause some loud noises for a few reasons. Primarily, your hard drive will cause noise when the platters spin. They do this to collect data.
However, if you can hear your platters spin, it’s normally a sign that your hard drive is starting to break. So, if you start hearing your hard drive spin, get it checked immediately.
If you’d like to replace yourself, here’s a good video on how to change a PS4’s hard drive:
Your PS4 Is Old or Breaking
One of the biggest causes for a loud PS4 is simply old age. Over time, your PS4 will accumulate dust, lint, and other things such as pet hair. These things may seem small and insignificant, but they can cause a lot of damage to your PlayStation over time. This is because the motherboard is very sensitive to dust and can be damaged easily. Damage to your PlayStation can cause loud noises, and it may be a sign that it’s time to upgrade.
So, there are three main reasons why your PS4 is so loud. Luckily, there are several methods that you can try to stop the noise from coming out of your favourite console. Some of these methods are incredibly easy but can be absolute lifesavers. Let’s look at the best methods to stop your PS4 from making noise.
5 Ways to Quieten a Loud PS4
Method One: Buy a PS4 Cooling Fan Attachment
When your PS4 gets hot from continued use, the cooling fan has to work harder to lower the PS4’s temperature. A way to counteract this would be to use an external fan which the PS4 sits on.
These external fans have generally been proven to reduce the dB level of a PS4. Most also come with a metal base (instead of the plastic PS4’s) which also helps reduce temperature without the fans having to work harder. This is leads to an overall lower noise.
Stands like these also come with additional benefits such as control chargers and case storage.
- Multi-functional Design stand for Regular PS4/ PS4 Slim/ PS4 Pro...
- LED Indicators & Fast Charging Speed: Let you know the charging status...
Last update on 2023-11-22 at 14:37 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Method Two: Move Your PS4 to a Ventilated Area
Your gaming consoles need great ventilation, to allow the fans to work and to stop the device from overheating. If your PS4 is in a poorly ventilated location, chances are, it’s not getting enough air and will overheat quickly, causing lots of noise. Poor ventilation also allows for quicker build up of dust and dirt in your PS4, which can case a lot of damage.
To fix this issue, place your PS4 in an area where it has lots of room either side of it, and be sure not to cover it with any towels or bags. The PS4 should be on its own, with nothing to stop ventilation. This will help to reduce the fan noise and keep your PS4 in great shape.
Method Three: Rotate Your Device
Believe it or not, placing your PS4 horizontally could be damaging. The most natural way to have your console is horizontally, but this orientation doesn’t allow for as much air flow as placing it vertically. So, if you are having any issues with fan noises, try placing your PS4 in a vertical position.
A vertical orientation will allow for increased air flow, and better noise dispersion. It’s a simple tip to try, and even if you’re not experiencing problems, you might want to give this a go.
Method Four: Clean Your PS4 With Compressed Air
When trying to fix the noise issue with your PS4, it’s a great idea to use a can off compressed air to get rid of any dust. This method will be very gentle on your console, but also very effective.
Simply spray the air through all the vents in your console.
This will help to move all of the dust and clutter out of your PS4, reducing the strain on your fan. You should do this every month to keep on top of the dust issue and help to maintain the life of your PS4.
Always use a can of compressed air and never a vacuum cleaner. This will be much too powerful and could potentially damage your PlayStation. Remember, the internals of your device are very sensitive, so you don’t want to put them under too much strain.
- Use on all printers, keyboards and office equipment
- Compressed gas to remove debris and dirt from hard to reach areas
Last update on 2023-11-21 at 14:10 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Method Five: Check for Corrupted System Files
If your hard drive discs are spinning and causing a lot of noise, it could be because the database is corrupted. This will mean that multiple functions are running at the same time, causing extra stress on your hard drive. This is also the case when games are incorrectly installed, which will cause massive CPU to overheat.
You should be able to use the PS4 menu to check for corrupted files. Uninstall these files, or resolve them, and you should find that hard drive noise decreases. This is because the readers won’t have to work as hard, so can spin a little slower.
To Conclude
Ultimately, if you find that your PS4 is making loud noises, you should check out the problem immediately, or your could end up breaking your console. Try to diagnose the problem yourself, as most issues can be fixed in a matter of minutes.
But, if you’re unable to diagnose the problem yourself, have a professional check your PS4, or both your console, and your game progress, could all be lost.
