Why is my PS4 overheating but not hot?

Why is my PS4 overheating but not hot?
Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar problem with my PS4. It’s overheating, but when I touch it, it’s not actually hot. At first, this seemed strange because overheating issues usually come with a noticeable increase in temperature. However, in this case, I can hear the fan running loudly and consistently, indicating that the console thinks it’s overheating. My gaming sessions are frequently interrupted by warnings about the system’s temperature, even though the exterior of the PS4 feels completely normal to the touch. I haven’t done any recent hardware modifications or extensive gaming marathons, which leaves me puzzled about what’s causing this behavior. This problem is frustrating, as I’m worried it might lead to more serious issues if not addressed, but I’m unsure why it’s happening when the device itself isn’t hot. How can a PS4 overheat without its surface becoming hot?
10 Answers

Another explanation could be corrupted system or game files causing the processor to overwork. Here’s what to do: • Restart your PS4 to see if there’s any immediate change. • Make sure all your system software is up to date. • If specific games seem problematic, reinstall them. • Finally, if issues continue, back up data and perform a factory reset. This ensures that there’s no corrupt data causing undue burden on your PS4’s processor.

A third point to consider is the state of the thermal paste between the processor and the heatsink. Over time, this paste can deteriorate or dry out, which diminishes its effectiveness in transferring heat. Reapplying fresh thermal paste might improve heat transfer and help your PS4 maintain an appropriate temperature.

Consider the gaming environment and where your PS4 is placed. Even if the console itself does not feel hot, the immediate surroundings could be affecting its cooling efficiency. Ensure that your PS4 has enough ventilation space and is located in a well-ventilated area away from other heat-emitting devices or cramped spaces.

A software glitch or firmware bug could be behind this peculiar issue. Sometimes, updates or corrupted data result in irregular behavior. First, try restarting your PS4 and check for any available updates. If the problem persists, consider booting in safe mode and rebuilding the database. This could rectify any software-related anomalies affecting temperature readings.

Sometimes, unstable or weak power sources can cause the PS4’s hardware to behave erratically. Plug the PS4 into a dedicated wall outlet rather than a power strip and check if the issues persist. Also, trying a different power cable might reduce unnecessary strain on the console that manifests as overheating symptoms.

Check the positioning of the PS4 for sufficient ventilation. When placed too close to other objects or against walls, airflow can be restricted, causing internal heat buildup without an external temperature change. Simply relocating the console to a more open space might resolve the overheating notices.

One potential cause could be malfunctioning internal sensors. These sensors are responsible for monitoring the PS4’s temperature, but if they’re faulty, they might mistakenly signal the system to cool down, even though it isn’t actually hot. Checking for dust buildup around these sensors and ensuring they are clean might help in preventing false signals.