I watch NSC from time to time for tech modding on YouTube, yet haven't checked him out since the new year, and saw a couple really interesting videos related to the PS4/Pro cooling system.
Here he is installing a PS3 Slim cooling fan in his PS4 Pro with some modifications. The PS3 fans seem better built and are much quieter.
Here he is lapping/sanding down his Pro APU because it's shape is so convex it doesn't allow the flat heat sink to make much contact. Only in the center portion, therefore quite poor heat transfer through to the heat sink, regardless of paste, which leads to higher fan speeds.
I never paid that much attention to my PS4 APU when I removed the heat sink, other than it having way too much stock thermal paste, and wonder if that's part of the reason my fan used to ramp up so often. Not sure if I would attempt lapping the APU even if it's shape was a problem, as it's a pretty delicate and timely process which could lead to damaging the APU permanently.
This would explain why some people are having problems with fan noise with their PS4's though. I've seen quite a few people online mention they've tried many standard things like higher end thermal paste or RAM thermal pads to try and solve the heat problem to no avail. Well if the heat sink is making poor contact with the APU due to it's shape, then there's not a lot you can do unless you really wanna tinker and take chances.
Hopefully SNY was aware of this when designing PS5 and have done what they can to mitigate these problems as much as reasonably possible.
PS1 - ! - We must build a console that can alert our enemies.
PS2 - @- We must build a console that offers online living room gaming.
PS3 - #- We must build a console that’s powerful, social, costs and does everything.
PS4 - $- We must build a console that’s affordable, charges for services, and pumps out exclusives.
PRO -%-We must build a console that's VR ready, checkerboard upscales, and sells but a fraction of the money printer.
PS5 - ^ -We must build a console that’s a generational cross product, with RT lighting, and price hiking.
PRO -&- We must build a console that Super Res upscales and continues the cost increases.
