Console Repair vs. Buying New: A Gamer’s Guide (Canada Edition)
So your gaming console just crapped out mid-raid – now what? Do you fork over…
If your PlayStation 5 has been acting up – loud fans like a jet, overheating messages, mid-game crashes – it might not be you. It could be the slimy “thermal paste” (actually a liquid-metal alloy) between the chip and heatsink calling it quits. Unlike older consoles that use basic gray paste, PS5s use a liquid-metal blend to move heat much more efficiently. Great news for performance, but it also means caring for it is trickier than slapping on old-school paste.
Over time this liquid metal can oxidize or drift away from the chip, especially if the console gets moved around or kept vertical for ages.
When your PS5 runs hotter than your ex’s Instagram stories, it’s probably begging for a liquid-metal intervention.
You can’t ask the PS5 politely to check its temperature, so listen to these clues:
Overheat warnings: If your PS5 starts yelling “System is too hot” or crashes, that goo isn’t doing its job.
Jet-engine fans: If the fan is roaring nonstop, the console is struggling to cool itself.
Random glitches or slowdowns: Screen tear, frame stutter, freezing – heat-throttling might be to blame.
Spontaneous shutdowns: If it powers off during intense gameplay, it’s likely thermal trouble.
If you’re ticking these boxes, your PS5 might be “well done” on the inside.
Here’s the controversy: Standing up your PS5 might invite trouble that lying it flat avoids.
In a horizontal position, the liquid metal usually stays evenly between chip and heatsink – gravity isn’t pulling it off course. But when the PS5 stands upright for long periods, any tiny break in the foam seal can let the liquid metal “pool” downward.
Repair techs have found consoles (never opened by users) with noticeable pools of liquid metal at the bottom of the chip after years standing vertical. In some cases, enough metal dripped onto the board to short components.
Sony officially says either orientation is fine, and millions of PS5s have safely stood tall. The viral “PS5 melt-down” story was mostly a misinterpreted report. But many experts now err on the side of caution: horizontal is safer. If you prefer vertical, just be gentle with your console and keep it cool.
Even if rare, a full liquid-metal leak is scary. It only occurs if the seal was already compromised, but it proves a leak can occur.
Every PS5 – Disc, Digital, Slim, or future Pro – uses liquid metal for cooling. No PS5 model is immune to oxidation, dry spots, or seepage if conditions aren’t ideal.
Since you can’t just lovingly massage the metal back into place, prevention is key.
If despite all this your PS5 is still misbehaving, it’s probably time for a professional thermal refresh.
If your PS5 sounds like it’s auditioning for a jet-engine documentary, congrats — your liquid metal just filed for divorce.
Replacing PS5 liquid metal isn’t a quick hobby project. The console has to be fully disassembled, old liquid metal removed, surfaces cleaned, and fresh metal applied correctly. A bad application can permanently damage the board.
If you’re not a console surgeon, seriously consider a pro tech.
In Barrie, Ontario and area:
Our techs can reapply liquid metal properly, deep-clean dust, and stop your PS5 from cooking itself.
The PS5’s liquid metal is amazing for performance but high-maintenance. Watch for overheating signs, keep airflow clear, and consider keeping the console horizontal. If things still get spicy, a professional thermal refresh can save your console (and your sanity).
Ready to ditch the heat? Barrie Screen Repair helps local gamers keep their gear running cool. Your PS5 – and your thumbs – will thank you.
