The new hardware version of the PlayStation 5 loses weight and reduces power consumption

In a nutshell: Although it looks identical on the outside and is marketed as the same PlayStation 5 console, Sony is releasing a new version of the device with changes and improvements in terms of weight and power consumption. More surprising, however, is the redesign of the interior of the console, including the motherboard and cooling system.

A new high-end controller and a higher retail price are not the only recent changes Sony is making to the PlayStation 5. A few days ago, the new 9th generation hardware model of the game console went on sale in Australia. on the market after the console’s first release in November 2020. Youtuber Austin Evans has already tested this new version to see what’s different and improved inside.

Evans, who has already looked into previous PS5 changes, bought a refurbished PlayStation 5 and compared all three models released so far. It was already known from the spec sheet that the new “CFI-1200” version would be lighter in both the optical drive (300g) and digital drive (200g) models, but Evans’ analysis confirmed there were several more options. It’s not just the weight difference…

Externally, the PS5 1200 is identical to the previous 1000 (2020) and 1100 (2021) versions; The 2022 model weighs almost half a kilo less than the 2020 model, and the thermal performance in games is much better than the 1100 model (53° vs. 63°, measured at the back of the console) and closer to the original model.

The biggest difference will be inside as the new PS5 version uses a redesigned motherboard, cooling system and heatsink. The massive cooler in the 1000 version was scaled down in 2021, and the latest 2022 version goes further with an even smaller and decidedly lighter design.

The new heatsink also completely covers the CMOS battery, requiring the console to be completely disassembled to replace the battery. The fans look the same, but the blades are no longer attached to the central hub.

The PS5 1200 model also consumes 10% less power. In Evans’ tests with Astro’s Playroom (a platform game preinstalled on every PS5 console), the PlayStation 5 models consumed approximately 218W (1000), 229W (1100) and 201W (1200). A more than welcome improvement given the sudden rise in energy prices in many regions.