# PlayStation 5 thermal management and hardware issues > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/playstation-5-thermal-management-and-hardware-issues > Updated: 2026-09-03T23:46:35.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3. Reports from hardware technicians indicate that older PlayStation 5 consoles are experiencing severe overheating issues due to failures in the liquid metal cooling system. A technician noted that gallium diffusion allows the liquid metal to penetrate the heatsink's protective plating, reacting with the copper to create a hard alloy layer. This degradation prevents effective heat transfer, leading to thermal throttling and system shutdowns. Findings suggest that console orientation, whether vertical or horizontal, does not prevent this leakage. Technical tests released on August 13, 2026, have identified specific vulnerabilities in early batches, particularly the CFI-1116 series released in late 2020. Hardware specialist Modyfikator89 reported that the nickel protective layer on the copper heatsink base has completely disappeared in some units. This allows the gallium to penetrate and dissolve the copper, causing physical damage and contact failures that result in temperature spikes and sudden shutdowns. To mitigate thermal management risks, Sony recommends maintaining at least 10 centimeters of open space on all sides of the PlayStation 5. To ensure efficient air circulation, users are advised to place the console on hard surfaces like wood or metal and avoid enclosed cabinets, carpets, or proximity to heat sources such as radiators. ## Claims - Hardware specialist Modyfikator89 discovered corrosion in the cooling block of a CFI-1116 series PlayStation 5. (single source) - Technical tests released on August 13, 2026, confirmed that the thermal compound used in early PlayStation 5 units causes component degradation. (single source) - The gallium-based liquid metal alloy used for cooling is corroding the nickel protective layer on the copper heatsink. (single source) - Direct interaction between gallium and copper creates contact failures and dry areas that block heat transfer. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: PlayStation 5 hardware faces overheating due to cooling system corrosion Technical tests and hardware specialists report that gallium-based thermal compound is corroding the cooling systems in early Sony PlayStation 5 units, causing overheating and potential hardware failure. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/playstation-5-hardware-faces-overheating-due-to-cooling-system-corrosion ### 2026-08-31: Gaming hardware guide: PS5 placement and accessory selection Guides for gamers highlight the importance of proper PlayStation 5 placement to prevent overheating and provide advice on selecting compatible accessories for PS5, Xbox, and PC. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gaming-hardware-guide-ps5-placement-and-accessory-selection ### 2026-08-13: PlayStation 5 overheating issues linked to liquid metal failure Technicians report that older PlayStation 5 consoles face overheating risks due to liquid metal leakage and gallium diffusion, affecting units regardless of whether they are placed vertically or horizontally. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/playstation-5-overheating-linked-to-liquid-metal-degradation --- Cite as: PlayStation 5 thermal management and hardware issues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/playstation-5-thermal-management-and-hardware-issues