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| PS5 Slim Digital shown during a noise test |
For years, the hum of a gaming console has been the soundtrack to intense sessions. But for PlayStation fans, the quest for a truly quiet system might be over. According to new independent testing, the revised European model of the PS5 Slim (CFI-2116) is making significant strides towards silent operation, even under heavy load—though the distinct sound of a spinning disc may still give it away.
The Clatter of the Disc and the Quest for Quiet
Many gamers have reported being able to hear their PS5 Slim from across the room when the console is under stress, such as during extended gameplay of demanding titles. This becomes even more noticeable with the disc-drive version, where the mechanical process of reading physical media adds a layer of audible clatter. However, a promising new noise test suggests that beneath that occasional disc noise, the console's core cooling system is notably quieter than before.
The latest iteration of the PlayStation 5 isn't just a slimmed-down shell; it incorporates subtle internal changes aimed at efficiency and reliability. A modified heatsink design, seemingly taking a cue from the anticipated engineering of the PS5 Pro, aims for better heat dissipation. This revision may also reduce the long-term risk of the dreaded liquid metal leakage that has concerned some tech enthusiasts. Furthermore, teardowns confirm that Sony has installed alternative fan units in these models.
Popular tech YouTuber Austin Evans observed that the new system felt closer to achieving "silent gaming," though he didn't take formal measurements to quantify the improvement.
Putting the PS5 Slim to the Test: Hard Data on Noise Levels
So, just how quiet is it? Polish hardware modder and tester modyfikator89 decided to find out, putting the CFI-2116 PS5 Slim through an extended, rigorous five-hour noise test.
The results are compelling. At a distance of 30 cm from the console, decibel readings were as low as 34.7 dB during operation. Even under maximum load, that number only rose to a modest 38.2 dB. For context, 30 dB is often compared to a whisper, while 40 dB is typical for a quiet library. The tester also discovered that noise levels were slightly lower when the console was positioned vertically.
You can find the detailed findings and methodology from this extensive test shared by the modder here: modyfikator89's PS5 Slim Noise Test Results on X
SONY DID IT: The PS5 Slim (CFI-2116) is a SILENT MACHINE. 🤯
— modyfikatorcasper (@Modyfikator89) December 3, 2025
I tested the noise level in a sound-isolated service room for 5 hours straight (Vertical & Horizontal).
The Key Data (30cm):
📉 QUIETEST State: 34.7dB
📈 MAX Noise Under Load: 38.2 dB
This sustained performance after 5… pic.twitter.com/pEVl23FaOa
How Does It Compare? The Subjective "Silent Machine"
One limitation is that modyfikator89 didn't directly compare these results with readings from the original PS5 or the previous Slim model. Despite this, the tester was confident enough to label the latest design a "silent machine." In the controlled environment of a sound-proof room, the conclusion was that any fan noise became "virtually inaudible from 1 meter away."
The secret likely lies in the console's more efficient cooling system. With improved heat dissipation from the revised heatsink, the PS5 Slim's fans don't need to work as hard or spin as fast, leading to reduced acoustic output.
However, an open question remains: is coil whine also reduced? Coil whine—a high-pitched tone produced by vibrating electrical components like the power supply—is a separate issue from fan noise. Some gamers are particularly sensitive to it, and not all standard noise tests capture these specific frequencies. It's unclear if the CFI-2116 model has made improvements in this area.
A Quieter Generation: The PS5 Pro and Enhanced Controllers
The push for quieter operation isn't limited to the Slim. Its more powerful cousin, the new PS5 Pro (model CFI-7121), has seen similar acoustic improvements. Early testers note it is less distracting, and it also consumes slightly less power. This points to a concerted effort by Sony to refine the entire PS5 family's user experience.
For a visual breakdown and comparison of these systems, this detailed video analysis is an excellent resource: PS5 Slim & Pro Teardown and Noise Analysis on YouTube
In Europe, both revised consoles are now shipping with an updated DualSense controller. This new version reportedly features a modestly improved battery life, potentially demanding less frequent recharging sessions during marathon gaming.
The Verdict: A Clear Step Towards Silent Gaming
While the unmistakable sound of a disc drive may still punctuate the silence in certain moments, the evidence suggests Sony is winning the battle against fan noise. The PS5 Slim's revised internal architecture, particularly its cooling solution, appears to deliver a significantly quieter baseline operation. For gamers who prioritize a peaceful environment—especially those who play digital games or can tolerate the occasional disc read—the latest PS5 Slim model represents the closest yet to the elusive goal of truly silent console gaming.