PS4 console loud: causes and how to make it slow


Is your PS4 making more noise than usual? If you're noticing a loud whirring or buzzing sound coming from your console, it could be a sign of a problem. Here's what you need to know about why your PS4 may be loud and how you can fix it.


1. Your PS4 is Overheating

One of the most common causes of a loud PS4 is overheating. If your console is not properly ventilated or if the fans are clogged with dust and debris, it can cause the system to overheat and make more noise. 

This can also cause performance issues and even lead to hardware damage if left unattended. Lets go through some faults that cause overheating.

Clogged Air Vents

If the air vents on your PS4 are clogged with dust or debris, it can prevent proper airflow and cause the console to overheat. This can lead to a loud fan noise as the system tries to cool itself down.

Solution: To clean the air vents, first turn off your console and unplug it from the power source. Then, use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that has accumulated in the vents. Be sure to hold the can upright and keep it at least a few inches away from the console to avoid causing any damage.

Related: Here is why your PS4 sounds like a Jet Engine

Dried Thermal Paste

If your PS4s thermal paste is dried, it's likely your PS4 will overheat because the paste is no longer effectively transferring heat away from the console's APU. This will make the console to heat up causing the fan to spin at full speed which will sound like a jet engine.

Solution: Replace the thermal paste between the APU and the Heatsink. By replacing the dried thermal paste, you can help to improve your PS4's cooling system and reduce the noise caused by overheating. 

Just be sure to use a high-quality thermal paste that is compatible with your console's hardware, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If you are uncomfortable performing this process yourself, you may want to seek the assistance of a professional repair service.

Failing Fan

If the fan in your PS4 is failing, it may not be able to cool the console properly, leading to overheating and a loud fan noise.

Solution: If your fan is failing, it will likely need to be replaced. You can either purchase a replacement fan and install it yourself (if you have the technical expertise to do so), or you can take your console to a qualified technician near you.


2. Optical Drive Issues

Another potential source of noise from your PS4 is the optical drive. This can occur if the drive is not properly aligned, if there is a disc stuck in the drive, or if the drive itself is damaged. 

Lets go through some faults that can cause this.

Misaligned Optical Drive

If your PS4's optical drive is not properly aligned, it can cause the drive to make a loud grinding noise when it's spinning a disc. This can happen if the console has been bumped or dropped, or if the drive has simply become misaligned over time.

Solution: If you suspect that your optical drive is misaligned, you may need to have it serviced or replaced. This is not a task that can be easily done at home, so it's recommended to take your console to a nearest repair service.

Stuck Disc

If a disc is stuck in the optical drive, it can cause a loud grinding noise as the drive tries to spin the disc. This can happen if the disc is inserted incorrectly or if it becomes jammed inside the drive.

Solution: Removing a stuck disk on PS4 depends on the type on model. You can follow this guide Manually eject PS4 disk by selecting the model of your console.

Failing Optical Drive

Over time, the optical drive in your PS4 may simply wear out or fail. This can cause it to make strange noises, including grinding or clicking sounds.

Solution: If your optical drive is failing, it will likely need to be replaced. You can either purchase a replacement drive and install it yourself (if you have the technical expertise to do so), or you can take your console to a professional repair service.

3. Hard drive issues

A faulty or failing hard drive can also cause your PS4 to make more noise. This can happen if the hard drive is damaged or corrupted, or if it's working harder than usual to access data.

Failing Hard Drive

If your PS4's hard drive is failing, it may start making noise as it struggles to read data. This can include clicking or grinding sounds, as well as occasional freezes or crashes.

Solution: If your hard drive is failing, you will likely need to replace it. You can either purchase a replacement hard drive and install it yourself. I will write an article on how to replace a PS4 hard drive.

Fragmented Hard Drive

If your PS4's hard drive is heavily fragmented, it can cause the console to slow down and make noise as it struggles to access data. This can lead to longer load times and occasional freezes or crashes.

Solution: To defragment your PS4's hard drive, you have to Rebuild database. Rebuild database on PS4 is the equivalent of defragment on PC. To rebuild the database on your PS4, first turn off your console completely. 

Then, hold down the power button until you hear two beeps. Connect your PS4 controller to the console using a USB cable, and select "Rebuild Database" from the Safe Mode menu that appears on your TV screen. 

Wait for the process to complete, which may take some time depending on how much data is stored on your hard drive. Once the rebuild is complete, your console will restart automatically

Full Hard Drive

If your PS4's hard drive is almost full, it can cause the console to slow down and make noise as it struggles to access data. This can lead to longer load times and occasional freezes or crashes.

Solution: To free up space on your PS4's hard drive, you can delete games or other data that you no longer need. You can also move games to an external hard drive or USB drive to free up space.

Additional Info:

Console is aging

If your PS4 is making noise due to aging, it's likely because the internal components, such as the fan and hard drive, are wearing down over time. Here are some solutions you can try:

  1. Clean the fan: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the fan and cause it to work harder, resulting in increased noise. To clean the fan, turn off your PS4 and unplug it from the power source. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from the fan and other internal components.

  2. Replace the fan: If cleaning the fan doesn't work, you may need to replace it. You can purchase a replacement fan online or at an electronics store. Before replacing the fan, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

  3. Upgrade the hard drive: If your PS4's hard drive is old and slow, it can cause increased noise as it struggles to read and write data. Consider upgrading to a faster, more efficient hard drive, or even a solid-state drive (SSD).

  4. Use an external hard drive: If your PS4's hard drive is full or slow, consider using an external hard drive to store your games and data. This can help reduce the workload on your console's internal components and reduce noise.

By trying these solutions, you can help to reduce the noise caused by aging components in your PS4. However, keep in mind that some noise is normal and may be difficult to completely eliminate. If you continue to experience issues, you may want to seek the assistance of a professional repair service.

Conclusion 

If your PS4 is making more noise than usual, it's important to identify the cause and take steps to address it. By following these solutions, you can help to prevent damage to your console, improve its performance, and enjoy a quieter gaming experience.

Remember, prevention is key. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help to prevent many of the issues that can cause a loud PS4. By taking care of your console, you can prolong its lifespan and keep it running smoothly for years to come.