Some players have reported strange noises coming from Sony’s new console after the launch of the PlayStation 5. In some cases, a sticker could be responsible – but not everywhere. Here are your options if you are affected.
Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 has launched worldwide, and many owners can now try out Sony’s next-gen console for themselves. In early tests, such as that by GamePro, the PS5 is well received – even though there are still some teething problems.
What is the issue with the noises? Occasionally, players in some threads on Reddit complain about annoying noises that sometimes only appear after several days. This shouldn’t be intended, after all, the PS5 has been praised since the first hands-on for being actually really quiet and hardly noticeable.
I, Sven Galitzki from MeinMMO, personally had no noise issues (or any other issues) with the PS5 provided to me by Sony since November 11th and have not noticed the console even during hours of continuous operation.
In the following video from YouTuber Dr.UnboxKing, you can hear the problem as an example:
How exactly does the problem manifest? The noises range from annoying buzzing to scraping-like sounds, to perceived light vibrations of the fan. According to sporadic reports, the noises mostly come from the fan, but sometimes it seems unclear where they actually originate.
Strange Noises with the PS5 – Possible Causes
How do the noises occur? Many users and PS5 owners online are puzzled over this. Keep in mind: So far, most of it is speculation.
The buzzing could be attributed to a phenomenon known as coil whine. This is a type of metallic noise that occurs when an electrical component begins to vibrate due to the energy flowing through it.
The disc drive has been ruled out as the cause since even owners of the digital PS5 report similar problems.
Regarding the light vibrations, some suspect a potentially defective fan to be the main culprit, as it is essentially the only component that rotates quickly enough to cause vibrations.
Also, the scraping noises are attributed by some to a defective fan. In one case, a PS5 owner found a misplaced sticker inside the PS5.
This sticker was supposed to secure a cable to a circuit board but apparently got into the fan and caused the annoying scraping noise. After removing the sticker, the noise was gone.
What can be done about it? There isn’t really much that can be done against coil whine (if that is indeed the issue) in the case of the PS5. Additional insulation or replacing components is not an option. Furthermore, this whine does not necessarily indicate a defect – even though it can be quite unpleasant.
If the noise bothers you, you should directly contact Sony Support or the retailer from whom you purchased the PS5.
Warning: If you tinker with the PS5 yourself, the warranty is at risk!
You can’t really do anything about a loud fan or potential vibrations, or at least you shouldn’t. Because that requires accessing the interior of the PlayStation 5 to search for the possible cause – and this is where opinions diverge on how far one can go without losing warranty claims.
Skilled individuals can theoretically detach the side plates of the PS5 and then take a look at the fan or remove it. However, this is strongly discouraged. Because regarding unitary devices, Sony has already stated that one should not remove the side covering. At the latest, when screws need to be handled to remove the fan or other covers, warranty claims are likely to be lost in the eyes of many players, even for purchased devices.
Additionally, note: After Frank discovered the scraping sticker as the cause, YouTuber Dr.UnboxKing opened a loud console but found no disturbing or visibly scraping foreign objects. Here is his practical example:
The sticker is therefore not a universal reason for the strange sounds and the true cause may remain completely unclear even after careful inspection.
Here are a few more examples of noise problems with the PS5:
In short: If you are affected by the problem, you don’t really have many options. You can and should directly contact Sony Support or the retailer from whom you purchased the PlayStation 5.
There you should receive official information firsthand regarding the problem itself and the next steps. However, this could result in a “temporary loss”, as you will likely have to send the device in and go without it for quite a while. Because currently, the PS5 is completely sold out.
Alternatively, you can open the console and search for problems in the area of the fan yourself. However, this risks losing any warranty claims. So you take complete responsibility for it and if something goes wrong, perhaps also at your own cost. Therefore, it is generally advisable to refrain from this – even if it might resolve the problem.
What about you? Do you also have this or another technical problem with your PS5? I myself am thrilled with the PlayStation 5 so far. The only thing that bothers me about the PS5 is actually one thing – but more than I thought
