Is your console humming like a hairdryer, getting hot to the touch, or shutting down in the middle of a game? In most such cases, the reason is one: the cooling system is clogged with dust, and the thermal interface between the processor and the heatsink has lost its properties. We clean PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in Novosibirsk: we disassemble the case, remove dust, and if necessary, update the thermal interface (thermal paste, and liquid metal on PS5). Diagnostics are free, and all work comes with a 3-month warranty.
How to tell if your console needs cleaning
A gaming console can't complain with words, but it shows symptoms well. Pay attention if:
- the fan is constantly noisy. The console used to run quietly, but now you can hear it even in the menu or when watching videos, and the sound intensifies when a game starts;
- the case and the airflow from the vents have become noticeably hotter. The air coming out is warm, or even hot, even under normal load;
- the console shuts down or restarts on its own. The console protects itself from overheating and turns off, so the game is interrupted without warning;
- games start to lag. At high temperatures, the processor reduces its frequency, and the picture loses its smoothness;
- artifacts or freezes appear on the screen specifically after long gaming sessions, and everything returns to normal after cooling down;
- the vents are visibly clogged with dust or the console has been sitting for a long time in a cabinet niche, on a carpet, near a radiator, or in a room with pets.
If the console doesn't turn on at all or there's no image, the problem might not be dust. In such a case, diagnostics are needed first: they are free, and the technician will tell you the cause before starting any work.
You should rely on symptoms, not the calendar. Cleaning is more often required where there is a lot of dust: carpets, pets, open shelves, the console on the floor or behind the TV.
Symptom and probable cause
Diagnostics will reveal the exact cause, but you can get an idea of what to expect based on the symptom. These are guidelines, not a verdict.
- Noisy always, even in the menu. Most often, the vents are clogged or the fan is covered in dust. Cleaning helps;
- Noisy only in games. The heatsink can't handle the load: dust between the fins or a worn-out thermal interface. Cleaning is needed, sometimes with thermal paste replacement;
- Shuts down some time after starting. Most likely overheating. If the vents are clean, the cause is deeper and cannot be seen without opening the console;
- Hot, but the fan is barely audible. Air may not be circulating through the heatsink, or the fan is not working correctly. This is a case for diagnostics, not for home air-blowing;
- No image or picture disappears. This usually has nothing to do with dust: check the HDMI port and cable;
- Doesn't turn on at all. The cause could be in the power supply or motherboard. Diagnostics first.
What happens inside and why dust is such a problem
The console's case acts like an air tunnel. The fan draws air through the vents, pushes it through the heatsink, and expels it. Along with the air, dust also gets inside. It settles on the fan blades and gets trapped between the thin fins of the heatsink, forming a felt-like layer.
This layer acts like a blanket: heat from the processor doesn't dissipate well into the air, and the fan has to spin faster to cope with the heat. Hence the noise. When the fan speed is no longer enough, the temperature rises, and the console starts to throttle performance or shut down.
The second part of the cooling system is hidden deeper. Between the processor and the heatsink is the thermal interface: on PlayStation 4, it's thermal paste; on PlayStation 5, it's liquid metal. Over time, it loses its properties, and even a clean heatsink will dissipate heat less effectively. That's why sometimes simply removing dust isn't enough, and the thermal interface needs to be replaced.
Why a vacuum cleaner and compressed air can't fix it
The first impulse of an owner is to vacuum the vents or blow out the console with a can of compressed air. We do not recommend doing this.
- A vacuum cleaner only removes the light, superficial layer near the vents. The dense dust between the heatsink fins remains in place, and the vacuum cleaner doesn't reach inside the case.
- Compressed air spins the fan beyond its normal RPMs and disperses dust throughout the case, from where it settles back down. The dense layer doesn't go away.
- Neither of these methods replaces the thermal interface. If the problem is with it, the symptoms will return.
There is only one reliable method: carefully disassemble the case, remove the cooling system, and clean each component separately.
PS4 and PS5: how maintenance differs
Both consoles cool on the same principle, but working with them is not the same.
PlayStation 4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro. Here, thermal paste is applied to the processor. After cleaning, it can be replaced if it has dried out or lost its properties.
PlayStation 5. Liquid metal is natively used on the processor. This is a console feature: it conducts heat excellently, but it also conducts electricity, so it must be handled very carefully. This is why we do not recommend opening the PS5 yourself: a careless movement can lead to a short circuit on the motherboard.
Not sure which model and revision you have? Tell us what's written on the case or in the system settings, and we'll tell you what to expect.
What's included in cleaning and thermal paste replacement
Dust cleaning. We disassemble the case, remove and clean the fan, heatsink, and air ducts, remove dust from the motherboard and vents, reassemble the console, and test how it performs under load.
Thermal paste replacement on PS4 and liquid metal on PS5. If after testing it's clear that the thermal interface has run its course, we replace it: thermal paste on PS4, liquid metal on PS5. We will tell you in advance if replacement is needed in your case and agree on the final cost before starting work. If cleaning is sufficient, we will say so.
Cleaning or cleaning with thermal paste replacement? Most often, the first step is cleaning: it removes the main cause of noise and heating. If the console has been overheating for a long time or the temperature behaves the same after cleaning, the next candidate is the thermal interface. We make decisions based on the condition of the specific console, not a template, and you will know about it before work begins.
The scope of work and the final price depend on the condition of the specific console, so we finalize them after diagnostics.
How the work proceeds
- Come in or contact us. Tell us what console you have and what's happening with it: noise, heating, shutdowns.
- We'll check the console. Diagnostics are free. We'll look at the symptoms and the condition of the cooling system.
- We'll agree on the scope of work and cost. You'll know in advance what we'll do and how much it costs.
- We'll clean and, if necessary, update the thermal interface. We work with the console disassembled and clean each part separately.
- We'll reassemble and test. We start the console and see how it behaves under load. After that, you pick up your console.
How much it costs and how long it takes
Console dust cleaning starts from 2 500 ₽. Thermal paste replacement on PS4 starts from 2 900 ₽. Liquid metal replacement on PS5 starts from 8 500 ₽. We state the price as "from" because the final amount depends on the console's condition, and we always agree on it before starting work.
Cleaning takes from 1 hour. The time for thermal paste replacement on PS4 and liquid metal on PS5 will be specified after diagnostics, as it depends on the console's condition.
Diagnostics are free, even if you decide not to proceed with the repair. All work comes with a 3-month warranty; more details are available on the warranty page.
What to do before your visit
- Remember the symptoms. When does it make noise: immediately after turning on, in the menu, or only in games. Were there any spontaneous shutdowns and how long ago;
- Find out the model. PS4, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro, or PS5: the name is in the system settings and on the case;
- Do not open the console yourself. Especially PS5: liquid metal on the processor can be easily damaged, and if it gets on the motherboard, it can cause a short circuit;
- Bring the power cable. It's needed to test the console under load after the work is done.
What happens if you don't clean it
Overheating doesn't just interfere with gaming. Constant operation at extreme temperatures wears out parts faster, and self-shutdowns, game crashes, and noise become common. The longer you delay, the higher the risk that it will lead to a more complex repair than just cleaning. Therefore, when the console starts making noise and heating up, it's best to check it immediately.
How to reduce dust accumulation in your console
You can't completely eliminate dust, but you can slow down its accumulation:
- place the console on a hard, flat surface, not on a sofa, carpet, or soft blanket that blocks the vents;
- leave free space around the case, don't hide the console in a cramped, enclosed niche, and don't place it flush against a wall or other equipment;
- do not place it near a radiator or in direct sunlight;
- occasionally wipe the vents from the outside with a dry cloth, without pushing dust inside;
- if you have pets or many carpets at home, check the vents more often: dust accumulates there faster.
Other console services
We don't limit ourselves to cleaning. We also perform other services for PlayStation:
- HDMI port repair: if there's no image or the picture disappears;
- disc drive replacement, if the console doesn't read discs;
- power supply repair, if the console doesn't turn on;
- firmware updates.
The cost of these services is provided after a free diagnostic. We also service gaming controllers: DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DualShock 4. All services are listed on the "Console Repair" page, as well as in the PlayStation section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to clean a PS4 or PS5 from dust?
Dust cleaning starts from 2 500 ₽. Thermal paste replacement on PS4 starts from 2 900 ₽, liquid metal replacement on PS5 starts from 8 500 ₽. The final cost is provided after a free diagnostic and agreed upon before work begins.
How long does console cleaning take?
Cleaning takes from 1 hour. The time for thermal paste or liquid metal replacement will be specified after diagnostics.
Does a new PS5 need cleaning?
Rely on the symptoms: if the console runs quietly and doesn't heat up, there's no rush. If noise, heating, or self-shutdowns appear, it's best to contact us immediately, regardless of the console's age.
Can I clean the console with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air at home?
We do not recommend it: a vacuum cleaner doesn't remove dense dust between the heatsink fins, and compressed air spins the fan and disperses dust throughout the case. Thorough cleaning is only possible when disassembled.
What are the dangers of liquid metal on PS5?
It conducts heat well, but also electricity. If a drop gets on the motherboard, a short circuit is possible. Therefore, it's best not to open the PS5 yourself.
Is thermal paste replacement always necessary?
No. Sometimes cleaning is enough. The technician will tell you what your specific console needs and agree on the scope of work beforehand.
What is the warranty for the work?
The warranty for the work is 3 months.
Do you only clean PlayStations?
On this page, we talk about PS4 and PS5. If you have a different console, write or call us, and we'll tell you how we can help.
Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
You can leave a request on the website or call to arrange a time. We are open daily from 9:00 to 20:00. Address: Novosibirsk, Kommunisticheskaya St., 35, office 300, details on the contacts page.
Why is the console still noisy after cleaning?
Dust is not the only cause of noise. Sometimes the fan itself is worn out or the thermal interface has lost its properties. In such a case, we will tell you immediately and offer a suitable solution, agreeing on the price in advance.
How to tell if the problem is not dust?
If there's no image, the console doesn't turn on, or there's no heating and noise, the cause is likely something else: the HDMI port, power supply, or motherboard. We'll check it for free and tell you exactly what's needed.
Is diagnostics paid?
Diagnostics are free, even if repairs are not needed.