If you own the launch version of PlayStation 4 Pro you probably know that it can be quite loud, sometimes even referred to as the “jet engine” PS4. A new CUH-7200 revision largely fixes the noise issues, according to Digital Foundry.
A quieter PlayStation 4 Pro
At first glance, the new revision looks identical but there are some changes under the hood. It is not uncommon for game console manufacturers to tweak internals without announcing the change. This is actually the third version of PlayStation 4 Pro.
FlatpanelsHD owns two PS4 Pro launch editions and they are so noisy that it frequently affects the game experience. We have also on multiple occasions experienced that the console shuts down due to overheating, unless we open the cabinet or move it out entirely.
The latest revision is significantly quieter than the launch version, which is sometimes jokingly referred to as the “jet engine” PS4. The launch version’s noise output typically ranges from 50 to 55dB but the new revision reduces noise output to 44-48 dB, according to measurements by Digital Foundry. It uses a new power supply and has other tweaks, too.
- “I was fascinated to hear about how quiet his machine was,” said Richard Leadbetter, Technology Editor, Digital Foundry. “The sudden, jarring shifts in fan noise are no longer an issue and […] the high pitch and annoying whine of the CUH-7000's (launch model) cooling system are gone.”
In order to tell the different PS4 Pro versions apart you have to check the packaging for references to CUH-7200, which is the new quieter revision. The launch version is CUH-7000 and the second version is CUH-7100. It appears that Sony is still selling the CUH-7100 for now but CUH-7200 will eventually take over. The latest revision is also included with the Red Dead Redemption 2 bundle (CUH-7216B).
This is obviously good news for people who are planning to invest in a PS4 Pro but early adopters are stuck with the PS4 Jet Engine. Xbox One X was launched a year later and despite being more powerful than PS4 Pro it is often praised for being much quieter in action. Let us hope that keeping noise output to a minimum is a priority with the next version of game consoles that are expected to launch around 2020.
- Source: Digital Foundry
