• last year
Reapplying thermal compound on a PlayStation 4 (PS4) can help improve its cooling performance and prevent overheating issues. Over time, the original thermal compound may dry out or lose its effectiveness, making it necessary to replace it. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you reapply thermal compound on your PS4:

**Note: Performing this procedure may void your PS4's warranty if it's still covered. If your PS4 is under warranty and experiencing thermal issues, consider contacting Sony support for assistance or having it repaired by a professional technician. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.**

**Tools and materials you'll need:**
1. Thermal compound (high-quality thermal paste specifically designed for CPUs and GPUs)
2. Isopropyl alcohol (preferably 90% or higher concentration)
3. Cotton swabs or lint-free cloths
4. Screwdrivers (usually Torx and Phillips)

**Step-by-step process:**
1. **Prepare your workspace:** Find a clean, well-lit area to work on your PS4. Place a soft cloth or non-static surface to protect the console from scratches and static discharge.

2. **Power off and unplug the PS4:** Make sure the PS4 is completely powered off and disconnected from any power source before proceeding.

3. **Open the PS4 case:** Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the back and sides of the PS4. Keep track of which screws go where, as they may vary in size.

4. **Access the APU and heatsink:** Once the case is open, locate the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), which is the main chip responsible for processing graphics and central processing tasks. The APU is usually covered by a metal heatsink and thermal compound.

5. **Clean the APU and heatsink:** Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs or lint-free cloths to clean off the old thermal compound from the APU and the heatsink. Ensure that both surfaces are entirely free of any residue.

6. **Apply the new thermal compound:** Apply a small, pea-sized amount of high-quality thermal compound to the center of the APU. Make sure not to apply too much as it can lead to excess spilling and potentially interfere with other components. Some people prefer spreading the paste evenly with a plastic card, but others find that the pressure from the heatsink will distribute the paste effectively.

7. **Reassemble the PS4:** Place the heatsink back onto the APU, ensuring it sits correctly over the thermal compound. Reattach any screws and connectors you removed earlier, securing the heatsink in place.

8. **Reassemble the PS4 case:** Put the top cover back on the PS4 and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.

9. **Test the PS4:** Plug in the power cord and any other necessary cables, and turn on the PS4 to ensure it powers up correctly. Monitor the console's temperature and performance to see if the thermal compound replacement has helped with cooling.

If the process was successful, your PS4 should run cooler and more efficiently. However, if you encounter any issues during the process or