Do you get tired of cramming the TV volume to compensate for the noise of your PS4 fan? Does your favorite game make it seem like a jet engine is lifting off whenever you turn it on? You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered why your PS4 sounds so loud. A noisy console can be more than just an irritant; it can also signify underlying issues that might need your attention.
In this article, we will explore the common causes of annoying noise and provide solutions to help you restore peace. Whether due to dust accumulation, outdated hardware, or poor ventilation, we’ve got you covered with basic to advanced fixes. You can say goodbye to the disturbances and enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions once again.
Why is My PS4 Fan So Loud?
Dust is one of the most frequent causes of why your PS4 fan is loud. However, this does not happen immediately, and it takes a few months for the dirt to accumulate around the fan. Not only can fans make a lot of noise, but it’s also challenging to hear gaming sounds. It also causes your games to lag and take much longer to load than usual.
There can be specific reasons for PS4 fans to be loud: hard drives, cooling fans, dust, highly-intensive games, and old or broken consoles. Below, this guide will tell you specific reasons for the PS4 loud fan and how to fix this noise issue.
1. PS4 Hard Drive
The hard drive of your console can be the leading cause of its loud noise. It’s most common when the platters are spinning in search of data. The hard drive making lots of noise is a wrong indication. It’s a hint that your PS4 drive isn’t working correctly. You must address the issue as soon as you identify it.
2. Dust
Dust is another cause of the loud fan noise on your PS4. The dirt or dust surrounds us, and you can’t escape it. Sure, you can clean the outer surface; however, airborne dust also gets into your console. The more dirt enters the PS4, the louder it becomes. The solution for this problem is to use a dust cover such as Foamy Lizard Dust Cover to clean it properly. This cover’s main benefit is that it’s tailor-made for the initial PlayStation 4.
When the console turns on, you can not use the dust cover. Instead, apply it to keep dust from the system when playing games. The leather-textured dust cover has a soft fleece inner lining that resists dirt, liquid, and dust. The back panel gives protection without removing the cables from the back of the device.
3. Cooling Fans
The cooling fans are among the major causes of the system’s noise. The fans spin to keep the machine cool as the console, processor, and motherboard generate heat. It sounds as if the cooling fan is loose, dirty, or sluggish. The noises may be intense, and your PS4 might not be cooling as quickly as it should be. As a result of the overheating, it will shut down.
4. Broken or Old PS4
The PS4 collects dirt, dust, and lint over time and disables various components. As a result, these components stop working correctly. Fans and motherboards are two components that dust harm.
As time passes, various items of an old or broken PS4 console will lose their strength. After a significant duration of use, most may break down. As a response, the noises produced by your PlayStation 4 will increase. Most of the time, this is the cause of your controller making noise. The dust and missing parts are a concern whenever we talk about PS4 loud fan noise.
5. High-Quality Games
Games containing demanding graphics are entertaining, but they’re also stressful on your device. It might lead the CPU to heat up, causing your PS4 fan to rotate nonstop. The fan accelerates and attempts to cool the system whenever this continues, resulting in the obnoxious noise users encounter. It can also occur if your game isn’t loaded correctly or not installed completely.
How Do I Fix My PS4 Fan Loud?
Looking for ways to fix the noisy fan issue on your PS4? Check out these effective solutions that guarantee a quieter gaming experience with smooth performance.
1. Determine the Cause of the Noise
Before we apply any solution, we always first have to understand the problem. So, first, you need to identify which is causing the noise. You must resolve the problem from your PS4 console before applying any fix. First, figure out from where the noise is coming by listening carefully.
If the noise comes from outside the fan area, you’ll know it’s something else. If your console is shutting down because of excessive heat, the issue is most likely the fan. Your PS4 isn’t getting enough cooling. If you hear rattling noises coming, some components are likely to be lost.
On the other end, a whining noise may come from the hard disk, which is a sign of its failure. This noise can be too high and begins when you switch on your system or when it is in use. The sound will not end until you turn off the PS4.
2. Make Sure Your Console is in a Ventilated Area
The fan starts when your PS4 begins to heat up. To control the heat within the device, the fans accelerate faster. When the console overheats and the fan can’t keep up, it turns much quicker, making even stronger noises than usual.
The only solution is to make sure your system ventilates adequately. Remember that the cooling fans are on either side and back of the console. The air intake vents are on the sides, and the exhaust grilles are on the back. Ensure these places are clear of blockages so the cooling fan can bring as much cool air as possible into the PS4.
Furthermore, avoid covering your PlayStation with materials such as bags, coats, or towels. Don’t put something on its top. The only purpose is to ensure enough air passes through your PS4 fan. That way, the system won’t have to work as hard to keep cool.
Keeping your PS4 console in a closed cabinet is never a good idea, particularly if you’re gaming. That’s a specific way to warm up your gaming console immediately. It will not only make your fans noisy, but it will also possibly cause significant harm to your Sony PlayStation.
3. Use a Cooling Stand
Since the PS4’s cooling fan is at the bottom of the device, raising it allows for improved airflow. Allow some room beneath the console for the fan to rest and calm down. You can lift your console with any item on hand and buy a cooling stand.
The cooling stand will let the air from the console escape without colliding with the table. You can keep your system running smoothly and for a longer period with the support of a cooling stand. The PS4 is less likely to generate excess heat or noise when placed upright on the stand. The following are some recommended cooling stands you can buy:
- OIVO PS4 Stand Cooling Fan Station
- Kootek Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan
- BEBONCOOL Stand Cooling Fan
4. Play in a Cool Place
Playing in a warm climate is not recommended because the PS4 heats up independently. If at all possible, keep it in a place with a pleasant temperature. We’ve seen reports of PS4 buyers hearing weird sounds while using their consoles in rooms with 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Hold your console in an area with a maximum temperature of 73 °F for best performance.
5. Fix the System Problems
When your game database is damaged, the CPU is highly strained. Among the factors, the hard drive begins to make noises, and the CPU starts to overheat. When you have games installed incorrectly, you will have the same issue. It begins to break down, and in response, the CPU is subjected to extreme stress and burns up in return. When your device gets too hot, the pressure transfers to the fan, which creates a loud noise.
To resolve the issue, you should work with the game’s data. If the problem persists, it’s recommended to reinstall the program. This approach ensures that system failures do not contribute to the problem.
6. Use a Compressed Air Can
Even if you take every measure to ensure that your PS4 has adequate ventilation, dust will eventually accumulate in its vents and other small crevices.
The only solution to the problem of this dust accumulation without taking down your PlayStation is to use a compressed air can. Make sure the PS4 is turned off and disconnected before proceeding. That’s the most straightforward and efficient method for cleaning out your PS4. You can use this approach to clean your console monthly to keep it in good working condition.
7. Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Many customers have advised against using a vacuum cleaner to clean out vents. However, it is worth noting that this method can be effective and safe. If you happen to have a vacuum with a small nozzle attachment, simply place it near the back and side intakes to suction away most of the dust particles.
It’s worth noting that even with a vacuum, you’re unlikely to get all of the dust out from the vents without disassembling the PS4. If you plan to clean your console with a vacuum, wait a little before turning it back on to allow the temperature to return to normal. Please remember that this approach is a little unconventional and may not be the best choice because that might damage your system. So, if you want to go with this, proceed with caution.
8. Open the PS4 and Clean
If working on the device problems and putting the PS4 in a well-ventilated area doesn’t resolve the issue, you’ll have to develop something better. You’ll need to open the PS4 and work with the components triggering the noises.
Note that If you apply this method and open your console, you will end up PS4 warranty. So, If you still have the remaining one-year warranty on your PS4, send it to Sony or any certified dealership.
When dealing with issues on your PlayStation 4, ensure you have all you need. You’ll need the appropriate equipment to open, clean, and do something else with your PS4. If you use the incorrect tools, you will end up causing more issues with your console than fixing them. Here is what you need to do:
- First, remove three screws from the PS4’s back bottom section. You can use a T9 or T8 Torx screwdriver, such as TECKMAN 10 in 1 Torx Screwdriver Set to open all necessary screws. The warranty sticker can cover some screws, so you must remove them.
- You must turn the PS4 downside after removing the screws. The plastic lower cowling will have to be removed. With a bit of effort, this cover should come off quickly. Just treat it lightly so you don’t hurt your PlayStation. The fan will be evident after eliminating this cover.
- You can thoroughly compress air to clean the fan, including the grills. Keep the compressed air can upright to avoid blowing moisture into the fan.
Final Thoughts
Since games became more GPU-demanding, the concern of loud fan noise has troubled the console gaming industry. Since gaming devices are unlikely to switch from air to water cooling, fan sound will almost certainly remain a problem in the upcoming console generation.
Even so, fan noise is not something to prevent any gamer from involving themselves in their gaming environment for many hours. The PS4 fan’s loud sound is a minor problem you can easily handle with maintenance and the right atmosphere. Finding a suitable method to solve the PS4 loud fan is not too difficult.
