PlayStation 5 (PS5) systems utilize liquid metal for cooling during prolonged operation. The thermal interface material of the PS5 consists of a liquid metal known as Galinstan, an alloy made from tin, indium, and gallium. This metal acts as a thermal interface between the Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) and the heatsink, facilitating effective heat dissipation and excellent thermal conductivity. However, independent technicians have indicated that positioning your PS5 vertically may lead to liquid metal leakage, as gravity draws it toward the bottom of the heatsink.
Although the vertical orientation issue has not been definitively established, it remains a potential concern. If your PS5 encounters overheating and unexpected shutdowns, this may still result from thermal degradation linked to a faulty cooling system. In either scenario, the repercussions of a liquid metal leak in the PS5 could involve lasting damage, such as ongoing performance declines, sudden shutdowns — and in severe instances, an unusable console (although other factors could be causing your PS5 to show a black screen).
