Kickstarter Project Boasts $39 AI-Enhanced PS5 Add-on Reduces Exhaust Temperature by Up to 9°C

A Kickstarter campaign is gaining attention with its promise to solve overheating issues on the PlayStation 5, even addressing incidents where the rear I/O can melt. At the time of our review, the campaign had already amassed $89,000, with a goal reaching up to $125,000. The starting price for this cooling accessory is $39.

Introducing the Arctic PS5 cooler, this gadget is marketed as the first AI-powered PS5 cooler of its kind. It’s essentially a clip-on vent attaching to the PS5’s rear exhaust, equipped with either four or six fans actively working to dissipate heat. This device operates through a single USB port, featuring a pass-through to ensure you don’t lose port functionality on your console.

SCRY, the minds behind this Kickstarter venture, have designed three variants of the cooler, tailored for each model of the PS5. These include the original, humorously referred to as the “fat” model, the PS5 Slim, and the newly launched PS5 Pro. The cooler for the PS5 Pro and Slim boasts four fans in total—three positioned at the top and one at the bottom. Meanwhile, the “fat” PS5 version steps up with six fans.

Highlighted frequently on the Kickstarter page is the “smart thermal AI,” which adjusts fan speed depending on the PS5’s internal temperature. It’s a little murky how this method differs from the traditional ways PC fan speeds have been managed for years. When the console hits 50°C, the system is designed to crank up the fans to their maximum speed to maintain optimal cooling.

According to SCRY, this cooling innovation can slash the PS5’s temperature by 30% compared to its default operation, bringing it down from a high of 64°C to about 55°C. Thermal imagery on their site shows a reduction of 9 degrees Celsius at the hottest spot, right by the ethernet port on the PS5 chassis.

These coolers aim to ward off any overheating issues on Sony’s cutting-edge console. Just last year, several reports spotlighted overheating woes on games like Final Fantasy XVI. In a few rare cases, the overheating was severe enough to cause melting of some rear connectors.

Beyond these coolers, SCRY is also showcasing a Gen 4 M.2 SSD with an integrated heatsink as part of their Kickstarter offerings.

As the project pushes forward, the stretch goal sits at $125,000. Reaching this milestone will unlock a complimentary “vertikal” universal PS5 stand. There are also objectives at $75,000 and $100,000, with further details to be revealed once these goals are met.