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Why Your PS4 Overheats Even When the Fan Is Quiet

A PS4 overheating while the fan remains quiet is a red flag that something isn’t working as it should.

Normally, when a PS4 gets too hot, the fan kicks into high gear, becoming loud as it works to cool down the system.

If your console is overheating and the fan isn’t making much noise, or worse, isn’t spinning at all, it could indicate a serious issue with the cooling system.

In my years of repairing gaming consoles, I’ve seen this happen often, and the root cause is usually a failed or obstructed fan, or even a deeper hardware problem.

The good news is that there are a few things you can try before resorting to a professional repair.

What Causes a PS4 to Overheat with a Quiet Fan?

If your PS4 is overheating but the fan isn’t loud—or not spinning at all—there are a few common reasons this might happen.

Here’s what I’ve found to be the most likely culprits:

Fan Failure

The most obvious cause is that the fan itself isn’t working properly. This could be due to a mechanical failure, electrical fault, or a damaged fan motor. In these cases, the fan simply can’t do its job, leaving the system to overheat.

Dust Build-Up

Even if the fan is still functional, dust and debris can clog the cooling system and prevent the fan from spinning freely.

This is something I’ve seen frequently, especially in consoles that haven’t been cleaned in a long time.

Dust can also block airflow, making it impossible for the fan to pull cool air into the system.

PS4 Faulty Fan

Faulty Fan Control Circuitry

The PS4’s motherboard has a circuit responsible for regulating the fan’s speed based on the internal temperature. If this circuit fails, the fan might not spin up when it’s needed, even though the system is overheating.

Thermal Paste Degradation

The thermal paste between the PS4’s processor and heat sink can degrade over time, reducing its effectiveness in transferring heat away from the processor. Without proper heat transfer, the fan alone may not be enough to keep the system cool, even if it’s spinning.

Blocked Air Vents

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the fan itself but rather blocked air vents that restrict airflow. Consoles kept in enclosed spaces or placed on soft surfaces like carpets are especially prone to this problem.

Once you identify the likely cause, you’ll have a better idea of how to resolve the issue.

In the next section, I’ll walk you through simple steps you can take to address these problems without opening the console.

DIY Steps to Fix a PS4 That Overheats with a Quiet Fan

If your PS4 is overheating and the fan is quiet, try these simple troubleshooting steps before considering a professional repair.

These steps don’t require opening the console but can help address some of the most common causes.

Step 1: Clean the Air Vents

Blocked air vents can prevent proper airflow, causing the system to overheat.

Use compressed air to carefully blow out dust from the vents. Hold the console upright or tilted to ensure the dust doesn’t settle back inside.

Be gentle, and avoid using a vacuum cleaner, as it could cause static damage.

Step 2: Check for Proper Ventilation

Make sure your PS4 is placed in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid enclosed spaces like TV cabinets or placing the console on soft surfaces like carpets, which can block the vents.

Ideally, the console should have at least a few inches of space around it for proper airflow.

Step 3: Test the Fan

Listen closely as the console starts up.

The fan should spin briefly during boot-up as part of its self-check process.

If you don’t hear any movement or feel airflow near the vents, it’s likely the fan isn’t working at all.

If that’s the case, you’ll need a professional repair to replace the fan.

Step 4: Avoid Overheating Triggers

Until you can get the fan repaired, avoid running games that push the console too hard.

Stick to less demanding games or use the console only for streaming content to reduce the load on the system.

If these steps don’t resolve the overheating issue, it’s time to consider a professional inspection. I’ll explain what to do next in the following section.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your PS4 is still overheating despite trying the DIY steps, it’s likely a deeper issue that requires professional attention.

Based on my experience, a quiet fan during overheating often points to one of the following:

  • A failed fan motor or internal damage that prevents the fan from spinning.
  • A malfunctioning fan control circuit on the motherboard that isn’t telling the fan to activate.
  • Excessive dust build-up inside the console, which can only be cleaned effectively by opening the PS4.
  • Thermal paste degradation, which requires disassembly and reapplication to fix.

At Console Service Centre, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing these types of problems.

Whether your fan needs replacing, the cooling system needs a deep clean, or the internal components need attention, we’ve handled it all before.

Every repair comes with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee and a 6-month money-back warranty (T&C’s apply), so you can trust that your PS4 is in good hands.

We also offer a free collection and delivery service (T&C’s apply) to make the repair process as convenient as possible.

If your PS4 is overheating and the fan isn’t working as it should, click the button below to see our estimate repair costs.

Let us help you get back to gaming without the worry of your console overheating.

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Karabo Mokgothu
5.0
January 24, 2025

They were quick and really reasonable. They quite knowledgeable and brought my PS4 back to life. Absolutely would recommend.

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Sichumiso Maxakato
5.0
January 11, 2025

Took my ps4 console for a laser repair/replacement. It was repaired in less than 2 hours. Really appreciate the speedy service. Highly recommended!

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Bertus Nell
5.0
December 17, 2024

Have been taking my PS4 console for new hard drive. Very professional, friendly and super helpful. Repairs done and console as good as new. Will definitely take my PS5 for service and deep cleaning. I highly recommend them for repairs and even service of your consoles. Compliments to all at Console Service Centre.

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Keobakile Maselo
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December 17, 2024

I recently had my PS4 repaired by Console Service Center, and I couldn’t be happier with their service. My console was overheating, so I booked a repair, and they collected it the same day. Their communication throughout the process was excellent, keeping me updated every step of the way. By the next day, they identified the issue as a heat sink problem and promptly fixed it. They even went the extra mile by repairing the motherboard and reprogramming the hard drive. Now my PS4 runs perfectly and is as quiet as a mouse. The service was quick, professional, and top-notch. Highly recommended!

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Muhammed Ameen
5.0
December 15, 2024

Excellent service received!! Our PS4 was ready within 2 hours. Rudy was considerate enough to accommodate us to sort out the repair an the same day as we hail all the way from Krugersdorp/Randfontein on the West Rand. Communication and advice was great. Well done, keep it up!! Thanks for running this promotion now in December 2024 when the gaming season kicks into high gear!

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John Andrew
5.0
December 14, 2024

I recently had my PS4 repaired through Console Service Centre, and I can't emphasize enough how impressed I am with their service. From the initial phonecall I made to see whether the power issue was repairable, to the incredibly quick collection, speedy quote and repair, crystal clear communication through their professional online ticket system, and delivering it back to me in less than a week (even though I live on the opposite side of the country, more than 1000km away) - they were fantastic. My machine has a new lease on life and we can once again enjoy our favourite games, just in time for the festive season. Outstanding job, thank you!

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