Everything you need to know about the PS5 Chassis B

Throughout a console 's lifespan, its manufacturer releases revisions , although these aren't always announced. In the case of PlayStation, it's quite common to refer to the 'Fat' and 'Slim' versions to differentiate the original machine from the later, smaller revision. However, there are also changes within each version. Each revision is given a name, which must be indicated on the product label.

What is the PlayStation 5 Chassis B?

Between revisions, there can be minor aesthetic changes, alterations to materials—replacing them with more durable (or cheaper) ones—differences between components due to supply changes, or even modifications aimed at ironing out bugs or adding improvements. Most of the time, these go unnoticed, but that hasn't been the case with the PlayStation 5's Chassis B. In this post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this new chassis for Sony's next-generation console.

The PS5 Chassis B is the first significant revision of the PS5 . Production began around mid-2021 , in May, and it's the model currently being sold in stores in Europe—if you can find one, given the low stock levels.

The biggest difference with this model is that it weighs 300 grams less than the original. However, while there are other differences , the hardware features and performance are identical to the 2020 version.

What consoles mount the new Chasis B?

To avoid confusion, we'll only talk about the console models that are sold in Europe , since there are multiple variations depending on the region where the product is sold, and it doesn't make sense to talk about models that we can't access in our market.

As you may know, the PlayStation 5 is sold in two different formats: with and without a Blu-ray disc drive . The original PS5 model with a disc drive was called CFI-1016A, while the digital version was codenamed CFI-1016B.

Well, the first models to be sold in our region starting in mid-2021 are called CFI-1116A (version with a disc drive) and CFI-1116B (purely digital version). These two models use the new B-Chassis.

By the way, to differentiate them, many media outlets will refer to these models as '2020 10X' and '2021 11X'. If you're wondering where to buy this console , all the PS5 models currently available in stores are of this new specification . So there's no real choice.

How to identify if your console is Chassis A or Chassis B

If you recently purchased your console and aren't sure which model you have, you can find out in several different ways . The model number is located on the box the console came in and on a sticker on the console itself. The PlayStation 5 serial number can also be found inside the PS5. If you need this information—whether to buy a compatible accessory or even to process a warranty claim—you need to do the following :

• Remove the dock from your PlayStation 5 console.
• Look for the sticker that the serial number is printed on (if you're placing the console vertically, it's right at the bottom of the console).
• Now pay attention to the label:
  • El serial number from the console is the code consisting of 17 characters.
  • El model number It is just what we talked about in the previous section. It is headed by the initials 'CFI', followed by a number and a letter. That letter is what determines the chassis model of your PlayStation 5 console.

If you need to use this information later, it is recommended that you take a photo of the label with your mobile phone or write down the two codes on a piece of paper to avoid having to disassemble the base of the console every time you need this information.

Differences between Chassis A and Chassis B of PS5

Weight isn't the only major difference between these two PlayStation models. Sony has taken note of some of the problems with the original PS5 and addressed them in this new edition. Almost the entire redesign focuses on improving the console's thermal performance and reducing manufacturing costs to some extent. The result is a much lighter console with a significantly simpler cooling system. Simplifying the design could be counterproductive, but as we'll see later with very technical and exhaustive tests, this new version does offer improvements. However, we shouldn't rule out the possibility of future models—whether Slim or a future C-Chassis—that further enhance the PlayStation 5's heat dissipation.

If you're curious about how this PlayStation 5 Chassis B has improved compared to Chassis A, here's everything you need to know:

Differences in the heatsink

Like any modern high-performance device, the PS5 isn't immune to some heat dissipation challenges . This doesn't mean we'll experience thermal throttling during gameplay (as can happen with some gaming laptops ), but it seems they've discovered a new, more efficient method for lowering the console's temperature.

Chassis B features a new heatsink , which, interestingly, is less bulky but more efficient than the original. You can see a comparison between the two in this video by Austin Evans, who dissects both console models and places them side-by-side so you can see the differences. He goes so far as to say at first glance that it's worse, but as we'll see in the next paragraph, appearances can be deceiving.

You're probably wondering now if the heatsink change was worth it. From a user's perspective, it's difficult to draw conclusions. However, the hardware-focused YouTuber Gamers Nexus has conducted multiple performance tests on both consoles to gather some insights. Overall, there is a difference, but according to this expert, Sony could further improve temperatures by applying liquid metal instead of thermal paste to the console's various dies . Even so, it's unlikely Sony will implement this measure. Liquid metal is a great alternative to thermal paste, but applying this compound is risky. First, if applied incorrectly, it can cause a short circuit with other components. And second, it can be corrosive to some metallic materials.

From a global perspective, the components that benefit most from the change are the VRMs , which significantly reduce their temperature, guaranteeing a longer lifespan while also optimizing a more stable power delivery, since good cooling of these components ensures there are no voltage drops. In this way, the console's CPU frequency will remain stable. There is almost a 6-degree difference between the two models. The RAM also sees its temperature reduced by a couple of degrees. However, the YouTuber emphasizes that the PS5's memory fails due to temperature at 95 or 110 degrees, depending on the memory manufacturer installed in the unit.

Despite these changes, it's important to remember that we must use the console properly to ensure its lifespan isn't reduced by overheating . We should never box it up or cover its ventilation grilles . The PS5, like any next-generation console or gaming PC , should be placed in a location where it can draw in fresh air to reduce the temperature of its internal components. Similarly, we must be especially careful if we have pets at home, as airborne fur can clog the ventilation slots, especially if we use the console near the floor. In these cases, it's recommended to perform a little maintenance on the console from time to time . Furthermore, Sony has designed a filter cleaning system so that any inexperienced user can do it at home, as we explain in this video :

New base for the console

The PS5 can be positioned vertically or horizontally. However, to stand it upright, you need an accessory that comes in the console's box. It's a circular base that screws onto the bottom of the console.

In the original model, the screw was very thin and required a tool like a screwdriver. In the new revision, Sony has opted for a screw with a wider head . They've also enlarged the opening in the base so you can insert your fingers and tighten the screw directly by hand . However, it would have been more sensible to use a carabiner-shaped screw, like many tripod mounts on cameras. Simply put, anyone with larger hands will still need a screwdriver to attach the base.

The changes in the 2022 model

In late 2022, Sony made another update to its console. The Japanese company replaced the 7-nanometer AMD Oberon chip with an improved chip using a more advanced lithographic process. Specifically, the PlayStation 5 now uses an AMD Oberon Plus chip, built on TSMC's 6-nanometer lithographic process.

This model is designated CFI-1202 , but no codename has been released. In other words, it hasn't been named 'PS5 Chassis C' or anything like that. Among the improvements of this new chip are greater energy efficiency, less energy loss as heat, and the possibility of further reducing the size of the cooling and power supply systems.

Will a Slim model arrive one day?

As we've seen, the PS5's B chassis has significantly reduced its heat dissipation system without affecting its cooling performance. This is interesting to consider when speculating about a future Slim model of the console. And let's be honest, the PlayStation 5 is a massive device that won't fit on just any living room shelf.

We know that at some point, Sony will have to produce a smaller version of its console. This time, many gamers are asking for it, not for aesthetic reasons, but for purely ergonomic ones. However, this generation doesn't seem to be making the "bikini body" transformation so easy. Some modding experts have tried reducing the console's thickness and have concluded that the PS5 has two major drawbacks: heat and power consumption . Sony's console is not only enormous because it has to dissipate a lot of heat, but also because it includes a gigantic power supply. Nevertheless, with the changes made to the new chip (identifier CFI-1202), the outlook is more favorable. We may soon see a somewhat thinner PlayStation 5.

The modders They have already made their versions

Whether it's to go viral or to try to conduct an experiment, there are a couple of YouTubers who have already tried to slim down the PlayStation 5, although some with certain tricks.

YouTuber SFDX Show created his own PS5 Slim by designing his own case, opting for liquid cooling, and keeping the disc drive. The result is still a fairly bulky console, but with a much more compact size than the original.

At the other extreme was British YouTuber DIY Perks . Matt designed his own liquid cooling panel for the PlayStation 5 PCB, similar to the panels sold for connecting a GPU to a water-cooling system. The result was spectacular, with a very attractive copper finish. However, criticism quickly followed. While DIY Perks managed to reduce the thickness of his console, this doesn't change the fact that enormous components like the power supply and parts of the cooling circuit are located outside the console. These mods further highlight how difficult it is to cool Sony's PlayStation 5. Will there be a solution in the future?

Only AMD can solve the problems of PS5

For many experts, the only way we'll see a Slim model of the console is if AMD releases a revised version of the PS5's APU with a lower-power lithography that consumes less energy. This would allow for a smaller power supply and generate less heat, enabling a lighter heatsink and, consequently, a much more compact and lighter PS5. But there's definitely still some time before that happens.