Is this a PS3 overheating issue?

Question

My new PS3 turns itself off intermittently. There are times it does that shortly after turning the console on. But it does that mostly while I'm 10 to 20 minutes into a game. The PS3 would just shut down, flash a yellow light, then flash blinking red lights. However, when I place a fan behind it or in front of it, it runs quite smoothly. I played MGS4 last weekend for 6 straight hours with a fan in front of it and the PS3 didn't turn itself off. I'm guessing it's an overheating issue. But I'm not sure. Are there any other factors that would make a PS3 turn itself off other than overheating? If it really is overheating, will a third-party intercooler like Nyko's alleviate the problem?

PS: I think my console's in a well-ventilated area under the TV. Although I live in a tropical location where the temperature would go up to 30C degrees Celsius on a regular basis.

Thanks!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Define "well-ventilated area," because if it overheats without the fan, its obviously not in a well ventilated area.  Nothing should be obstructing the vents nor should it be in any sort of enclosed space.

No, an intercooler will make things much worse.  You're better off with the current fan you're using now.

30 Celsius isn't hot enough to make the PS3 overheat.

EDIT:  I agree with Ryan then on being a hardware issue. The environment you specified should not be causing it to overheat and it only works when you place a fan close by, indicating the fan(s) inside aren't doing its job.  If you bought it recently (within days or a few weeks) I would go back and exchange it.  If they refuse to exchange it for whatever reason, contact Sony to get it replaced under warranty.

Francisco R · Answer

There is a possibility that it is overheating. If you try placing the ps3 on its side it will help so the air can run smoothly. Usually the bottom of the ps3 gets very hot. Also make sure the room you are in is cool. Make sure nothing is blocking it as well. As for the yellow light, ive heard that it is very rare for a ps3 to give off a yellow light, you could possibly have a defective ps3. The yellow light does not happen to often. But if the fan you used works then it is probably an over heating problem.

Abi · Answer

It's fan might be malfunctioning, in which case you would have to have it mended.

But if it's just the heat of the place where you live, then I would advise against getting an inter-cooler, specially the Nyko one, they always do more harm than good, and will probably make the problem worse.

Instead, get an ordinary household fan, and place in the room to cool down the air in the general vicinity of your PS3. Not too close and not directly towards it's vents.

You can also gently vacume it's vents with a LOW powered or hand-held vacume, once or twice a month, it's fan might be clogged up with dust:)  Do not use compressed air*

Anonymous · Answer

get a fan you can plug into the usb port of the PS3 on Ebay. it greatly helps cool the unit and is really cheap.

Ryan A · Answer

i think its actually overheating

the fan inside must be broken therefore it shuts itself off because its too hot.

i suggest bringing it somewhere to get checked out./

Trending News

Is this a PS3 overheating issue?

5 Answers