UPDATE – 2/23/11 Commenters have pointed out that the newer models (August 2010 and later) can still have this issue. Not sure if the percentage of newer units with the problem is any less.
UPDATE – 9/26/10 The 45nm PS3 model (all Slims made after August 2010, CECH-25xxA and B) probably don’t have this issue since the cooling system has been re-designed. If you own this newer model, please let us know if you experience excessive case noise.
UPDATE – 6/1/10 Commenter reports that he has replaced his Slim three times, the problem persists. The issue appears to be inherent in all first edition PS3 Slims.
UPDATE – 4/26/10 New, cooler PS3 Slim model might alleviate the noise:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-ps3slim-gets-45nm-rsx-blog-entry
UPDATE – 4/20/10 Some have suggested loosening the screws under the rubber footies (the 3 that come off, one rubber footie does not) – I have done this without much success – the noise level is about the same.
ORIGINAL POST – 4/15/10 Many PS3 Slim’s experience a popping/cracking/snapping noise. Listen to the video below of my PS3 slim (which I bought about 5 months ago),
The noise is actually a bit deeper than it sounds in the video, and VERY loud — like an acorn hitting a tin roof.
The sound is a result of the expansion and contraction of the PS3 Slim’s plastic due to changes in temperature.
All electronics generate heat that can cause plastic to make similar sounds, such as monitors and televisions – but the PS3 Slim noise is much louder and beyond the scope of other devices.
The noise usually occurs when the device has just been turned on, or has just been turned off. It can also be heard hours after the Slim has been turned off or even on a day when the PS3 has not been on at all (due to changes in ambient temperature, but the noise is usually very low at that point).
From what I’ve heard, the problem results from the proximity of the plastic to the internal components (generating a lot of heat), the particular plastic used to make the Slim, and the way in which the two plastic halves of the case are designed to “fold” together.
Forum posts discussing this topic: