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:
- http://boards.ign.com/ps3_lobby/b8269/185095609/p1/
- http://boardsus.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-3-General/My-PS3-Slim-makes-popping-sounds-every-now-and-then/m-p/45254793
- http://forums.gametrailers.com/thread/ps3-slim-cracking-sounds/1044726
I think is a hugely widespread problem – however I don’t think it’s any cause for concern. I’ve replaced mine 3 times due to this noise hoping to get a silent one, but alas, it never happens. Just seems the casing is too close to the components so it pops. It has a LOT to do with the temperature of the room it’s in too – I notice in my flat that if it’s incredibly cold then I turn the PS3 on it pops straight away cos it generates way more heat in a cold room. However, if my heating is on, the PS3 barely makes a sound cos the plastic is already warm (within reason).
There’s no point returning it cos it will be the same on your new one – I even downgraded to a 120gb instead of my last 250gb cos they didn’t have any in stock. After the first day I was elated cos I hadn’t heard the noise once, but sure again after 2 or 3 days it was back.
Just the price you pay for such a reduced size model I suppose.
Still, it bugs the hell out of me either way.
Thank you for your input
I had heard of people trying out replacements, but had not heard any follow up
Sounds like the problem is very widespread
It is annoying and I guess something we have to accept
My ps3 slim makes those popping cracking noises since the beggining to the very end of my game play. It does it once in a while during movies. So should I replace it cuz I called so y and they told me it wasn’t normal but what do you guys think?
I’ve heard that people have tried to replace their unit without much luck
It seems that many Sony techs havent even heard of this problem before
You can replace it, but like the last commenter said he tried 3 times with the same result
Doesn’t hurt to try I suppose
My Ps3 slim 250gb also farts very loudly and very often while powered on or off at random. I was completely in the dark about this issue and was very worried. but , after some web surfing I’ve been somewhat relieved to discover that my ps3 is not the only one with gas. after my 60gb died i replaced it with a slim. It freaked me out with all the popping it did so i exchanged it… It’s replacement did the same thing fresh out of the box. almost two months later, the farts are still there, still loud and still freaking me out. they even wake me up at night sometimes!!
my ps3 did this since day 1 i wish there was a fix i tried loosening the screws i just want to play my dam games again but this noise is soo annoying i just lost inteest and so i threw it on the drive way and smashed it becuase of my rage
My Ps3 slim 250gb makes these noises too, but very few times. Sometimes I play for only 2 hours and no noises at all. Its winter here, so my bedroom is cold sometimes, that’s why I think its just the plastic getting hot quickly.
So is it really normal and harmless if our slim sounds like that??
harmless, yes
Nice ^^ thx 4 the info sam.
glad to know that it’s harmless even though it’s really annoying.
i had the slim 120gb it made loud popping/cracking noises.
i put it on top of a notebook cooler and put a fan in front and it stopped making the noises.
Thanks Sam for posting the only informative web page i’ve seen on this issue. I actually took the time to call Sony and they said they are aware of the issue. They weren’t able to tell my why but your description seems correct. It must be the change in heat because it only does it once or twice after i turn it on or off.
Thanks for contributing more information
Did Sony say if they will fix it?
I know theres a new version of the Slim coming out that’s suppose to run cooler, the rest of us with older Slims will probably just have to live with it, or dish out another $299
I thought my PS3 had a problem, looked around and this page pinpointed my issue and explained it perfectly. Thanks Sam!
I’ve had a few issues with certain games, but they all seem to be ‘normal’ judging from the sites I’ve been checking. I can still play no problem, so I guess my console is still healthy!
Yes I have had this issue for over a year now without any adverse effects to the console
Enjoy your ps3!
Sure, people may read these comments and think “Oh well, it’s normal.” But is it really acceptable. I’ve heard electronics making cracking noices but this is just rediculous. It’s EXTREMLY LOUD. I have an xbox 360 to go with my slim and I can honestly say the xbox is a WAY better choice. The PS3 slim also makes a tone of noice when its loading up games. The 360 doesn’t do any of that. They also give you a 3 year red light warranty as the PS3 only gives you a one year warranty. Sounds like a bunch of BS too me.
I have a newer slim (made after aug 2010). Got it for christmas a few weeks ago.
It pops, and its damn annoying. I have considered bringing it back, but after reading that someone replaced theirs 3 times, I feel its not worth the trouble.
I got a ps3 new model as well, cech 5101A or whatever 160gb in Feb 2011. AND YES, it makes a popping sound when turned off. I guess it’s normal
I was hoping the newer models would fix this issue, guess not.
Maybe it happens a lot less than the older ones
Mine is new too (Manufactured in DEC 2010) and it pops too, but only after I turn it off. (Usually pops once -definitely not as frequent as the vid above).
I have CECH-25xxB manufactured 2010 December and it has that popping “issue”. I don’t care about it as long as it’s harmless to the console. BTW my 360, and my TV also has popping when I turn them off, just much more quieter.
hi to all its been interesting reading these comments as ive stumbled upon this thread via another question which i will explain later, the funny thing is i noticed the loud popping or cracking noise shortly after switching my 120gb slim off and thought about it but ignored as id guessed it was to do with the plastic contracting/expanding and also didnt see any concern for this damaging the ps3!. Since fairly recently ive bought a led blue 3 fan cooling system which can be bought at most sites online (got mine from amazon.uk) it sits under the ps3 and does a good job of keeping the overall tempurature down. I havent noticed the cracking noise of the plastic since using the fan so hope this is of help to you all. I have just imported an 220v hong kong ps3 slim in classic white colour from hong kong as the reason i was searching the net today in the first place was to see if there has ever been (coloured) ps3 slim’s released in this country someone on e-bay has one advertised as a limited edition (only 50 made in this country) which i think is porky pies lol anyway i hope this will help your cracking noise issues.
I got the COD black ops PS3 bundle mid June 2011, and mine has been making this popping noise too when I turn it off. I haven’t been worried about it though since it does it exactly the same every time. Glad to see that it’s quite normal for this to happen though lol
my ps3 slim recently fell and the power on board seems to bee damaged in short there is a short dent on my ps3 will it cause malfunctions within the system?please help me out
Not sure what this has to do with the original post
If it works it works
Regarding the sound and the new model, it’s not as loud and less frequent
mine MINE DOES IT TO BUY ITS NOT THE PLASTIC ITS INTERNAL & IT IMMEDIATELY KICKS THE FAN TO HIGH AFTER IT POPS, ITS A MALFUNCTION & SONY CANT HELP & THEY CANT TELL YOU WHY FOR LEGAL REASONS. SCAMMERS!!!