- Refreshed design with improvements in ventilation, noise reduction, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
- Redesigned interior: ultra-powerful GPU, advanced memory system and optimized cooling
- PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR): AI for sharper, smoother images
- Upgraded power supply and heatsink for improved performance and quiet operation
Sony has raised the bar again with the PlayStation 5 Pro Its most advanced platform to date. After months of speculation and leaks, the Japanese company has revealed the console's ins and outs in detail, allowing us a glimpse into every corner of its interior and reviewing the key changes that distinguish it from its predecessors. The result is a machine that seeks not only to provide more graphical muscle, but to do so efficiently, quietly, and prepared for a future of increasingly demanding games.
La PS5 Pro represents a significant evolution within the PlayStation 5 family. It's not just about adding raw power, but also about applying a series of innovations and technical tweaks that affect both the exterior and the heart of the console. Below, we explore everything the new 'Pro' brings to the table: from its redesign to improve cooling and airflow, to internal improvements to the processor, memory, and connectivity. If you're curious to know how Sony has reimagined its hardware star and what impact these improvements have on the gaming experience, read on.
A recognizable exterior, but with notable improvements
The PlayStation 5 Pro maintains the general design line of the rest of the PS5 models, but introduces some characteristic details with a functional purpose. The most striking are the three horizontal slots on the front, nicknamed 'blades' by the engineering team. These elements not only serve as a visual distinctive feature, but also strongly favor the system ventilationAccording to the mechanical designers, these vents channel air efficiently, allowing internal components to operate at more stable temperatures even during the most intense gaming sessions.
An additional and less obvious element is the internal structure called 'rack', located between the casing and the main body. This piece acts as acoustic barrier, preventing the sound generated by the fan from being projected directly towards the user, resulting in a quieter experience.
In the back, the air inlets and outlets have been enlarged, and ports (HDMI, LAN, USB) have been slightly relocated, adapting to the motherboard changes and allowing for improved heat dissipation. All of this has been designed with hardware durability and user comfort in mind during extended gaming sessions.
Internal evolution: architecture for a generational leap
The heart of the PS5 Pro is a new GPU based on AMD RDNA 3 architecture, Specifically optimized for the console. Sony calls it "ultracharged," as it provides a much more stable 4K experience compared to previous versions, along with greater energy efficiency. Interestingly, the leap isn't just in raw performance figures, but in how this power is leveraged to improve the visual experience without compromising other key aspects, such as noise or heat generation.
A major breakthrough is the arrival of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), a Sony proprietary scaling system using Artificial Intelligence, similar in concept to AMD's FSR or DLSS NVIDIA, but developed expressly for the PlayStation ecosystem. Thanks to PSSR, the PS5 Pro can display sharper, more detailed images on screen while maintaining high frame rates even when the graphic load is very high.
The memory subsystem has also been revised from top to bottom. The bandwidth now reaches 576 GB / s (28% more than the standard PS5), allowing games to handle textures and data at much faster speeds. All of this is backed by a larger and more complex motherboard, which houses a multi-layer system for internal connections. This architecture allows signals to be routed more efficiently and reduces interference issues or performance loss under load.
An important aspect is the RAM expansion. The Pro incorporates nine memory modules in total: Eight high-speed GDDR6 chips (primarily dedicated to graphics) and an additional DDR5 chip, which handles less demanding tasks, freeing up resources for graphics processing. This makes the PS5 Pro's memory more versatile and efficient than any previous model.
Cooling: less noise, more power
Thermal management has been one of the pillars of the redesign. The PS5 Pro's fan is larger than the standard model and its design has been optimized with additional smaller blades between the main ones. This solution allows generate superior airflow, but with less noise, thus maintaining performance even when the console operates for long hours at maximum load.
The main heatsink has also evolved: it now includes more copper heat pipes and strategically placed aluminum fins to extract heat from the SoC more efficiently. This is compounded by the continued use of liquid metal as a thermal interface material, but now applied to a surface with microchannels, which stabilize dissipation and prevent temperature spikes. These grooves, according to Sony engineers, ensure that the cooling effect remains uniform even when demands on the processor increase.
The result of all these changes is that the console can deliver sustained performance and avoid thermal drops or throttling, while keeping decibels under control. The dust management and fan cleaning system have been maintained, making preventative maintenance easier for the user.
Power supply and energy efficiency
The increase in power entails a increase in energy consumption, but the PS5 Pro has been designed to be surprisingly efficient. The new power supply is larger and more robust, capable of handling 48 additional watts Compared to the standard PS5, the entire electrical system has been revised to ensure stability even under the most demanding conditions, and details like the "Sony Interactive Entertainment" name engraved on the unit make it easy to identify for assembly and repair.
These changes allow the console to operate stably and reliably throughout its lifespan, without the increased consumption resulting in excessive heat or a noticeable increase in the electricity bill compared to other devices of similar power.
Next-generation connectivity: built-in Wi-Fi 7
One of the most notable developments is the adoption of Wi-Fi 7, a wireless connectivity standard that has only just arrived on the market. This gives the PS5 Pro a much higher theoretical connection speed and lower latency, key advantages for downloading games, playing online, or using streaming services. streamingThe Wi-Fi 7 module and its antenna are strategically located on the top of the motherboard, allowing for better signal reception.
During the development process, Sony took on the challenge of certifying the console with this new standard even before it was officially approved, making the PS5 Pro one of the first consoles in the world to incorporate this connectivity capability out of the box.
Modular design and flexibility for the user
Sony continues to bet on the component modularityThe disc drive remains removable and optional, as is the case with the Slim model. The console is sold in digital format, but those who wish to play with a physical disc can purchase the drive separately and install it easily. Furthermore, the internal layout is more accessible for specific repairs or upgrades, such as the slot. SSD M.2 at the bottom to expand the storageWith 2TB as standard, the console doubles the capacity of most previous versions.
This allows users to choose whether to limit themselves to digital games or keep their physical collection, although the market trend seems to increasingly favor the digital format.
Price, availability and strategy
The PS5 Pro went on sale on November 7th 2024, with a price of 799 Euros in its digital edition and the option to purchase the disc drive separately, which increases the total price if you opt for this option. Compared to other models in the family, it also stands out for its larger storage and the optimization of "enhanced" games compatible from launch.
The jump in price positions the Pro as a console aimed at the most enthusiastic gamers or those looking to get the most out of demanding games, especially with a view to future titles such as GTA VI, where extra graphics power and new scaling technology can make a noticeable difference.
Initial sales reports show that, despite the price increase compared to previous versions, the public's reception has been positive among the segment most passionate about technology and video games high perfomance.
Who is the PS5 Pro for and what does it add to the PlayStation catalog?
The arrival of a mid-generation "Pro" console seeks support and extend the lifespan of the PlayStation 5 traditional hardware rather than replacing it. Many of today's games will receive "enhanced" updates to take advantage of the extra power, although the difference will be most noticeable in titles specifically optimized for this hardware.
Sony's approach isn't to break with the previous generation, but rather to offer an alternative for those who want the best graphical experience and a console ready for years of demanding releases. It's committed to full compatibility and continuity, allowing users to choose between the standard PS5 and the Pro based on their needs, budget, and technical requirements.
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