We conducted a heat test on our PS4 Pro to gather solid data on how hot the PlayStation 4 Pro gets in typical setups. HIDEit mounts started when Xbox 360s had the rampant problem of the RROD. Even though both PlayStation and Xbox have made significant improvements to their cooling systems, we're still concerned with ventilation. When designing our game console mounts, ventilation is always a top priority. 

Also check out our Xbox One S Heat Test.

AT A GLANCE

THE EXPERIMENT DESIGN 

We heat tested the 4 most common placements for the PS4 Pro: Flat on a coffee table, displayed on the wall, on the wall behind the TV in our PS4 Pro Wall Mount, and in a traditional cabinet.

We measured the temperature using a Fluke 62 Max+ IR Thermometer.  Fluke is highly regarded in professional settings where temperature accuracy really matters, so we felt more than confident in using it to gauge the heat put off from a game console. 

From other tests done with thermal imaging cameras, we know that after about half an hour the temperature tends to stabilize. To be safe, our test runs were a full hour. 

What the PS4 is doing has a big impact on the amount of heat that will be generated, so instead of putting in a movie or streaming content, we played the graphically demanding Watch Dogs 2.

ON THE TABLE (BEST CASE SCENARIO) 

We created a 'best case' situation in this setup. There was nothing but the console on the table. Normally a coffee table would have drinks (which might spill), papers, game cases, and other items that would obstruct airflow. The starting temperature was 81 degrees. At 30 minutes, the temperature had reached almost 115 degrees. By the time we had played for one hour, the temperature had gone up to nearly 116 degrees. The results were very close to the tests we had done with the PS4 Pro displayed on the wall, with only a 1 degree difference. 

DISPLAYED ON THE WALL  

The PS4 was in rest mode which made its starting temperature 91 degrees fahrenheit; almost 20 degrees warmer than room temperature (72 degrees). 

After 30 minutes, the PS4 reached 117 degrees. The temperature did not increase at the hour mark. On the wall next to the TV, the PS4 Pro maintains a safe temperature. 

BEHIND THE TV 

We tried to make this a 'worst case' situation to eliminate any biased data. Before we started the test, we left the TV on for an hour to make sure the it would be as warm as possible. We also mounted the PS4 behind the hottest part of the TV. 

The starting temperature was 86 degrees. After a 30 minutes the temperature was 117 degrees, the same temperature as the displayed PS4. At one hour the temperature stabilized at 119 degrees, only 2 degrees warmer than when the PS4 was mounted on the open wall.

We've seen the original PS4 reach temperatures of 140 degrees regularly and run fine. The Xbox 360 has been known to get as high as 170 degrees. The PS4 mounted behind the TV is well within the safe zone at 50 degrees below overheating temperatures. 

IN THE MEDIA CABINET (MOST COMMON SETUP) 

Starting temperature was 83, a cooler starting point than the tests in our mounts. After 30 minutes the PS4 quickly warmed up to 119 degrees, the same temperature as the hour mark when behind the TV. At one hour the PS4 reached 122 degrees and the air around the console felt like putting your hand into a hot summer day. Can you imagine if the cabinet had closed doors?!

SUMMARY

In the wall mounted setups, air was free to move around; the temperature reached a stable level and remained constant. In the cabinet, heat had a compounding effect. The air continually got hotter, putting more strain on the system's fans, which became noticeably louder. 

Even at the hottest, 122 degrees is still very cool compared to how hot older generation consoles like the Xbox 360 would get. Overall the PS4 Pro is a system that is very good at cooling itself. It will reduce processing power to help lower the temperature. If needed, the PS4 will turn off should it get too close to overheating.

So, while overheating is a gamer's worst fear, it is no longer. Mount away and show off your PlayStation 4!