We conducted a heat test on our Xbox One S to gather solid data on how hot the Xbox One S gets in common 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 wall mounts ventilation is always a top priority. 

Also check out our PS4 Pro Heat Test.

AT A GLANCE

THE EXPERIMENT DESIGN 

We tested our Xbox One S in a few common setups: Flat on a table, displayed on the wall, on the wall behind the TV, and in a media cabinet.

We measured heat using a Fluke 62 Max+ IR Thermometer. It's generally used in professional settings where temperature accuracy really matters, based on this 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 shortly after the gaming starts the temperature tends to stabilize. To be safe our test runs went for a complete hour. 

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

ON THE TABLE (BEST CASE SCENARIO) 

We created a 'best case' situation for the table setup. There was nothing but the console on the table. Usually a coffee table would have drinks (which might spill), papers, games and lots of other items which would obstruct airflow. We also maintained a room temperature of 72 degrees.

The starting temperature of our xbox was 80.8 degrees, after 30 minutes the temperature was 101.4, and at the 1 hour mark the Xbox had only gone up to 102.2 degrees. More than just a baseline this test gave us an idea of how the xbox would perform in ideal circumstances.  

DISPLAYED ON THE WALL

We recorded a starting temperature of about 83 degrees fahrenheit. After 30 minutes the Xbox reached 102 degrees, and we found that it had not gone up at all once the hour mark was reached. This test shows the temperatures will be roughly equal if you have the console wall mounted, or if you have the console sitting on an open table in a best case situation.

BEHIND THE TV

We tried our best to make this a 'worst case' situation to mirror a home situation and provide you with the most unbiased perspective. Before we started the test we had left the TV on to keep it as warm as possible. 

The starting temperature was about 81 degrees. The temperature after 30 minutes rose to 106.4 degrees or about 4 degrees higher than in our 'best case' setup. After we hit the hour mark the temperature had stabilized because the the xbox stayed at 106 degrees. 

IN THE MEDIA CABINET (MOST COMMON SETUP)

We have a relatively open style media cabinet with a TV stand on top. The starting temperature was 79 degrees, the coolest starting point out of any of our tests. After 30 minutes the xbox heated up to 102.8 degrees. Once the hour mark hit the Xbox was up to 106.4 degrees. The temperature didn't stabilize like it did in the tests where the Xbox was wall mounted, and would likely continue to rise as more heat builds in the air around it. 

SUMMARY

Overall the One S is a very cool console (literally). Our tests on the PS4 Pro show the Pro performing at 10 degrees warmer. Compared to the original Xbox One which averages about 110-115 degrees the One S is considerably cooler as well.

The Xbox 360 has been known to get into the 170s and even melt the solder inside. The Xbox One S in all of these setups was well within the safe zone (about 60 degree buffer before you'd worry about overheating). 

PC Gamer recommends keeping the temperature of CPUs and GPUs below 175 degrees fahrenheit (80C). While overheating is a gamer's worst fear, this is one console that can put your mind at ease. Feel free to mount away and show off your sleek Xbox One S!