A look at PS3's third-gen heat sink

by Nick Doerr { Apr 24th 2008 at 9:00PM }

It's time for another lesson in creativity, energy conservation and heat reduction, folks! Did you know the PlayStation 3 is about to move onto its third generation heat sink? Furukawa Electric brings the newest version of the heat sink to the table, boasting some impressive stats when compared to launch PS3's. Sans numbers, this version has a smaller size, a lighter weight, and a cheaper cost. It's a triumvirate of awesome-sauce.

In the first two generations of heat sinks, the RSX and Cell were both cooled by one giant heat sink, but now they are cooled by two separate ones. Copper heat pipes are no longer used. Power consumption is down to about 135W, compared to launch PS3's using about 200W's. It also cuts the weight in half, from 700g to 350g because it's using fewer components. Sure, it's all technical, but it's awesome to see how much our lovely machine is evolving without us ever really noticing. Nice job, Furukawa Electronics.

[Via PS3Forums]

Tags: furukawa-electronics, heat-sink, heatsink

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

paul @ Apr 24th 2008 9:08PM

damn me and my launch 60GB. O wait, i got full BC. NEVERMIND!

Devin @ Apr 24th 2008 9:10PM

And when is this coming? The next SKU, maybe?

Random1448 @ Apr 24th 2008 9:27PM

So... is this coming in firmware 2.40?settle down it was a joke :p

T H @ Apr 24th 2008 9:36PM

And by "jobe", you surely mean "job".

:)

60GB launch PS3 FTW!!!

The Sound @ Apr 24th 2008 9:57PM

Aw, the Triple has lost some poundage! Good for him(her)!

Everyone take note: If a playstation can, you can too! =D

Sora267 @ Apr 24th 2008 11:07PM

I can connect to a PSP....With my mind?

Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner? I'd have bought a PSP instead of my DS.....

Draco @ Apr 24th 2008 9:58PM

I'll use a little extra power if it means I can play PS2 games on my machine, but it probably works better :S.

oh well...

Olaf @ Apr 24th 2008 9:59PM

And by "less components" you surely mean "fewer components".

Nick Doerr @ Apr 24th 2008 10:40PM

Diction, syntax, grammar... whatever. T'would seem I can't type English very good (har har?) but irregardless (that's so redundant it repeats itself, har har?) I've made the change for you!

=D

Kspraydad @ Apr 24th 2008 11:41PM

Olaf might be getting a bit 'pissy' since this is his first comment that isn't concerned with trying to win a prize. I guess he/she hasn't won yet.

http://playstation.joystiq.com/profile/1535222/

halfbakednz @ Apr 24th 2008 11:23PM

If you spent more time worrying about your spelling and/or grammar then your articles would come out later and id prolly look for somewhere else to get my news from(i like being the first of my mates to know something). People shouldnt be so picky, you get the point and the news!

Kspraydad @ Apr 24th 2008 11:39PM

Seems we are well on our way to the PSP3!

Great news though for SONY. Anything to get costs down and reliability further up (bite me Gizmodo) is good for the monolith.

Angelfromjtown @ Apr 24th 2008 11:45PM

ps3 slim .. some day, I am just happy to have a ps3 , no matter how much power it uses or how big it is, it brings me hours of happiness.

Kspraydad @ Apr 25th 2008 12:02AM

Just like my Grandma.

Noshino @ Apr 25th 2008 12:30AM

Kspraydad,

In behalf of everyone here, believe me when I say that we didn't need to hear that....

Ninjakamster @ Apr 25th 2008 1:28AM

This news is good news, yet it also makes me feel bad. Because I plan to buy the 60gb PS3 next month in all its energy sucking glory. : (

It is interesting that in the rare case of technology, the early adopters/models can do more than the new models (better b/c but take more energy)

Would the models with these new heat sinks be 40 or 80gb models? Anyone know?

So I guess the third generation is already on its way? Maybe I should wait for that instead?

alien @ Apr 25th 2008 8:58AM

It would be good if this could be retrofitted on existing 60 Gb models...

Kyrra @ Apr 25th 2008 10:58AM

I like how all the "PS3 Fanboy"s know that the 60GB PS3 is really the best one out there. Most consumers will just buy the cheapest or whatnot without really doing their research into the console.

I wonder if its gotten any smaller with this new design. Maybe to fit into smaller PS3s as time goes on?

cantbeatmegaman @ Apr 25th 2008 10:55AM

I wonder which version the 80GB mgs4 ps3 bundle will have.

ajiezer @ Apr 25th 2008 11:15AM

I've been waiting to buy another PS3 but what is delaying me is that I want one with a 45nm now this new feature makes me want to get one that also has it. Does anyone has any clue of when are the 45nm chips going to be included?

And if someone is waiting to buy a PS3 for another reason (besides a game like MGS4) please share why, thanks.