PlayStation 4′s Airflow Affected By Horizontal and Vertical Positioning

JPS Writes: "Whenever someone buys their new console like the PlayStation 4, many are wondering if there’s really a preferred way of positioning the console. Is horizontal, which is the default position, any better than standing it up vertically?

Just like the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, the recently released PlayStation 4 is designed to go both ways: horizontally and vertically. When it comes to deciding which one is the best, it really all comes down to your personal preference. However, there are pros and cons in each of the position that you need to worry about. The same rule still applies on the positioning just like on other consoles."

[Chuk5]

Horizontal, always.

[AlexanderNevermind]

Cons:

Wobbly
" There’s currently a design flaw on the PlayStation 4 right now. If you decide to put it in horizontal position, you will notice that it doesn’t stay flat enough on the table or on your entertainment set. "

Ok, I've had the system for 3 days now and it hasn't wobbled once. Seriously, who is pushing on the top of their PS4 to make it wobble? Or better yet show me some footage of it wobbling without someone pushing on top of it.

[Stsonic]

Well said.

[HammadTheBeast]

Not sure how you'd make it wobble...

I think you'd have to press pretty hard to make it wobble, it's the slightest design flaw.

[IRNMUNKEY]

Hmm if horizontal not recommended then it should come with the stand. Think you're getting yourself confused.

Only thing I've heard is that Xbox One is only horizontal.

Edit: comment I replied to was deleted! Someone said Sony had stated that horizontal wasn't recommended

[xHeavYx]

Wait, what? You are not supposed to press down the side of the console down while you play? I've been doing it since the PSX! /s

[cr33ping_death]

What! It wobbles!? Now i want my money back... My PS4 plays my games just fine....but if my console wobbles.....well thats a deal breaker now isnt it. Seriously? so nitpicking has come down to wobbling? Lol.

[imt558]

I expect more anti PS4 news. Let's see.... Another news : Blu-ray won't come out

I knew that will be bunch of news which described faulty PS4 console after PS4 launch

[HAC522]

agreed, but i just keep thinkin, whose idea was it to put one set of pads on the edge, and the other set in the middle/3/4 mark? i just dont understand, this never should have been an "issue" to begin with

[kneon]

@HAC522

It's obviously a deliberate design decision and not a design flaw. By having the HDD cantilevered out from the rest of the console it will help to dampen vibrations.

[ZBlacktt]

LOL, I know... what is up with these Internet screen name stories. Do they not realize over 1 million people have these very same consoles? I've put 30 hours into AC4 in the very short time I've had the system. In other words, not a single issues in performance.

I lay the machine horizontal btw. With out the stand it's not worth the risk of anything happening. Since the console is SO slim ( Damn nice ).

[dkgshiz]

Yep, its all just hog wash. Then there was that really fake rumor about the dualshock 4's analog sticks rubber ripping apart after a week. Its all malarkey and BS. I have my PS4 horizontal right now and no matter how hard I try I can't wobble it. Most likely someone put a tiny pebble or something underneath it and posted a a crap video about how it wobbles.

[PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt]

mine doesn't wobble at all. only when you push it down on one side which i don't do… so it doesn't wobble.

[Who]

Unless you're sitting on your PS4, this is not an issue.

[nirwanda]

Av magazines usually recommend blutack to stop any movement and vibration, it may help with disk read speeds too and help the hdd.

[Soldierone]

You have to press hard on the back corner to make it wobble. it was the first thing I test, at first I just set my hand on it, and was like "wth it doesn't wobble!" then I pressed down and went "oh.... really??"

I have my PS3 sitting on top of it and it didn't move at all when I did that.....

[nveenio]

Mine is horizontal, and it's got no wobble at all. Maybe this person's table is crooked.

[KyoSiegfried86]

Yes.. please, stop this wooble nonsense.
Everyone that thinks it woobles, watch this and feel stupid...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[GHOSTxx420]

It's not like it affects games play or the way the system works. Mine wobbles if I push down on it but it doesn't bother me I never push down on my console anyway.

[tawak]

Ghost pushing ps4 to wobble, or have someone wobble it while you play. so I guess its a cons according to the review.

[Anarki]

I always stood my PS1 up on its side too. Solely because it always had issues reading discs and shoving it on its side dropped the lens closer to the disc and it seemed to read it properly. lol good ol' ps1

[zero_gamer]

Mine doesn't wobble. It's as sturdy as it should be.

[BG11579]

This is actually a big issue in Japan with all those earthquakes and all.
No wonder it's been released later over there. ^^

@AlexanderNevermind bubble up for well said.

[Dee_91]

My PS3 wobbles when theres crumbs or something under it...so i threw it away

[DeadlyFire]

Wobbly or not. Has common sense forgotten that its easy to level out things even so.

[CuddlyREDRUM]

That is what I was thinking, there was some IGN video or something saying to put Post It notes underneath the left side of the console.

Why? That is the most ghetto thing I have ever seen.

[shadow_lawless]

aren't you supposed to use the official stand if you ant to put it on its side??

[neocores]

0.0 first it was failing system now its wobbleing 0.0 wow the fanboys are strong. its like say What if i drop this xbone from a 15th floor building and see if it breaks

[indysurfn]

I'm looking at my xbox360 it has vents that will get blocked if I lay it on the side OR stand it up. It is meant to have vents no matter which way you lay it. Obviously if you lay it or stand it you will be blocking one of the sets of vents. The I would bet Microsoft paid for this article since they do not have vertical ability, which means they will only have one set of vents. Only a box that has just one position will not have a vent blocked.

[BattleTorn]

Does a Teeter Totter or Seesaw have to be "teetering" or moving to be defined as such?

No.

Therefore, console doesn't need to be "wobbling" to be defined as "wobbly."

Quit defending a terrible oversight with circumstances like 'who pushes down on their console'

// right, we only level-off items that are design to withstand presure - levelling a electronic BOX is simpy a waste of resourse /s //

@neocores
Did you seriously compare having a console sit flat and stable on a flat surface to DROPPING A CONSOLE FROM A 15THFLOOR???!!TOTALLY THE SAME THING, RIGHT!?
shhheeesshh

[Funantic1]

I'm debating is it better to turn my PS4 off completely or put it on standby. It seems like turning it off completely would help it stay cooler and perhaps last longer. I'm concerned just because of these articles and I saw a few technicians take a few PS4s apart on YouTube. One guy claimed that the thermal paste on the PS4 was cheap and already hard and wouldn't last for more than a year. Then another guy showed that the heatsink had no clamps for air tight heat dissipation. These guys talked like Sony cut corners.

[thekhurg]

Standby is what I've been using since I unboxed it. Hardly anything is running hard enough to generate the amount of heat required to damage anything.

Also, don't just assume the claims people make on youtube are accurate. A lot of people just like to make controversial claims and wild accusations to draw in hits and generate fear.

[xHeavYx]

First of all, don't believe crazy claims. That said, I've always disconnected the main power cord after I'm finished playing

[cyclindk]

I keep mine on a on a 75 degree tilt, like this = /

And when I get my second one I will orient them like so, = /\

[Shuyin]

XD

[SpitFireAce85]

That made me laugh bubbles man...:)

[SilentNegotiator]

It makes sense. You put it vertical and the heat keeps getting soaked up into higher and higher parts of the hardware (because heat rises).

Vertical and the heat goes through less parts.

[SilentNegotiator]

Obviously I meant "horizontal" in the last sentence.

[re2_apocalypse]

I prefer my consoles vertical. I remember having my PS2 when I was 16; and it (kinda) died within a 1-2 years. I placed it vertical and it lasted a little bit longer. Then I finally replaced it, and I still have that PS2. It's an old system, and not the greatest but still works when I do use it. Never looked back on having them vertical if possible

[TBONEJF]

always leave your game console FLAT ON IT'S BELLY not on it's side PEOPLE

[theDECAY]

AHHHHH! Why??????

[popup]

If you kick it, it moves around the floor. tut, another obvious flaw.

[WitWolfy]

LOL funny

[Mister_Dawg]

Horizontal action is always more fun :-)

[Sitdown]

Diagonal Mitches!

[PoSTedUP]

i like verticle but often switch. judging by the thermal images, the ps4 should be placed upside-down if in the verticle position. the hottest part was at the bottom; you want that area as high a possible in the system escaping right out the top through vents. having it at the bottom allows all that heat to pass through the systems parts (because heat rises, duh), as well as build up, and is a lot more wear 'n tear on the system.

[PoSTedUP]

this is only if you choose to have it in the verticle* position, obviously it is better to have it horizontally bc it runs cooler. also only if it has vents on both sides to let the heat escape out of the bottom (that is now flipped upside-down as the top, again only in the verticle* position). that is, if it IS the heat that is killing them in the verticle poition. that, we do not know yet. but it would be simple physics to let the heat escape out of the place closest to the top through vents and not to let it build up through all of the systems parts b4 it escapes.

[LordMaim]

Vertical

[PoSTedUP]

LOL, i kno right... wtf was i smoking º_º

[01animeking]

horizontal i dont want tip my console by accident and f it up

[BX81]

Never cared for vertical, just in case it falls.

[crinale]

I'm waiting for third party vertical stand that allows you to let air in from the bottom as well.

[DestinyHeroDoomlord]

(Claws head) where have I seen this before?

[mushroomwig]

'Takes a lot space'

God, people will complain over anything. The console is smaller than launch consoles have ever been and people still whine.

[Baka-akaB]

Seriously if you dont have the space for it , you dont for even a small PC monitor or a cable box . There is space , just arrange your stuff with any console in mind

[admiralvic]

Not that it matters, but the Wii u is much smaller in all respects and I can post proof of it.

[Baka-akaB]

Anyway i've never seen any pros to the vertical position for any console . The chances of it falling down or being thrown down by kids , cats , dogs , clumsy and/or drunk people , far outweight any so called "style" and space saving .

And there has never been cooling benefits to have it stand vertically

[KAEM7]

In my experience there are benefits for sure. All my playstations got extra mileage by standing them up and with the first playstation even putting it upside down! the ps1 ps2 and the ps3 fat all could get a 'lazy' disc reading laser. Putting it vertical or even upsidedown helped with disc reading. The newer models (ps3slim) don't seem to have this issue so maybe it doesn't matter for the sp4.

Telltale signs that your playstation is having trouble reading discs are longer loading times and 're-reading' sounds.

[MrBuffalo]

I hope what postedup said isn't true and the best way is to have it upside down. It'll be like the ps1 glory days then when a quick fix for the CD player was to flip the machine. Got a place ready and waiting on a clean glass shelf for mine when it arrives on the 29th.

[KimoNoir]

Well... Whoever wrote this shit... Enjoy your games in 720p.

[BattleTorn]

Wow. You can't even read criticism in pro&con form without going into full fanboy mode?

Don't worry, no one is calling your purchase inferior, OK.

[KimoNoir]

Nope. I have both and i play pc most of the time.

[blackout]

WOW Sony is getting the SH!T kicked out of them right now. OMG. Good luck with those PS4s people. My GameStop has 33 Ps4s that where returned. When i asked the sales person why they would not answer. Sorry guys.

[mushroomwig]

Judging by your comment history it's pretty safe to say you're not being truthful in the slightest.

[DeadMansHand]

appreciate the sentiment! Mine is working great! Its so awesome having a next gen console and playing games that look fantastic. I will admit I lost my whole Saturday having to download all the free games off plus. :-(

[Redlogic]

Mine too works like a charm, loving Assasins Creed Black Flag and NBA 2k14!

[PERK7NS]

My local GameStop had 1 million returned!

Honest!

[Robdeagle]

That's odd mine did too.

[LordMaim]

What's your Gamestop's location so I can phone them, because obviously they have EVERY BROKEN PS4 IN AMERICA.

[PERK7NS]

They aren't taking calls at the minute they had a sony phone and that broke too! ............

[LordMaim]

@PERK7NS: Not to mention the long distance charges to Madeupistan would be crippling.

[the worst]

Vertical all day

[YipMan86]

Missclicked and have 2 comments now. :/

[Pascalini]

Sony should not of released this year

Ms are smart

Sony tried to push to hard and this is what happens

[Angels3785]

I know they totally shouldn't have....that way their record for fastest selling console (therefore most demand) would never have happened and you could sleep at night.

[alexkoepp]

Only reason it was fastest selling console was that they planned to have the supply. I preordered a 360 late and waited 3 months to get my console.

Had other systems had the stock I'm sure others would have done PS4 numbers or likely better.

[MRMagoo123]

Sony must hate having the world record for most sales in 24hrs huh lol, and it didnt even release world wide imagine adding the day one sales from the 29th release too, it will be in the millions for launch.

[DestinyHeroDoomlord]

Look a 1 bubble troll

[YipMan86]

This guy does not provide any prove that the PS4 is cooler when placed horizontally.

Thermal images can be seen on this site:

http://vr-zone.com/articles...

It shows that the PS4 does generate less heat when placed vertically.

Edit: Nvm, This site has updated thermal images and shows that it is 8°F cooler when placed horizontally.

http://www.planetextech.com...

[MightyMark427]

That article lost its accuracy as soon as they placed the PS4 on the entertainment shelf.

PS4 in enclosed space = less air circulation = the heat doesn't dissipates quickly enough = intake vents get the warm air instead of cool air from room temperature = tends to get warmer.

PS4 in vertical position in open space = warm air coming out from the console dissipates rather quickly = gets cool air instead of warm air from enclosed space...

How about they do the test in an open space rather than open vs enclosed space.

[Akuma2K]

Horizontal on my gaming stand.

[DivineAssault]

ppl are desperate to find something wrong now.. Mine doesnt wobble at all.. Had no performance issues either

[swishersweets20031]

mine neither, no wobble or over heating issues laying it flat.

[DivineAssault]

I know some consoles are bound to have some problems with their initial launch but some of this crap i see online has to be some butt hurt M$ lovers trying to hate on PS4 cuz they know its the best home console ever made.. It really doesnt matter though, NOTHING will stop this baby from staying as the #1 machine on the market..

I wish more ppl would get a vita though.. Its a great handheld alone but with the PS4 app, its just FN amazing.. Im very happy with both systems & we havent even seen what their capable of yet.. Im sure when more PSV & PS4 games release, its going to be great.. Even the phone app is cool cuz it can be used as a 2nd screen if devs want to use it

[BattleTorn]

It will never wobble on its' own.

It's just a (ridiculous, yet minor) oversight that no one made it stable on a flat surface.

It's akin to buying a microwave that happens to have only 3-leg supports.

Are you ever going to be worried that your Microwave can wobble? No. Will it on it's own? No.

Is whoever the person who chose to only place 3-leg a moron? yes.

We're talking about tiny bumps of plastic, the effort it would've require to avoiding this flaw would've been limited to discovering it.

And just so everyone is clear (not that that will ever happen) - it doesn't have to wobble to be defined as wobbly. Anything with a fulcrum point is "wobbly." PS4 indeed has a "fulcrum point."

[feraldrgn]

Stealth troll, or pointless article?

[iceman600]

this is what happens when you buy inferior hardware.

[Angels3785]

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAG XD LOOK EVERYONE BIGFOOT^^

[Tzuno]

is affected by the stupid positioning of the power brick that's inside. go ahead watch a ps4 teared apart video to see. Oh...Cerny Cerny Cerny.

[MrSwankSinatra]

cerny wasn't the design architect he was the system architect. learn the difference before opening your mouth.

[KontryBoy706]

No need to stand it vertically. Horizontal always. I believe 90% of the 360s RROD was due to people standing it vertically. I owned a 360 Elite and never stood it upright and never had a problem. I didn't stand my PS2 OR PS3 up and I have no intentions of standing my PS4 up either

[GeckoPutt]

"No need to stand it vertically"? What about those who's entertainment centres only have room enough to allow them to be stood vertically such as mine?

[KontryBoy706]

good luck

[Jac5al]

I have mine set horizontally. Played it for 13 hours straight yesterday, never got hot, stayed warm.

[twdll]

People People People... In case you have forgotten there is a warranty with this product. I even got an extended warranty from Squaretrade for 45 bucks for 3 years. If I have problems I will just have it replaced with a newer version. Win... Win.
As far as wobbling goes, yes it will ever so slightly wobble if you press down on the left front corner, but I do not normally press down on the console.... EVER.
Also, as far as heating, mine has remained very quiet and very slightly warm with no problems whatsoever. Got mine from BB.

[swishersweets20031]

i lay mine flat and it doesnt wobble or have problems. i must be one of the lucky people.

[Lookbehind]

That's a plain troll article if I ever seen one.Ps4 is probably gonna do 2 million by next Friday:)

[Silly gameAr]

These articles are getting pretty ridiculous now.

[level 360]

Lay it flat is the best position for PS4. Afterwards buy or look in your household any of those small rounded rubber grab-holders and put them underneath the outer edges of your PS4 to elevate it and stop from scratches.

Would be good to have a small inexpensive fan and direct it on the back for added air flow - don't even think of getting any of those expensively hyped intercoolers like from Nyko and others if they ever come out because those simply don't work and could actually cause more heat by blocking hot air coming out from the back of your consoles.

[Ben12]

I hang mine from 2 bungie cords that are 5' off the ground. Every now and then I will tug on the ps4 console. This creates a bouncing motion that intern creates good airflow threw the ps4 console. I have not had any issues what so ever.

[Felonycarclub8]

I always keep it horizontal and lifted about a half an inch from the surface where is located, which is at the top of my entertainment unit so it's not enclosed and gets good airflow just like my launch PS3 phat. I also keep my consoles dust free I even cover them when I am done playing with them and every couple of months I use a vacuum to try to get some of the dust out if any at low speed. My friends ps3 died on him and I went to see it and I couldn't believe how dusty it was, I told no wonder it died it wasn't getting enough air in or out.

[WeAreLegion]

I want to set it horizontally, but it looks SO GOOD vertically.

[Ozmoses]

I have it standing vertically without a stand, right next to my PS3 on a solid ass slab of smooth marble... one of those counter top samples.

I also keep a table top style fan about 1 ft away from the system on the lowest setting.

never had a problem with my PS3 and I haven't had a problem with my PS4.

no risk of tipping over in my situation... that's the only time when vertical is possible...

in my case I'm opposite than the majority.. I don't have room to put it horizontal, but my vertical setup is pretty ingenious.

if you got pets or kids... or are just clumsy than you shouldn't put it vertical... but, if you have a sturdy solid level place then set that puppy down... because you don't need that flimsy piece of shit stand for $20

[AceofStaves]

The only console I've ever placed vertically is my Wii. The rest go horizontal.

[kewlkat007]

This console is so not perfect as plenty was making it out to be..as long as it plays games I suppose.

[Hallow]

Wobble!? Damn that sucks! Whenever I play racing games I put my foot on the console and use it like a gas pedal, this is gonna hugely affect my gameplay!

[ATiElite]

Now that is funny

[Incipio]

Whaddaya know, more FUD!

*ignore*

[ATiElite]

I like how the Vertical picture is Horizontal.

Maybe Next Gen consoles will come with Water Coolers!

Corsair H80 FTW!

[Incipio]

Surely you mean AMDElite :)

[FreakyFox]

Anything that powerful is going to wobble, like a V8 starting up.

[Incipio]

I would equate the PS4 to a 300hp Turbocharged inline four that needs twin balancing shafts

[Playstationologist]

4th gen 3SGTE

[gigoran]

So the 2 choices of console are

A: PS4 that wobbles when you stand up, walk to it, and press down in a specific place

or

B: A POS

I'll stick with A

[idontcare]

how original ...

boring live eh?

[Azzanation]

For the kids who don't understand. Some PS4s have a slight wobble when layed flat. However your spending $400 on a system you would expect to be flat. Little things like that bother me and I am sure it bothers others. If my Console had a wobble in it ill be sending it back for a new one.

[Everlastingfate]

You will be returning every PS4 you buy. The bottom of the console only has a ridge of rubber down the middle and down one side. I assure you it is by design. The wobble only occurs when the side without rubber is pressed down (or I suppose a significant vibration through the floor from someone walking). I promise that Sony designed it on purpose.

The only way to level it out is to remove the rubber "feet" as one person on here posted in a YouTube video. However, this makes the system lie flat on the surface and there is no longer any space under it. I am certain Sony wanted that space under there.

If it really bothers you, put your own rubber feet under it.

[Everlastingfate]

You sound angry.

You can't tell me that in all the time spent testing no one who put their hands on it found this "issue" unti lit was released?

It's not a fulcrum if it supports 2/3 of the system. It does not lean on it's own. If you press down the side without rubber it will move, yes. However, if you actually look at the bottom of a PS4, which I assume don't own, you would see that some styling and function went into the design of the bottom of the system.

You act as though the design team responsible for the exterior of the device was oblivious to how it sat on a flat surface.

Your opinion, which you state as fact, is that systems should have one foot in each corner. That is simply your opinion. I agree that it was an odd decision but it was, in fact, someone's decision along the way. Just because that's how it's always been done doesn't make it right.

I would be willing to bet that it was designed with a purpose, and was not an oversight.

[BattleTorn]

I do own a PS4.

And no matter what percentage of the system is supported - it's still a fulcrum point.

Imagine a basic teeter totter / seesaw - imagine a can under a plank.

No matter where you place the 'can' under the board, no matter how much % is on the downslope, it still has a fulcrum point, however far over it is.

No matter how you look at it, it's a flat console, intended to sit flat, and it has a fulcrum point.
And that is perfect example of design flaw.

I'm sure if it was a design feature, we'd be hearing about it.
--------
Look at this
http://media.learn.uci.edu/...

the fact that a "effort" can be applied to LIFT the "load" (that is the 2/3 of the PS4) the system has a Fulcrum point.
Nothing that is intended to sit flat should ever have a fulcrum point.

[Everlastingfate]

So... Despite all that's been said you've chosen to hang your hat on the definition of a fulcrum? It sounds like you've lost and are grasping at whatever small victory you claim.

Good show, sir. Stating opinions as facts and ignoring the majority of my post to pick out one thing as inaccurate. Cursing and an inability to respond to criticism is a sign of poor education so forgive us if we don't take your word for it on the inner workings of Sony's design team.

If it was released that way it was done so for a reason. But I'm sure you could do a better job than those "morons."

[TemplarDante]

What the F was that piece of writing? Its nonsense. Purely opinion based.
Wobble when flat? Thats intentional, a design choice that doesnt hinder its operation whatsoever.
And it may tip over? When you have a stand? I mean, no shit anything verticle would fall with the right amount of force. Not even worth mentioning. Also, based on the PS3 vert/hori debate. It is better to have it vertical with regard to heat dissipation. One may believe having it flat may keep it cooler (like the author of the piece) but move it away after a period of use and feel the surface its on. Its hot/warm. The heat through conduction carries into the surface, in other words, its warmer than meets the eye. When you have it vertical, you have less conduction as the part of it in the base will not retain heat as much.
Two reasons.
1)The base of the vertical stand has vents of its own.
2)More of the unit that generates heat (internal power supply) isnt touching a conductive surface.

Author, dude you got it wrong.

[Everlastingfate]

To be fair... Heat rises. I'm not defending him but the logic is sound, a vertical system generates heat. Heat will travel upward through the system more so than when horizontal. Simple physics would agree that heat rising through a horizontal system has less "stuff" to travel through before exiting the system. While heat from lower portions of the system travels upwards, heating more components than if horizontal,

[Peanuts110]

I have mine horizontal. With the PS3 It would make the counter hot underneath it. So I figured the PS4 would do the same thing. I had went to HomeDepot got 3/4" x 36" square wood dowel. Cut it to the width of the PS4 painted it black and added felt padding sticker (to not scratch the system.) Which it turns gets it off the counter so there air flow underneath it too to keep it cool.

Side note: I went to two Gamestops and there was easily 30 people at each site picking up their PS4s. Love the UI I sure there will be more good things to come.

[kingPoS]

Moral of the story; buy an OG PS3, the airflow on that model remains unaffected. [kidding]

Gateway MT6706 2008

[sackboyhappy]

the fat ps3 was better on its side because it had a vent on top so more heat could escape
the ps4 looks a lot like the ps3 slim tho so horizontal looks like the best way.

[stubbed_out]

According to this thread it's 1140 degrees!

[GeckoPutt]

I have no choice but to have mine stood vertically, as my entertainment centre will only allow that. Hopefully it won't affect it too much.

[ashcroft]

Maybe the wobble is intentional? The motherboard resides right under that area. It reduces heat not having to completely sit on it's left side allowing more airflow to circulate.

People are trying to make something out of nothing.

[idontcare]

Wobbling awaits! /s