PS5 Slim Teardown Reveals Replaceable CMOS Battery and New Cooling

A console technician's teardown of the latest PS5 Slim model shows a replaceable CMOS battery and revised cooling, changes he calls 'much more interesting than it looks.'

Ever cracked open a console just to find a soldered-down battery that's a pain to replace? Well, Sony might finally be listening. A console technician has torn down the latest PS5 Slim model and discovered some under-the-hood changes that could make a big difference down the line.

The biggest surprise? A replaceable CMOS battery. For those who don't know, the CMOS battery keeps your console's clock and some system settings alive when the power's off. On many modern consoles, it's soldered to the board, meaning when it dies, you're stuck with a dead clock or a costly repair. But in this new PS5 Slim revision, it appears to be a standard replaceable cell. That's a small change with huge implications for repairability and long-term ownership.

But that's not all. The technician also noted a revised cooling system. While exact details are scarce, any tweak to cooling usually means better thermal management, potentially quieter operation, or even improved performance stability. It's the kind of thing that doesn't make headlines but matters to anyone who's ever had a console sound like a jet engine.

According to the technician, these changes are "much more interesting than it looks." And he's right. In an era where consoles are becoming more locked down and harder to repair, seeing a major manufacturer make a component like the CMOS battery user-replaceable is a rare win for consumers. It suggests Sony might be paying attention to right-to-repair advocates and the longevity of its hardware.

Of course, this is still a report from a single teardown, so we don't know if all new PS5 Slim units will have these changes or if it's just a limited revision. Sony hasn't made any official announcement about these modifications. But if you're in the market for a PS5 Slim, it might be worth checking the model number before you buy.

For now, it's a promising sign. A replaceable CMOS battery means your console could stay functional for years longer without needing professional repair. And revised cooling could lead to a more reliable, quieter gaming experience. It's the kind of quiet improvement that doesn't get a trailer but definitely deserves a shout-out.

What do you think? Are these changes enough to make you consider picking up a PS5 Slim, or are you waiting for something bigger? Let us know in the comments.