Tips to Help Keep Your PS3 From Overheating

Extended Gameplay

• As you play the PS3 for long periods, the system heats up significantly. Give your system a break of about 30 minutes for every two to three hours of gaming to allow the internal system components to cool down. Overheating can cause the connections on the motherboard to degrade and ultimately ruin the system. One mistake many people make is leaving the console on. Leaving your console on creates heat when the device isn't being used and decreases its lifespan. Make sure to turn the console off after usage.

Space for the Console

• Leaving any console in a small space will generate additional heat. Smaller spaces don't allow the hot air to escape and cycles the warm air back into the system, resulting in higher system temperatures. Place your PS3 in an area with some space for it to "breathe," away from other electronics. All electronics produce heat, so placing them closely together results in higher temperatures for all devices.

Sunlight

• Keep any electronic device away from direct sunlight, as it is a source of heat. Keep your PS3 away from windows that allow the sun to beat directly on the system. Close the curtains if you can't move the system to an alternate location, which will remove the system from being in direct sunlight.

Cooling Methods

• Many PS3 users report that their systems seem to run cooler when they're placed vertically, as opposed to horizontally. The vertical position exposes the vents more and eliminates blockages from tables or stands that prohibit heat from escaping, and allows warm air to flow out and cool air to cycle in.

Dust

• Dust accumulates inside the system at various levels depending on the environment where you're using the console. In homes where residents smoking or have pets, dust is more prevalent and requires you to clean your vents out more often. Use canned air or a vacuum cleaner to blow dust out of the vents. When dust builds up, airflow decreases and interior temperatures rise.

Room Cooling

• Another option to keep the system cool is to keep the room's temperature cool by using fans or an air conditioner, especially during the summer months or in areas that are prone to heat such as attics. If possible, operate the system close to the cooling device. A small desktop fan is another option to place next to the console to keep its interior temperature down.