PS3 Slim build quality

[specwarGP2]

My PS3 slim makes these creaking/cracking/popping sounds when I power it on and off. I'm guessing it has something to do with the plastic expanding contracting due to the heat. Or is it something else? Does anyone else have this issue?

 

[djskribbles]

My PS3 slim makes these creaking/cracking/popping sounds when I power it on and off. I'm guessing it has something to do with the plastic expanding contracting due to the heat. Or is it something else? Does anyone else have this issue?

That's exactly what it is and it's normal; mine does the same thing.

 

[Cookie Monster]

Maybe they have a yet to be unlocked popcorn maker hidden away in the little confines of the PS3 slim

I wonder how bad this effect is in the long run.

 

[obonicus]

Just remember to wear safety goggles and you should be fine when the plastic shatters.

 

[specwarGP2]

That's exactly what it is and it's normal; mine does the same thing.

I wonder if it's a build quality issue though. My 60 and 40 never made any sounds like that.

 

[djskribbles]

It's because the internals are closer to the casing. I doubt this will cause any serious issues, but we'll have to wait and see I guess.

 

[rabidrabbit]

My launch PS2 has made similar sounds since I bought it, I think it's normal and caused by heat expansion/compression.

 

[corduroygt]

Mine doesn't make any noise. My Jasper elite on the other hand, groans loudly every time I turn it on.

 

[geeQ]

Reminiscing a little here, but I remember my old Amiga 1200 always making an almighty 'cracking' noise after a long stint. Used to scare the life out of me sometimes!... Those were the days.

 

[Rangers]

Mine doesn't make any noise. My Jasper elite on the other hand, groans loudly every time I turn it on.

I havent noticed any of my 360's make overt noises of any type, besides typical drive noises. But I dont really pay that much attention either. And of course 360's loudness could mask something I guess.

 

[corduroygt]

I havent noticed any of my 360's make overt noises of any type, besides typical drive noises. But I dont really pay that much attention either. And of course 360's loudness could mask something I guess.

I think mine is DVD drive noise, and it only happens for a second right after I turn it on, then it's gone.

 

[specwarGP2]

Ok so after really listening to the sounds my slim makes, I've noticed what sounds like a snapping or popping sounds shortly after I power it up - like within 5 seconds. Is that enough time for heat to cause expansion?

 

[Scott_Arm]

Ok so after really listening to the sounds my slim makes, I've noticed what sounds like a snapping or popping sounds shortly after I power it up - like within 5 seconds. Is that enough time for heat to cause expansion?

I highly doubt it. That does not sound like a good thing, to me. Another thing that makes snapping and popping noises is electricity.

 

[djskribbles]

The PS3 heats up almost instantly. Mine starts to 'pop' about 7-10 seconds after I turn it on, and it does it again almost as soon as I turn it off.

Again, I wouldn't worry unless the sound actually bothers you. You're likely to run into this issue again with the Slim, so if it's not too late, I would exchange it for a fat if it bothers you that much.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

It shouldn't heat up that much in 5 seconds! Localised warming of several degrees enough to cause expansion noise would require an awful lot of heat. That's not so say it necessarily anything to worry about, but creaking CE goods from thermal output, if it happens at all, shouldn't be happening with seconds of firing up the processor. What's the heat output like on your PS3 on switch on? Does it feel like a hairdrier, or is it barely tepid on start-up?

 

[djskribbles]

Wouldn't it depend on the ambient temperature too? I'm by no means an expert on this.
Also keep in mind the casing is literally almost touching the heatsink.

 

[specwarGP2]

My slim doesnt appear to get noticeably warm until I actually start playing a game. It actually makes a several distinct sounds. Some sound like creaking or popping. The one that concerns me is the cracking sound. It's noticeably louder and sounds like plastic cracking or snapping in half.

I know it's probably nothing to get worried over, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking to myself that can't possibly be a good sign, ya know?

 

[Silent_Buddha]

If it's not even getting warm to the touch within seconds of being turned on, I'm a bit doubtful it's thermal expansion/contraction of the plastic causing the noise.

I'm at a loss to think what could be the case though. My first thought would be a mechanical part, but that would happen almost instantly and then shouldn't cause any noises when you shut down.

Unless there is something "locking" into place when you shut down. And something "unlocking" when you turn it on. But if that were the case, it'd happen on all PS3 slims.

Perhaps it's something to do with the PS3 Slim BluRay drive lens mechanism. Maybe when you first turn it on and then when you turn it off, it's making some kind of movement (cleaning or diagnostic) that's causing that noise?

Regards,
SB

 

[Scott_Arm]

I'd guess it's either mechanical or electrical. The heating/contracting sounds bogus to me if it happens within a few seconds of turning it on. More on the side of mechanical than electrical, because usually if you get snapping sounds bad things happen in the electrical world. The sound people are describing does make me think of a quick electrical discharge.

Does it continue to snap as the unit is on?

 

[upnorthsox]

Could be localized suction/pressure from the cooling unit