Just last month, the new PS5 model (CFI-1100B) was investigated by Youtuber Austin Evans, pointing out the fact that the mysterious decrease in weight was due to a significantly smaller heatsink. Around 300 grams lighter, to be more exact.

A few quick tests by Evans showed that the exhaust was hotter when measured using a thermal camera, which led to worries that the newer model was “worse” than the launch unit.

Since then, various reports have popped up speculating on whether performance will be affected by the design change, but level-headed members of the community waited patiently for more comprehensive testing.

Both Digital Foundry and Gamers Nexus, a couple of well-known and trusted sources of information, have recently put the new PS5 model through its paces, employing extensive testing with some very complex setups that would finally put the discussion to rest.

You can view both videos below, tackling some very technical terms and procedures but overall, the verdict by both groups is fairly positive despite some negligible variances here and there.

Rich Leadbetter from Digital Foundry concludes that the experience and performance are practically identical, while Steve Burke from Gamers Nexus says that the launch and the new PS5 model aren’t that different and they haven’t seen any major downside to either heatsink.

Based on tests by both sources, it would seem that future PS5 owners need not worry about getting a console that performs worse. Choosing between the two systems boils down to personal preference, but in terms of performance, there shouldn’t be an issue.