SCRY Artic S PS5 Cooler review: Ice-cold and game-ready

External console coolers have a long history of being pointless additions. While it is important to keep your console from overheating, coolers tend to create more problems than solutions.

The latest Artic fans by SCRY seek to rise above this as the first AI-powered cooling system. But is this a product that will actually have lasting benefits, or is it just a load of hot air?

We review the SCRY Artic S PS5 Slim coolers, and Nitro Flash SSD heatsink, to help you decide if it is a must-have gadget.

Gaming Just Got Cooler There are three models: Artic, Artic S, and Artic Pro

The Kickstarter project is a sign that there is a demand for an effective cooling solution. Keeping low temperatures in the PS5 is important if you are looking to prolong the lifespan of the console. While Sony has added features to keep the PS5 consoles cooler, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

There are currently three models available for each PS5 console available: Artic, Artic S, and Artic Pro.

We were sent the SCRY Artic S PS5 Slim coolers, which are sleeker in design compared to most competitors. When fitted into the back it looks like a natural extension of the console and doesn’t stick out in a way that’s intrusive.

Fitting the coolers is also hassle-free. You simply slide the wedge into the top vent at the rear end of the console, and connect the fan to the lower USB port. The cooler does feature an additional SuperSpeed USB-A 3.1 port, so you’re not sacrificing connectivity options upon installation.

The dimensions of the SCRY Arctic S cooler are approximately 11.14 inches in length, 2.76 inches in width, and 1.42 inches in height. There are four Hyper fluid fans in total, featuring a fairly basic lighting system.

The fans are encased in a black plastic chassis, which does feel rather cheap given its high price tag outside of the Early Bird sale.

Nitro Flash Heat Sink

The aluminum heat sink itself is a nice addition for those looking to fully safeguard their PS5, which entails protecting any storage data. Sony has made the latest PS5 models easier than ever to install additional SSD drives. So installing both the SSD drive and the heatsink is a relatively simple process

However, it is important to note that the heat sink is made specifically for the NVME M.2 2280 SSD and does not come with the drive. In that regard your options are rather limited if you prefer using other drives.

It’s mainly designed to be used with the Nitro Move Enclosure SSD. The drive itself boasts 10 Gbps of transfer speed and is designed to handle 100w of passthrough charging. It is also compatible with Windows PCs.

Flashy But Noisy The coolers feature Lamella-designed HyperFluid fans

The main highlight of these coolers is the AI integration. Simply put, an AI thermal chip monitors the temperature of the console and adjusts fan speeds accordingly. This means that the fan’s performance will change as you play,  whether it’s navigating through the menus or loading up a game.

SCRY claims that the fans are as loud as 38 dB. However, the fans are still fairly loud when pushed to the max, especially when booting up a taxing game. The noise is noticeable even with headphones on, at least ones without noise cancellation.

This may be a deal breaker for some, particularly if you prefer playing at a desk as opposed to a lounge where you’re typically much further away from the console.

From my experience, it’s not too distracting, and something you eventually ignore when you’re engrossed in the best PS5 games. Fans and noise tend to come hand in hand and is a sacrifice you make if you’re not willing to invest in more expensive options. It’s not loud enough to be heard from another room, but players with thin walls should still be cautious.

You’ll often find that so many coolers situated at the back of the console blow air into the vents. As a result, some coolers become counterintuitive since the vents are designed to expel air and prevent overheating. The fans themselves work to pull air out of the system to boost the console’s natural airflow 30% more than standard competitors.

Smart Chill, Bigger Thrill The cooler plugs into the PS5 console via a UBS-A connection

Every gaming gadget out there claims to improve the performance of games. While in some cases it’s technically true, the overall impact is usually too small to be noticeable. The Artic S’s effect on performance varies drastically depending on your gaming habits.

Players who occasionally hop onto games every now and then aren’t likely to see any changes to their games. If you’re someone with limited time to play, then any difference made with the fans installed is negligible at best.

It’s clear that this product caters to enthusiasts who regularly engage with gaming as a hobby. From my experience, these coolers are at their best when you’re in prolonged gaming sessions well over the 3-4 hour mark when your console tends to be the hottest.

Time tends to fly by when you are having fun, and these fans help ensure the fun doesn’t come at the cost of your console. SCRY’s testing showed the fans reduced the console’s temperature by 50°F, which may seem slight but can significantly prolong its lifespan. The system remained warm but ran games smoothly throughout the day.

This a great quality of life change where games would often struggle when running for this long, particularly with the heat sink on hand to prevent storage from becoming corrupted or lost. It’s a great peace-of-mind gadget that ensures your console stays in top shape for longer periods of time. It won’t elevate gameplay but will help delay any drop in performance after prolonged gaming.

Conclusion

The SCRY Artic AI-powered coolers are a great solution, with its biggest strength coming from its convenience. However, it isn’t a gadget for everyone, and its impact on performance will vary depending on individual game time.

The installation process of the fans is quick and simple, while still leaving room to build upon. The AI integration ensures it automatically handles adjustments, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the games.

The noise produced by the Hyper fluid fans can be annoying at times. Its price tag, while cheaper to pre-order, is something to consider for those on a smaller budget. Its impact on performance increases with playtime, but casual gamers likely won’t fully benefit from an external cooling system.

Overall, it’s a solid investment for gamers who prioritize performance and want to make the most out of their PS5 consoles.

The Artic, Artic S, Artic Pro, Nitro Flash Heatsink SSDs, and Nitro Move Enclosure SSDs are now available for pre-order through SCRY’s Kickstarter page, which launched on November 20 and ends on December 19, 2024. Early Bird pricing starts at $39 USD, with a full price of $79 USD. 

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