One of the main concerns when it comes to any sort of electronics is cooling. Many errors such as graphical artifacts, game freezes or even hardware failures are a result of overheating. There are several ways you can prevent your consoles or computers from overheating such as keeping them in a well ventilated place. A cleaning when dust accumulates is also advised but when that isn’t enough, you can look at cooling solutions such as Nyko’s Intercooler TS for the Playstation 3.
Earlier this year, we reviewed the Xbox 360 version of Nyko’s Intercooler, the TS for the Xbox 360. We found that it was a cheap, easily installed way to keep the temperature of your Xbox 360 down. It also showed us just how toasty the 360 gets as the TS never got a break and just kept going full blast, while keeping the dreaded “Red Ring of Death” at bay. Will the PS3 version be fare just as well? Let’s find out!
What’s In The Box?
The Intercooler TS comes with a power adapter and a quick setup guide. Everything is rather straight forward so I’m guessing the majority of us will skip the instructions altogether. If you do need them, the guide comes in several languages, in case you parler Francais or hablo Espanol.
Features of the Intercooler TS for the PS3
The headlining feature of the Intercooler TS is the TempSmart sensor, which turns the fans on when the PS3 gets toastier than desired. Of course, you can also control fan speeds manually with a speed control on the side of the unit. Nyko claims that the TempSmart is the ideal way to keep the PS3 at optimal temperatures and reduces noise when additional cooling isn’t needed. It will also keep on working even after the console has been powered off until the PS3 has cooled off.
The Intercooler TS is powered independently from your PS3. This is a bigger deal than it sounds since early versions of the Intercooler drew from the PS3’s power supply and caused more problems than it solved. This issue also cropped up with the Xbox 360 version, causing Microsoft to redesign the power plug to prevent such devices from even working in later revisions.
The unfortunate consequence of this external power requirement is that the Intercooler takes up an extra power outlet and is a bit clunkier than it really should be but better that than short circuiting your PS3!
Installation and Setup
Anything that comes with less than a page of instructions can’t possibly be too difficult to set up and the Intercooler TS is no exception. A quick snap and it attaches easily to the back of your console. Plug the power cord into the unit and you’re ready to go! The unit does not obstruct any of the ports on the rear of the PS3.
For some reason, Nyko hasn’t color matched the Intercooler TS properly to the PS3. While both appear to be “black”, the Intercooler is more of a dark brown when you really look at it. Not a big deal to most people, I’m sure, but for those of us who are a bit more nitpicky about their home theater looking good, it is going to be a pet peeve.
Testing
My PS3 is stored in the open air and doesn’t get very hot to begin with so I had to make a serious effort to get the Intercooler TS to go to the max setting. I had to put it in an enclosed section of my home theater to get it to heat up enough. This effort alone makes me question whether or not this device is even required. Granted, it probably does help a tiny bit when it is called into action, but I’m not calling. The Playstation 3 just doesn’t seem to be hot enough.
One of the biggest draws for me with the PS3 is the quiet operation. In comparison to the hurricane that is the Xbox 360, the PS3 is little more than a whisper when I’m playing a Blu-Ray or a game. Unfortunately, the Intercooler TS seems rather loud to me even at the lowest setting. This is when I was able to get it to even turn when forcing the machine to cook. The hum is definitely noticeable and annoying if you’re watching a “quieter” movie. It may not disturb you during Michael Bay explosions but probably will otherwise.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
This product confuses me a little since I don’t think it is at all necessary. While the 360 has some serious heat issues that have resulted in an abnormal number of dead Xbox’s and RRoDs, the PS3 in my experience has been free of heat issues. In fact, I seldom turn my PS3 off even if it isn’t doing anything. To be honest, I think Nyko just thought that since they have one for the Xbox, they might as well sell one for the PS3. Granted, it is a huge cosmetic improvement over the original Intercooler which was not only huge, but somewhat ugly too.
The Nyko Intercooler TS for the Playstation 3 is decently solid and reasonably priced but I don’t see the point. It takes away one of the best things about the PS3, which is sub audible low noise levels in order to cool cool something that, frankly doesn’t want or needed to be cooled. Unless you keep your PS3 in one of those insulated bags they use to keep pizzas warm, I honestly doubt you’re experiencing any heat issues with the already cool running machine. If you are, take it out of this proverbial thermal bag and put it somewhere that gets some airflow, I can’t see the PS3 becoming hot anytime soon. Maybe individuals in much more tropical climates may get some better use out of it.
If you happen to feel like your PS3 is overheating and you don’t mind the additional noise, give the Intercooler TS a try. I guess it could help you out in extreme circumstances like if you lived in a volcano. Otherwise, pass on it and save that $25 for Resident Evil 5.
Pros
- Well priced.
- Doesn’t draw power from the PS3.
- Installation is easy.
- Fan speed is adjustable.
Cons
- Unnecessary…since the PS3 doesn’t get very hot to begin with.
- Makes PS3 operation considerably louder.
Overall Rating: 6.0 / 10.0
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