Greetings, Reader technogigs
Are you tired of experiencing slow loading times and frequent crashes while gaming on your PS4? It’s frustrating, and it can ruin the entire gaming experience. The good news is that there are several ways to speed up PS4 that can optimize your console and enhance your gaming experience. In this article, we will explore all the tips and tricks you need to know to optimize the performance of your PS4 and get the most out of your gaming experience. Let’s dive into it!
Introduction
PlayStation 4 is one of the most popular gaming consoles worldwide, with an extensive library of exclusive games and features that make it a favorite choice among console gamers. However, as with any electronic device, the performance of the PS4 may deteriorate over time, thereby impacting your gaming experience. Fortunately, with a few simple tweaks, you can speed up your PS4 and make it run like new again!
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different ways to speed up PS4, starting from the basic practices to advanced methodologies that require technical knowledge. It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual gamer or a professional, this guide will have everything you need to know to optimize your PS4 and enhance your gaming experience. So, let us get started!
1. Upgrade the Hard Drive
If you’ve owned your PS4 for some time now, you’ve probably noticed that the storage space fills up pretty fast. Large game files and system updates take up a lot of space, eventually slowing down your PS4’s performance. To solve this problem, you can upgrade your PS4’s hard drive and get more space to store your games and other media. You’ll need a 2.5-inch hard drive that has been formatted for PS4, preferably with a 7200 RPM speed for faster read/write speeds.
You can follow the steps below to upgrade your PS4’s hard drive:
| Step 1: | Back up your old hard drive to an external device using the backup and restore feature on your PS4. |
| Step 2: | Remove the old hard drive from your PS4 and replace it with the new one. |
| Step 3: | Download the latest firmware update from PlayStation’s official website and save it to a USB device. |
| Step 4: | Insert the USB device into the PS4 and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new firmware onto your PS4. |
| Step 5: | Restore your saved data from the external device onto the new hard drive, and you’re good to go! |
A hard drive upgrade will not only provide you with the added space you need but also enhances your PS4’s speed and performance.
2. Connect via Ethernet
Among the ways to speed up PS4 is connecting to the internet via Ethernet cable. While Wi-Fi is convenient, it is generally slower than an Ethernet connection, particularly if you’re far from the router. If you connect your PS4 via Ethernet, you will encounter better download and upload speeds. To connect via Ethernet, use an Ethernet cable and plug it into the router and PS4’s LAN port. Then configure the connection settings and Voila! You’re all set now to get the most out of your gaming experience.
3. Enable Boost Mode
If you own a PS4 Pro, you can enable the Boost Mode to enhance your console’s processing power and load times. The Boost Mode allows the PS4 Pro to run all games in a higher performance mode, including games that haven’t been patched to take advantage of the console’s extra power. To enable Boost Mode:
| Step 1: | Go to Settings > System. |
| Step 2: | Select Boost Mode. |
| Step 3: | Toggle the switch to enable Boost Mode. |
Enabling Boost Mode allows your PS4 Pro to perform faster and smoother, providing you with an immersive gaming experience.
4. Clean Your PS4
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the fans and vents of your PS4, leading to overheating and performance issues. In the worst-case scenarios, it may also cause your PS4 to shut down unexpectedly. To avoid this, clean your PS4 regularly. You can do this by using a soft brush or compressed air to remove the dust and debris from the vents or fans.
5. Limit the Number of Running Applications
The PS4’s RAM is limited, and the more applications running in the background, the slower your PS4 will become. Close all unnecessary apps to free up more RAM, which will improve your console’s processing speed and overall performance.
6. Download System Updates
Regular system updates optimize the performance of your PS4, adding new features and fixing bugs. So, when downloading new system updates, it’s always a great idea to delete old notifications to keep your dashboard fresh and tidy. These downloads enhance the console’s speed overall.
7. Rebuild the Database
If you’re experiencing slow loading times, you can try rebuilding your PS4 database. Rebuilding the database will reorganize your PS4’s data, thus improving your console’s overall performance. Here’s how to rebuild your PS4’s database:
| Step 1: | Start your PS4 in Safe Mode by holding down the power button until you hear two beeps. |
| Step 2: | Select Option 5, which is “Rebuild Database.” |
| Step 3: | Wait for the process to complete, which may take a few minutes. |
Rebuilding your PS4’s database will optimize your console’s performance, speed up loading times, and fix issues that may have arisen due to corrupt registry or disk fragmentation.
Strengths of Speeding Up PS4
1. Better Performance
Speeding up your PS4 will take your gaming experience to the next level by improving your console’s performance significantly.
2. Reduces Loading Times
Reducing load times in PS4 will provide a seamless gaming experience and boost your console’s speed.
3. Enhanced Storage Space
By upgrading your hard drive and deleting unnecessary data, you can enhance your PS4’s storage space and efficiency.
4. Optimized Internet Connectivity
Connecting to the internet via Ethernet cable improves your internet connection’s speed and stability, reducing lag and improving your gaming experience.
5. Resolves Issues with Overheating
Cleaning your PS4 regularly helps to avoid overheating, which improves your console’s performance and prevents it from shutting down unexpectedly.
6. Fixes Bugs and Performance Issues
Rebuilding your PS4’s database and downloading system updates helps to fix bugs and improves overall system performance.
7. Increases Console Lifespan
Optimizing your PS4 enhances its performance and reduces wear and tear, thereby increasing its lifespan.
Weaknesses of Speeding up PS4
1. Upgrades are Expensive
Upgrading your PS4’s hard drive can be expensive, especially if you’re upgrading to a larger storage capacity.
2. Technical Expertise Required
Not everyone is comfortable with opening up their PS4, and replacing the internal hard drive requires some technical expertise. Attempting to do it yourself can void your warranty or cause permanent damage to your console.
3. Risk of Data Loss
Performing a database rebuild or reformatting your PS4 will wipe out all data saved on your console. Hence, it’s crucial to back up your data before proceeding.
4. Ethernet Cable Limitations
While connecting via Ethernet provides better connectivity, it’s not ideal for everyone. Length limitations and disorganized settings can create obstacles for gamers and complicate things.
5. Time-consuming Processes
Safely rebuilding your PS4’s database or copying data to a new drive may take several hours, depending on the number of games and content on your system. These lengthy delays should be taken into account before starting the process.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Do PS4s slow down over time?
Yes. As with any electronic device, system updates, and games take up space and processing power, which can cause the PS4 to slow down over time.
2. Will upgrading my hard drive void my warranty?
Yes. If you open your PS4 to upgrade the hard drive, your warranty will be voided. However, you can mitigate this risk by purchasing a PS4 hard drive that is specified by the manufacturer.
3. What is Safe Mode on PS4?
Safe Mode is a booting option on the PS4 that helps to recover and troubleshoot problems with your console.
4. Can I use an external hard drive on my PS4?
Yes, you can use an external hard drive on the PS4 for added storage space. However, it has to be formatted for PS4 to function correctly.
5. Is an Ethernet cable faster than Wi-Fi for gaming?
Yes, Ethernet cable provides better and faster internet connectivity and stability compared to Wi-Fi.
6. What percentage of its capacity should be utilized by my PS4?
If you have a 1TB hard drive, it’s safe to use up to 75% of capacity. Anything more than that could impact your PS4’s performance.
7. Will rebuilding my PS4’s database delete my save data?
No. Rebuilding your PS4’s database will not delete your save data, but we recommend backing up your data before proceeding with the process.
8. How often should I clean my PS4?
You should clean your PS4 once every year or whenever you notice that the console is overheating or making loud fan noises.
9. Can I use Boost Mode on a regular PS4?
No. The Boost Mode is exclusive to the PS4 Pro and can’t be used on a regular PS4.
10. Can I use compressed air to clean my PS4?
Yes. You can use compressed air to remove dust and debris from your PS4, but we recommend using a soft brush though it can be time-intensive.
11. What should I do if my PS4 is still slow after trying all the speed-up techniques?
If you’re still experiencing slow speeds on your PS4 after trying the tips we provided, consider restoring your console to its factory settings or contact Sony customer support for additional support.
12. Can I delete system updates on PS4 to speed up my console?
No. System updates enhance your console’s performance, so it’s not advisable to delete them. However, deleting old notifications and messages can free up space on your PS4 and improve speed.
13. Should I leave my PS4 on or turn it off when I’m not using it?
Turning off your PS4 when you’re not using it helps to preserve its lifespan and reduces your electricity bill. We, therefore, recommend that you turn off your console when not gaming.
Conclusion
Speeding up your PS4 will take your gaming experience to the next level, but it requires some technical expertise and patience. From upgrading your hard drive to cleaning your console regularly, these tips and tricks will undeniably optimize your PS4’s performance, storage, and internet connectivity. We guarantee that if you follow our guide, your PS4 will run smoother and faster than ever before, enhancing your gaming experience. So, what are you waiting for? Start optimizing your PS4 now!
Disclaimer
Please note that performing any of these procedures could damage your console or void your warranty. Proceed with caution and perform these tips at your own risk, knowing that we bear no responsibility for any damage caused by these procedures.