The PlayStation 4 has been a dominant force in the gaming world, offering a fantastic library of games and immersive experiences. However, Sony released upgraded versions throughout its lifespan, most notably the PlayStation 4 Pro. If you’re unsure which model you have, or perhaps considering buying a used console, knowing how to differentiate a PS4 Pro from the standard PS4 or PS4 Slim is crucial. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the visual, technical, and software cues to help you identify your console.
Visual Identification: External Clues
The most obvious way to determine if you own a PS4 Pro is by looking at its physical appearance. Sony made significant design changes to the Pro model, making it easily distinguishable from its siblings.
The Layered Look: A Pro’s Distinctive Design
The most prominent visual difference lies in the console’s layered design. The original PS4 features two distinct layers, while the PS4 Slim has a rounded, streamlined appearance. The PS4 Pro, however, has three distinct layers. This “triple-decker” design is the most immediate indicator that you’re looking at a Pro model.
Size and Dimensions: A Larger Footprint
The PS4 Pro is noticeably larger and heavier than both the original PS4 and the PS4 Slim. This increased size is necessary to accommodate the more powerful hardware and improved cooling system within. If you have both a standard PS4 and what you suspect is a Pro, placing them side-by-side will quickly reveal the difference.
Here’s a comparison of the approximate dimensions:
- PS4 (Original): Approximately 275 x 53 x 305 mm
- PS4 Slim: Approximately 265 x 39 x 288 mm
- PS4 Pro: Approximately 295 x 55 x 327 mm
While these dimensions can vary slightly, the PS4 Pro’s larger footprint is consistently noticeable.
Rear Ports and Connections: Examining the Back Panel
The rear of the console provides another clue. All PS4 models include HDMI, Ethernet, and auxiliary (AUX) ports, along with a power connector. However, the PS4 Pro boasts an additional port not found on other models: an optical audio output (TOSLINK). This port allows users to connect to older audio systems or headphones that utilize optical audio. If you see this port on the back of your console, it’s a PS4 Pro.
USB Ports: Location, Location, Location
While all PS4 models have USB ports, their placement differs. The original PS4 has two USB ports on the front. The PS4 Slim also has two, but they are more spaced out. The PS4 Pro has two USB ports on the front and one on the rear. The presence of a USB port on the back is a dead giveaway.
Model Number: A Definitive Identifier
Perhaps the most reliable way to identify your PS4 is by checking the model number. This number is typically located on a sticker on the back of the console, near the power input. PS4 Pro model numbers follow a specific pattern.
Here’s how to decode the model number:
- CUH-7xxx: This is the key identifier for the PS4 Pro.
- CUH-70xx: Represents the initial PS4 Pro models.
- CUH-71xx: Indicates a slightly revised model.
- CUH-72xx: Represents a later revision, often quieter and more energy-efficient.
Any model number starting with CUH-7 is a PS4 Pro. Standard PS4 models start with CUH-1 or CUH-12, while PS4 Slim models begin with CUH-2. Finding CUH-7xxx on the back of your console guarantees it is a PS4 Pro.
Technical Specifications: Unveiling the Power Within
Beyond visual cues, the PS4 Pro boasts superior technical specifications compared to the standard PS4 and PS4 Slim. While you can’t directly observe these specifications without disassembling the console (which is not recommended), understanding them helps clarify the differences.
GPU: The Graphics Processing Powerhouse
The most significant upgrade in the PS4 Pro is its Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The PS4 Pro features a more powerful GPU based on AMD’s Polaris architecture, offering roughly 4.2 teraflops of processing power. This is more than double the GPU power of the original PS4, which has around 1.84 teraflops. This increased graphical horsepower allows the PS4 Pro to render games at higher resolutions, including 4K, and with improved graphical fidelity.
CPU: A Modest Upgrade
While the GPU receives the most substantial upgrade, the PS4 Pro also features a slightly faster Central Processing Unit (CPU). The CPU is still an 8-core AMD Jaguar processor, but it’s clocked at a higher frequency (around 2.1 GHz compared to 1.6 GHz in the original PS4). This minor CPU boost contributes to overall performance improvements.
RAM: The Same Capacity, Faster Speed
Both the PS4 and PS4 Pro have 8GB of GDDR5 RAM. However, the PS4 Pro utilizes faster RAM, allowing for quicker data access and improved performance. The PS4 Pro also has an additional 1GB of DDR3 RAM dedicated to background tasks, freeing up more of the GDDR5 RAM for games.
Hard Drive: Capacity Varies, Speed Matters
The PS4 Pro typically comes with a 1TB hard drive, although earlier models might have had smaller capacities. The original PS4 was available with 500GB or 1TB options. While hard drive capacity doesn’t definitively identify a PS4 Pro, it’s worth noting. The PS4 Pro also supports faster hard drives, which can improve loading times.
Resolution and Performance: The Ultimate Difference
The key benefit of the PS4 Pro’s enhanced hardware is its ability to deliver higher resolutions and smoother frame rates. While not all games are specifically optimized for the PS4 Pro, those that are can offer a significantly improved visual experience.
- 4K Gaming: The PS4 Pro can output games at native 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), providing a sharper and more detailed image on 4K TVs.
- HDR Support: The PS4 Pro supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, which expands the range of colors and contrast, resulting in more vibrant and realistic visuals.
- Improved Frame Rates: Even on 1080p TVs, the PS4 Pro can often deliver higher and more stable frame rates compared to the standard PS4, leading to smoother gameplay.
- Supersampling: The PS4 Pro can use a technique called supersampling to improve image quality even on 1080p TVs. This involves rendering the game at a higher resolution and then downscaling it to 1080p, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image.
Software Features: Enhanced Functionality on the Pro
The PS4 Pro also includes some software features that are not available or as robust on the standard PS4. These features enhance the overall user experience and take advantage of the console’s increased processing power.
Boost Mode: Unleashing Extra Power
Boost Mode is a feature specifically designed for older PS4 games that haven’t been patched to take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s hardware. When enabled, Boost Mode can provide performance improvements such as higher frame rates and more stable gameplay in these older titles. This is a Pro-exclusive feature.
Remote Play and Share Play: Higher Resolutions and Frame Rates
The PS4 Pro allows for Remote Play and Share Play at higher resolutions and frame rates compared to the standard PS4. You can stream games to other devices at up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, providing a smoother and more visually appealing experience.
Game Patches and Enhancements: Optimizations for the Pro
Many PS4 games have received patches and updates specifically designed to take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s hardware. These patches often include:
- Increased Resolution: Games can be rendered at higher resolutions, up to native 4K.
- Improved Textures: Textures can be sharper and more detailed.
- Enhanced Effects: Visual effects such as lighting, shadows, and reflections can be improved.
- Higher Frame Rates: Games can run at higher and more stable frame rates.
Look for the “PS4 Pro Enhanced” label on game packaging or digital store listings to identify games that have been optimized for the PS4 Pro.
Games without a patch will still run on a Pro, but will only get the benefits of boost mode if turned on.
Troubleshooting and Further Verification
If you’re still unsure after checking the visual cues, model number, and understanding the technical differences, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Check the System Software: In the PS4 system settings, navigate to System Information. While this won’t definitively tell you if it’s a Pro, it can confirm the model number.
- Compare to Images Online: Search online for images of the PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro. Compare the images to your console to see which one matches the closest.
- Consult Online Forums: Post pictures of your console on gaming forums and ask for help identifying it. Experienced users can often quickly identify the model based on visual cues.
- Contact Sony Support: If all else fails, contact Sony customer support for assistance. They can help you identify your console based on the serial number.
By carefully examining the visual appearance, checking the model number, understanding the technical specifications, and considering the software features, you can confidently determine if your PS4 is a Pro. This knowledge is particularly valuable when buying a used console, ensuring you get the performance you’re paying for.
How can I visually identify a PS4 Pro from a standard PS4?
The most obvious visual difference lies in the physical design. The PS4 Pro features a three-layered, stacked appearance, making it noticeably thicker than the original PS4 and the PS4 Slim. The standard PS4 has a two-layered design, and the Slim is even more compact and rounded. Looking at the physical structure is often the quickest way to distinguish between the models.
Beyond the number of layers, the PS4 Pro generally has a matte finish, unlike some versions of the original PS4 which had glossy sections. Check the rear of the console for the model number. CUH-7000, CUH-7100, and CUH-7200 series all indicate a PS4 Pro. If it’s a different CUH number, it’s likely a standard PS4 or a Slim model.
What is the model number and where can I find it on the console?
The model number is a unique identifier that clearly distinguishes between different PlayStation 4 models, including the Pro, Slim, and original versions. This number helps to confirm the specific hardware configuration of your console. Knowing the model number can be crucial for troubleshooting, purchasing accessories, or determining its capabilities.
You can typically find the model number on a sticker located on the rear of the PS4 console, near the power port. This sticker will display a string of characters starting with “CUH” followed by a series of numbers. Common PS4 Pro model numbers include CUH-70xx, CUH-71xx, and CUH-72xx, where “xx” represents a specific region code. Cross-referencing this number with online resources or the original packaging will confirm if you have a Pro model.
Does the PS4 Pro have a faster processor or more RAM than the standard PS4?
Yes, the PS4 Pro features significant hardware upgrades compared to the standard PS4. These enhancements contribute to improved performance, particularly in games that are optimized for the Pro. The boosted power allows for higher resolutions, smoother frame rates, and enhanced graphical details.
The PS4 Pro has a more powerful GPU than the standard PS4, allowing for better graphics processing and support for 4K resolution. It also boasts a slightly faster CPU clock speed and 1GB of additional DDR3 RAM dedicated to non-gaming tasks, which frees up more of the main GDDR5 memory for games. This combination of enhancements leads to a noticeably improved gaming experience on compatible titles.
Can the PS4 Pro play games in 4K resolution?
The PS4 Pro is specifically designed to deliver enhanced gaming experiences, and one of its key features is its ability to output games in 4K resolution. While not all games are natively rendered in 4K, the PS4 Pro uses techniques like checkerboard rendering to upscale images and provide a sharper, more detailed visual output on compatible 4K televisions.
To take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s 4K capabilities, you will need a 4K television and a high-speed HDMI cable. Not every game will run at native 4K resolution, but many games offer improved visuals, higher resolutions, or enhanced frame rates on the PS4 Pro compared to the standard PS4. Check game packaging or online reviews to determine if a specific game offers PS4 Pro enhancements.
How do I check the system software to identify my PS4 model?
Checking the system software version directly won’t explicitly tell you if you have a PS4 Pro, but it can give you clues or help narrow down possibilities, especially if you have other information. Looking at the installed software version is useful for general troubleshooting but isn’t a direct indicator of Pro vs. Standard.
To check the system software, navigate to Settings > System > System Information on your PS4. While the displayed information won’t say “PS4 Pro,” it shows the model number (CUH-XXXX), which you can then cross-reference with online sources to confirm whether it’s a Pro model. This method is more reliable than solely relying on the software version itself.
Are all PS4 games enhanced for the PS4 Pro?
No, not all PS4 games receive enhancements specifically for the PS4 Pro. While the PS4 Pro can play all standard PS4 games, only certain titles are programmed to take advantage of the Pro’s increased processing power. This means that the level of visual and performance improvements will vary from game to game.
Games that are “PS4 Pro Enhanced” typically offer options for higher resolutions (including 4K), improved frame rates, HDR support, and enhanced graphical details. Look for the “PS4 Pro Enhanced” badge on game packaging or in the PlayStation Store description to identify games that offer specific Pro enhancements. Even without specific enhancements, some games may still benefit from the PS4 Pro’s increased processing power, resulting in slightly improved performance or reduced loading times.
Does the PS4 Pro have a different power cable or any unique ports compared to the standard PS4?
The PS4 Pro uses the same standard figure-8 power cable as the original PS4 and PS4 Slim. There is no difference in the type of power cable required. Using a different or incompatible power cable could potentially damage the console, so it’s important to use the correct type.
However, the PS4 Pro does feature an additional USB port on the rear of the console compared to the original PS4. This gives the Pro three USB 3.0 ports in total (two on the front, one on the rear), offering more flexibility for connecting peripherals and accessories. The presence of this third USB port on the back is a subtle distinguishing feature.