Every product, including the PlayStation 5 (PS5), has a unique model number that helps identify its specific features. For the PS5, the model number encodes important details such as equipment specifications, revisions, and modifications.
Structure of the PS5 Model Number
The PS5 model number usually has the following structure: CFI-2016 A01Y. The model number itself consists of five information blocks, each of which carries certain information. Let’s understand what each part of this code means:
- CFI – Product Code
The prefix “CFI” indicates the product code, which applies to the PS5 console and related accessories, including additional devices, joysticks, gamepads, and disk drives. All these products start with the CFI code in their model numbers. - 2016 – Model Identifier
This four-digit number represents the model version of the PS5. The specific model can vary based on differences in components like the processor, memory, and motherboard. - A or B – Disk Drive Indicator
This letter indicates whether the console has a disk drive:- A: Console with a disk drive.
- B: Console without a disk drive.
- 01 – Revision Number
This number refers to the specific revision of the console model. Revisions usually involve minor updates, such as changes to the cooling system or adjustments to the motherboard layout. - Y or X – Regional Modification
The final letter denotes the regional power compatibility of the console:- Y: The console is designed to operate on a 220-240V power supply.
- X: The console supports a wider range of voltages, from 100-240V.
Understanding Sony PS5 revisions and models
Many people confuse model number and revision, which causes some confusion. Here is a detailed explanation of PS5 name, model number and revision.
PS5 is the model name of a game console characterized by a global rebranding that affects important components. For example, games developed for the PS4 do not work on the PS5 and vice versa due to a change in command structure, resulting in incompatibility between different console generations.
Model number: global console changes that do not affect game compatibility with other PS5 generation consoles, but the internal circuitry is so deeply reworked that repairs must take into account the internal configuration of the console, such as different motherboards or processors.
Revision number: these are minor changes that make some components incompatible, e.g. revision 02 upgraded the cooling system and this should be taken into account when repairing: a cooling system from revision 01 will not fit a console with revision 02 and vice versa.
Modification: modifications are usually related to regional differences, e.g. power supplies are designed for different mains voltages.
