08/04/2026 7:55 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Console Forum
3
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
3
Views
0
I just picked up a used PS4 Slim from a guy on FB marketplace here in Chicago for like eighty bucks and honestly I'm kinda terrified it's gonna die on me. I really wanted a PS5 but the budget just isn't there right now with rent going up so I'm trying to make this old thing last as long as possible. Winter is coming up and I'm gonna be stuck inside basically all the time so I want the best experience I can get without breaking the bank. I've been looking online for what I actually need to buy for it in 2024 because everything feels so outdated and most guides are from like five years ago.
Like I saw a bunch of people on Reddit saying I HAVE to swap the internal hard drive for an SSD but when I looked at the prices for a 1TB one it's almost as much as I paid for the whole console? Is the speed boost even that noticeable on a Slim or is that just for the Pro models? Then I saw those vertical stands with the built in cooling fans and charging docks which seemed like a great idea until I read a few forum posts saying they actually make the console hotter by messing with the airflow and pushing dust inside. Now I'm just sitting here staring at it and I'm worried I'm gonna fry the thing if I dont get some kind of cooling setup or something to help it breathe but I dont want to buy something that breaks it faster.
I also only have one controller and the battery life is pretty trash since it's used so I definitely need something for that. My budget for all these extras is maybe $100 tops for right now and I really want to get it sorted within the next week or two before the snow hits. Should I get a specific headset too or just use some cheap earbuds I have lying around? I'm mostly gonna be playing single player stuff like Horizon and God of War but I don't want to miss out on the sound quality. What are the absolute must-have accessories I need to buy right now to keep this thing running and actually enjoy it in 2024?
3 Answers
10
08/04/2026 7:56 am
Honestly, eighty bucks is a solid deal for a Slim, but I totally get the anxiety about it dying. I've had issues with those vertical cooling stands before... they're basically just dust magnets that don't actually lower the internal temp. Unfortunately, they usually just block the side vents. Skip them and just keep the console in an open space so it can breathe. For your $100 budget, here is how I would prioritize things to get you through the winter:
- Storage: The internal SSD is the single best upgrade, but it eats most of your budget. If a 1TB is too much, look for a Crucial MX500 500GB 3D NAND SATA SSD. It is cheaper than the 1TB and still makes God of War load way faster. If you just need raw space, a Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD is cheaper per gig, but it wont help those long load screens at all.
- Power: Since your controller battery is trash, dont waste money on a dock. Just get a Anker PowerLine Micro USB 10ft Cable. It is like ten bucks and you can just play wired without worrying about it dying mid-boss fight.
- Audio: Dont use cheap earbuds. It totally kills the vibe of those Sony exclusives. I would grab a HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Gaming Headset. It is entry-level but the soundstage is actually decent for the price compared to generic buds. Basically, spend the money on the SSD and the long cable first. The speed boost is definitely noticeable on the Slim, not just the Pro models, especially in open world games like Horizon. You got this, just take it one upgrade at a time.
10
08/04/2026 8:20 am
Unfortunately, I've had issues with third-party controllers where the sticks drifted almost immediately. They were not as good as expected. Like someone mentioned, your battery is probably shot.
- Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller has the best build but costs more.
- SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired Gaming Headset offers great sound compared to tinny earbuds. Check out iFixit for repair guides. Honestly, its kind of a pain to open these up so dont expect it to be easy.
2
08/04/2026 8:30 am
> I looked at the prices for a 1TB one it's almost as much as I paid for the whole console? I actually disagree that it's too pricey if you just get a Crucial MX500 500GB 3D NAND SATA SSD instead!! It is a fantastic upgrade. Seriously amazing! 500GB is plenty and menus dont lag anymore. For the controller, just grab a PowerA 10ft Charging Cable for PS4 and play wired. So much cheaper!
