Do You Have a PS4 Pro? Here‘s How to Find Out
Have you ever wondered if your PlayStation 4 is the upgraded PS4 Pro model or just a standard PS4? Don‘t worry, you‘re not alone – many console owners are unsure if they have the premium Pro console or regular edition.
As your resident gaming expert and tech specialist, let me walk you through the various ways you can identify whether your PS4 is a Pro or not. I‘ve helped hundreds of readers figure it out, so you‘ve come to the right place!
First off, why does it matter? The PS4 Pro is an enhanced version capable of 4K and HDR visuals. It was released in 2016 to provide a boost in performance and features over the original 2013 PS4.
Knowing you have the Pro model allows you to take full advantage of these upgrades when playing supported games. You can experience them in their highest quality, just as the game developers intended.
Ready to solve this mystery and find out which PS4 edition you have? Let‘s investigate!
Physically Examine Your Console‘s Design
The quickest way to identify a PS4 Pro is to look for physical design differences compared to earlier models:
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The PS4 Pro has a three-tiered layout with the disc drive at the top, followed by a thin middle section and a large bottom tier. This gives it a "sandwich" style.
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The PS4 Slim only has two tiers – a top disc drive and thinner bottom half.
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The original launch PS4 also has two tiers but they are roughly equal in size unlike the Slim.
Additionally, the Pro has 5 USB ports – two in front and three in back. Other models max out at four USB ports.
So if your PS4 has the three-tier sandwich design and five USB ports, congratulations – you have a Pro! If not, then you likely own a PS4 Slim or launch edition.
Pro Tip: Take pictures of your console from multiple angles so you can compare its layout against official PS4 Pro images online.
According to Sony sales figures, approximately 116.4 million PS4 consoles have been sold since launch. Of these, around 15 million units are PS4 Pro editions. So statistically, there‘s an 88% chance you have a standard PS4 and 12% chance of owning the Pro model. The odds may be in favor of a regular PS4, but don‘t give up hope yet!
Check the Model and Serial Numbers
All PS4 consoles have a unique model number and serial number printed on the back panel. Referencing these identifiers is the best way to know your exact model.
Here is what to look for:
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PS4 Pro – Model # CUH-7000 or CUH-7100. Serial starts with ZA.
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PS4 Slim – Model CUH-2000. Serial starts with JB.
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Launch PS4 – Model CUH-1000 or CUH-1100. Serial begins with CECH or 04, 05, or 06.
Match up the model/serial number on your console to the above to definitively identify which PS4 edition you have!
Pro Tip: Take a photo of the numbers or jot them down if the text is hard to read.
Check System Information from Settings
Rather than straining to read small text on the back of your console, here is an easier way to find model details:
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Go to Settings > System on your PS4.
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Select System Information.
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Look at the Model Number line.
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CUH-7000/7100 = PS4 Pro
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CUH-2000 = PS4 Slim
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CUH-1000/1100 = Launch PS4
This only takes a few seconds and is the best hassle-free method to identify your PS4 edition!
Compare Hardware Specs and Performance
Since the PS4 Pro has upgraded internal hardware, examining its specs and performance provides clues:
| Spec | PS4 Pro | Launch PS4 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | 4.2 teraflops | 1.8 teraflops |
| CPU Speed | 2.1 GHz | 1.6 GHz |
| Memory | 9GB | 8GB |
| Resolution | up to 4K | up to 1080p |
| HDR | Yes | No |
| Framerate | More stable | More variable |
| Load Times | Faster | Slower |
As you can see, the Pro outperforms the launch PS4 in almost every category thanks to its newer AMD processor and faster 8GB GDDR5 RAM.
So if you notice 4K output, HDR visuals, higher framerates, quicker load times or other enhancements when playing games, your console is definitely a PS4 Pro!
Expert Tip: Even non-4K TVs benefit from the PS4 Pro‘s power thanks to techniques like supersampling. This renders games internally in 4K before downscaling to your TV‘s native resolution for a sharper image.
Check for "PS4 Pro Enhanced" Logo
Many PS4 games are specifically optimized and enhanced for the Pro‘s improved hardware. These titles will have the PS4 Pro Enhanced logo on their box art or digital store listing.
For example, games like God of War, Spider-Man, and Red Dead Redemption 2 all have PS4 Pro specific upgrades.
If your games have this branding, then your console is definitely capable of utilizing these enhancements – meaning you have a PS4 Pro!
Are You Using PS4 Pro Accessories?
Certain accessories are designed exclusively with the PS4 Pro in mind:
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PlayStation 4 Pro vertical stand – Provides cooling in vertical orientation. Won‘t fit other models.
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DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment – Only compatible with newer controllers included with the Pro.
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Seagate Game Drive for PS4 Pro – Made to match the Pro aesthetic and extra storage.
So if you own any Pro-specific accessories or have packaging listing PS4 Pro compatibility, that‘s a great indication you have the upgraded console.
Pro Tip: The PS4 Pro uses a figure 8 style power cable rather than standard kettle lead. This can help identify it.
Check Your Purchase Receipts
If you bought your PS4 firsthand, your purchase receipt, invoice or order history should state exactly which model you bought.
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If it shows model CUH-7000/7100, you have a PS4 Pro.
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CUH-2000 on the receipt means a PS4 Slim.
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Any other model like CUH-1000/1100 indicates an original launch PS4.
So dig out your records – they may provide the definitive proof needed to solve this mystery once and for all!
Get Professional Help Identifying Your PS4
If you‘ve tried everything and still can‘t determine whether you have a standard PS4 or Pro, consider getting expert help:
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Contact PlayStation Support with your serial number for model verification.
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Take your console to a local gaming or electronics store. Explain your issue and ask if they can identify your PS4 edition.
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If purchased secondhand, reach out to the seller for clarification.
While a hassle, getting professionals to examine your console will provide a 100% concrete answer. Peace of mind may be worth the extra effort!
Conclusion – Be Proud of Your PS4!
There you have it, friend – all my best tips for conclusively identifying if your PlayStation 4 is a regular, Slim or Pro model.
Follow this guide to get the bottom of the mystery! But honestly, you should feel good no matter which PS4 you own. All editions allow you to enjoy the same amazing gaming experiences.
The Pro simply builds upon the standard PS4‘s strong foundation with 4K/HDR capabilities for players with higher-end setups.
So discover which console you have, then be proud of it! PS4 owners represent gaming‘s best community. Now get out there and have fun whichever edition you own!
Let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy your PS4!