How to Fix XBox 360 Graphic Glitches
The Xbox 360 has a known flaw that causes it to heat up more than is good for the internal electronic components. A common result of the overheating is for the graphic chip (GPU) inside of the game console to function erratically so that the graphics display glitches as they are presented on the screen. Fixing the graphic glitches can be done by improving the heat dissipation of the GPU. This requires opening the Xbox 360 case and requires some electronic skill.
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Long thin stick
- Star screwdriver
- Compressed air
- Plastic scraper
- Steel wool
- Thermal paste
Instructions
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1
Put newspaper down on a work surface. Disconnect all cords from the Xbox 360. Put the Xbox 360 down onto the newspaper. Grab the top of the faceplate at the front with the left hand. Insert two fingers of the right hand through the door at the bottom of the faceplate. Pull up with the right hand while squeezing the sides of the top of the faceplate with the left hand. Remove the faceplate and put it aside.
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2
Push the right side panel of the Xbox 360 inward. Insert the long thin stick between the panel and the top case and release the four clips holding the gray plastic piece that is inside. Press the power button on the front of the Xbox 360. Release the four clips holding the gray plastic piece that is inside of the left panel in a similar way as the right side was done.
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3
Turn the Xbox 360 face down on the newspaper. Remove all of the screws with the star screwdriver. Turn the Xbox 360 face up on the newspaper. Lift up on the top casing and remove it and the side panels and the back panel. Clean the inside of the bottom case using the compressed air.
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4
Locate the large GPU chip which has "Microsoft Xbox" written on it and is near a smaller chip on the circuit board inside the bottom case. Scrape around the GPU chip with the plastic scraper. Rub the top of the GPU chip with the steel wool. Apply thermal paste on top and around the GPU chip. Let the thermal paste set.
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5
Reassemble the Xbox 360. Reattach all of the cords.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear an anti-static strap to keep any static electricity from harming the internal components of the XBox 360.
The Xbox 360's warranty is voided once you open the Xbox yourself.
