How to Fix an Xbox 360 at Home for Free
The Xbox 360 has a manufacturing defect that can cause the CPU chip to overheat during use and shut down. Fixing the CPU chip so that it doesn't overheat can be done at home, rather than having to spend the money on a service center. The repair is not for the casual do-it-yourselfer; it involves opening up the game console and making an alteration to the circuit board. But those up to the challenge will have fixed their Xbox 360 without having spent any money.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Long thin stick
- Torx screwdriver
- Spudger
- Steel wool
- Compressed air
Instructions
-
Openiong the Xbox 360
-
1
Put the towel down on a table. Remove all of the cords attached to the Xbox 360. Put the Xbox 360 down horizontally on the towel. Squeeze the right side of the top front panel with the left hand. Insert three fingers of the right hand into the USB door at the bottom of the front panel. Push up with the right hand while pulling up with the left hand to remove the faceplate. Put the faceplate aside.
-
2
Push the panel at the right side of the Xbox 360 inward. Insert the long thin stick between the panel and the crack that is opened in the case. Use the long thin stick to release the four tabs at the top that are holding a gray piece of connecting plastic inside the case. Press the power button on the front of the Xbox 360 and repeat the process of releasing the four tabs from the panel on the right side.
-
-
3
Turn the Xbox 360 over and put it face down on the towel. Lift up on the bottom shelf and use the Torx screwdriver to remove the 14 screws now revealed. Turn the Xbox 360 back face up onto the towel after the screws have been removed.
-
4
Remove the top case from the Xbox 360 and put it aside. Pull off the two side panels from the bottom case and put them aside. Pull off the back panel from the bottom case and put it aside.
Cleaning the CPU Chip
-
5
Locate the CPU chip, which is next to the larger GPU chip that has "Microsoft" written on it. Blow off any dust or debris from around the CPU chip with the compressed air.
-
6
Carefully scrape around the CPU chip with the spudger. Blow off the CPU chip when done using the compressed air.
-
7
Rub the steel wool against the top of the CPU chip. Blow off the CPU chip with the compressed air.
-
8
Reassemble the Xbox 360 and reattach all of its cords.
-
9
Turn the Xbox 360 on and enjoy using it again with a refreshed CPU chip that won't overheat.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear an anti-static strap so that you don't damage any of the internal electronic components with a static electricity discharge.
The Xbox 360's warranty is voided once you have opened it up.
