Guidelines For Xbox System Red Ring of Death Repair

The Red Ring of Death with Xbox 360 is a very common problem it is actually due to the inefficient cooling system of the Xbox 360. Here are a few steps on how to fix this problem:

1. You will need to open the outer casing which can be done by pressing the clips gently inwards with a small, round object. Make sure that all the cables, HDD, memory units, and face plate is removed.


2. Open the front of the Xbox 360 console, removing the clips with the help of a screwdriver.


3. The tamper-proof clips at the rear need to be crack opened. A case opening tool should be used to prevent damage. Small screwdriver or other sharp objects also work but they might damage your Xbox.


4. Pull the bottom of the console and place it upside down on the table and remove the six long screws. The DVD drive and the fans should be removed to make removing the motherboard easier.


5. Balance the Xbox 360 on its back and remove the board from the front of the console. This circuit board houses the main power button, the red ring itself, and the wireless circuitry for the controllers. The small plastic part pops and unplugs after removing the three screws.


6. Free motherboard from its case and place the Xbox 360 upside down and remove the remaining screws from the bottom. The hard drive, power and AV connectors should be lined up in order while removing.


7. Turn the case over again and carefully ease the motherboard out. Try removing from the place where the fans were as it is easier.


8. Carefully unscrew the two X-Clamps which hold the heatsinks. Do it very carefully as it is the most difficult part of the process. You can cover the surrounding area with tape to protect the motherboard from accidental slips.


9. Remove the entire old heatsink compound from the heatsinks and the tops of the chips. This can be removed with alcohol or nail varnish remover. Remove the screws from the bottoms of the heatsinks and clean them and apply a small dab of thermal compound to the tops of the chips.


10. Re-fit the heatsinks but keep in mind this process can be very fiddly. Place two normal washers on top and replace the heatsink so that it is in its correct position on top of the chip once more. Screw all the four corners on both heatsinks.


11. Turn the motherboard over and carefully tighten all the screws and place the motherboard back in the metal cage. Replace the DVD drive, fans and fan ductings.


12. Test your Xbox 360 by running it for 5 minutes and check for the RROD.

Xbox 360 was created by Microsoft as an innovative approach for mounting the high temperature sinks to the motherboard, but during the duration of a standard operation of this gaming system the temperature inside is quite hot. It is this flexing, which benefits in the soldered joints around the processors coming away from the motherboard which is the cause of the three red lights. Here are few steps to help you get rid of the red light on your own without going to Microsoft, but if it still under warranty then by all means send it to them.