How to Repair Xbox 360 - The Cause: I

Why, hello! In order to learn how to repair Xbox 360 consoles, you need to know what causes RROD and the other problems that the Xbox 360 is notorious for. In a word, it can be put down to overheating. As mentioned previously, the cooling system is insufficient, so components get too hot. It's not quite that simple though, as there are a few factors at play. Let's go through them one by one.

First up, the X-clamps. If you've been reading about the problem, then you've heard of these little suckers. They are basically a piece of metal in the shape of a letter "X", with a hook on each end, used to hold the CPU and GPU heatsinks in place. These are the brains of the Xbox 360. They get very hot, which is why they need heatsinks or else they'd be toasted cactus within seconds of turning the thing on.

The problem with the X-clamps is that in order to hold the heatsinks firmly, they need to apply a force to the underside of the motherbaord. That force is applied right in the middle, to a point underneath the Xbox 360 CPU and GPU chips themselves, which causes the motherboard to flex a little. That's not great, but would be okay under normal circumstances.

Next up is the Xbox 360 motherboard itself. It's manufactured by Foxconn, who have been making mobos for yonks, but they've produced a pretty sub-par effort here. It's not very stiff and the quality of the solder used to hold components in place is poor. Specifically, it has an oddly low melting temperature for this type of application. You starting to catch on here?

That's enough Xbox 360 knowledge to digest for now. In the next post, we'll wrap this up so that we can get to the good bits: ripping things apart! Oh yeah...