Home >> Internet Games >> Xbox 360

How to Troubleshoot the Xbox 360 Elite

Xbox 360 consoles are manufactured by Microsoft Corp. and equipped with internal motherboards which are prone to overheating issues. The small size of the console limits the space available for heat dispersal. Your Xbox 360 Elite will display red light errors on the front of the console when it overheats. You can repair and troubleshoot these errors by replacing the thermal paste on the top of each chip, allowing for improved cooling inside your Xbox 360.

Things You'll Need

Xbox 360
Torx screwdriver (size 7)
Thermal Paste

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug all accessories and power cables from the Xbox 360. Remove the front faceplate from the system then unclasp the plastic tabs on the console's outer case. Remove the outer case and unscrew the Torx screw on the metal interior case. Slide open the metal case and unplug the DVD drive from the Xbox 360 motherboard.
- 2
  Locate the large heat sinks on top of the console's CPU and GPU chips. Unscrew them and remove them from the chips. Take your thermal paste and squeeze a pea-sized dab on top of each chip. Spread the paste evenly over the entire surface of the chip. Replace the heat sinks and reconnect the DVD drive.
- 3
  Close the metal interior case and rescrew the Torx screws. Return the outer case to its original position then replace the front plastic faceplate on the console. Reconnect all accessories and any power cables before powering the console on again. Your Xbox 360 Elite will no longer overheat and should function normally.

Xbox 360