Home >> Internet Games >> Xbox 360

How to Fix XBox 360 X-Clamps

The Xbox 360 console is known to have internal heating problems that cause extremely high temperatures within the system's hardware components. The heat stress associated with high temperatures inside the console is exacerbated by the 2 "X-clamps" that rest on top of the machine's motherboard. Microsoft manufactures the Xbox 360 with 2 X-clamps that rest on top of the motherboard, causing it to flex and then bend under heat stress and weight. This bending under the X-clamps causes red-light errors and system malfunctions. You can correct these problems by simply removing the X-clamps from inside the Xbox 360.

Things You'll Need

Xbox 360
Torx screwdriver, size 10

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug all cables from the Xbox 360, then remove the faceplate from the machine by pulling firmly on the right side of it until it snaps off the front.
- 2
  Open the plastic tabs on the outer case and remove it from the console by using your thumb and forefinger to lift the square tabs located on the front left, middle and right of the console (underneath the faceplate).
- 3
  Unscrew the Torx screws underneath the outer case, then slide open the metal cover by pushing it smoothly off the interior case.
- 4
  Lift the DVD drive out of the console and unplug its power and SATA data cables from the motherboard. The SATA cable is a small black cable about 3-inches long that has a narrow plug that is 1/2-inch long. The DVD drive's power cable is also black but has a much larger connection plug that is white. Both cables can be removed from the DVD drive by pulling firmly backward until they slide out. The X-clamps will be clearly visible next to the console's CPU and GPU processors.
- 5
  Unscrew each of the four screws on both X-clamps. Lift each clamp off the console's motherboard and out of the case. Make sure not to scratch or touch any other internal hardware components when removing the X-clamps.
- 6
  Reconnect the DVD drive's power and SATA data cables. Return the DVD drive to its original position inside the Xbox 360 case.
- 7
  Close the metal interior case by sliding the metal cover back on. Screw the Torx screws into their original places.
- 8
  Replace the console's outer plastic case by placing it on top of the metal cover and applying even pressure to the top. The case will fit back into the plastic tabs and snap closed.
- 9
  Replace the front faceplate on the console by lining it up horizontally along the front of the console and applying pressure evenly across its width. The faceplate will snap back into place.
- 10
  Reconnect the Xbox 360 power/video cables before turning the system on again.

Xbox 360