Home >> Internet Games >> Xbox 360

How to Jump a Power Supply for Xbox 360

The power supply on your Xbox 360 provides power to the other components, including the motherboard, video card, sound card and cooling units. Not to be confused with the power adapter, or "brick," this is an internal component with cables that plug into the other devices. Many "red ring" issues indicate problems with the power supply, and "jump starting" the supply is a good way to test whether the hardware is dysfunctional or only malfunctioning.

Things You'll Need

Torx 10 screwdriver
Torx 20 screwdriver
Paper clip
Electrostatic wrist straps

Instructions

- 1
  Loosen the bottom casing of the Xbox, removing all screws. Some screws are located beneath the rubber feet as well as under the serial plate and warranty plate. Use the Torx 20 screwdriver, and remember to ground yourself prior to working with any electrostatic sensitive hardware. The electrostatic wrist straps will keep you grounded throughout the process. When finished, flip the box with caution and remove the upper casing.
- 2
  Disconnect the power supply from the motherboard. Use your Torx 10 screwdriver to loosen the screws fixing the DVD drive in place; removing this will reveal the motherboard and power supply. Xbox 360 versions 1.0 to 1.1 use an AT 10-pin connector and can't be jumped by this process. Versions 1.2 to 1.5 use the now standard (since January 2011) ATX 24-pin connector, which needs to be unplugged from the motherboard.
- 3
  Locate the green wire (port 16) and any black (ground) wire. Unwind your paper clip, and bend it into a "U" shape resembling a staple. Insert one end into the port corresponding to the green wire, and one end into any port corresponding to a black wire---there is no danger of shock. Do not shove the clip in farther than the depth of the port. You want a firm, "connected" fit.
- 4
  Turn on the power supply. Look for any signs of the device functioning (running fans, an audible whir, etc.). It is possible to connect the supply to something small, such as an led or fan, to use as an indicator. When you turn the power supply on, attached devices should also turn on. If nothing happens, your supply is inoperable and will need to be replaced.

Xbox 360