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How to Replace the X Clamps Before the RROD

The two X clamps attached to the circuit board of the Xbox 360 are insufficient to dispel heat, due to there not being any thermal compound attached to them. To avoid the "red ring of death," or RROD, LED light that signifies overheating -- causing the console to cease functioning -- replace the original X clamps with replacement models designed to accept the thermal compound. The Xbox 360 will need to be partially disassembled using few household tools. Some supplies from a game console supply store will be needed as well.

Things You'll Need

Xbox tool
Phillips jeweler's screwdriver
Flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver
Replacement X clamps
Needle-nose pliers
Thermal compound

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the power cord and any cables attached to the Xbox 360. Stand the console vertically with the faceplate facing up. Grip the top left and bottom right of the faceplate. Pull the faceplate off.
- 2
  Insert the Xbox tool's tip into the vent hole at the upper left corner on the right side. Press down on the tip to release the inner clip. Repeat this with the other vent holes. Repeat this entire procedure with the vent holes on the other side of the console.
- 3
  Place the console face down. Lift the shelf up and remove the screws from underneath with the screw end of the Xbox tool. Return the console to an upright position, only this time horizontally with the front facing you. Grip the sides of the case and pull up to remove it from the Xbox. Remove the two plastic inserts from the side of the console and the screws from the back panel with the Xbox tool. Pull the back panel off. Remove the screws from the metal plate on the Xbox with the Xbox tool and pull it off.
- 4
  Remove the white fan insert from the console with your fingers. Remove the fan assembly with your fingers. Pull the cable attached to the fan out of the circuit board with a tweezers. Remove the screws from around the circuit board with the Xbox tool. Place a bath towel on a table. Place the circuit board face down on the towel.
- 5
  Remove the screws from the two X clamps on the circuit board with the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Insert the tip of a flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver beneath a corner of one of the X clamps that are on the circuit board. Lift up on the tip to loosen the clamp. Repeat this on all sides, the top and bottom of the clamp. Grip an edge of the clamp with a needle-nose pliers. Pull the clamp off the circuit board. Repeat this procedure with the other X clamp that is on the circuit board.
- 6
  Apply thermal compound liberally to one side of a replacement X clamp. Place the X clamp in the position that was occupied by an original X clamp. Press down on the clamp for a minute. Attach the screws to the clamp. Repeat this entire procedure with the other replacement X clamp. Apply thermal compound to the sides of the two X clamps. Let the compound set for an hour before proceeding.
- 7
  Return the circuit board to the console and reattach the screws. Return the fan assembly and the white fan insert to their original position in the console. Place the metal plate back on the console and reattach the screws. Place the back panel on the console and reattach the screws. Place the two plastic inserts back on the console in their original position. Place the cover back on. Press in on the sides of the cover to reengage the clips.
- 8
  Turn the console over. Reattach the screws to the bottom. Return the console to an upright position and reattach the faceplate. Plug the power cord back in the console and reattach the cables. Dispose of the two original X clamps in the trash.

Xbox 360