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How to Modify the Fan in the Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 has a fan inside it to keep the components from overheating. The fan rarely runs at top speed, causing the components inside to overheat. Modify the fan's power supply to add a second fan that will run constantly when the power to the console is on. A few parts from an electronic store or hobby shop are needed, as are some common household tools. The procedure requires taking the Xbox 360 apart and so will void the warranty should you need to take it into an authorized service center for a repair at a later time.

Things You'll Need

No. 20 Torx screwdriver
No. 10 Torx screwdriver
Flat-edged screwdriver
4 wire molex connector
12-volt DC fan
Soldering iron
Solder
Duct tape

Instructions

Open the Xbox 360
- 1
  Remove all of the cables from the Xbox 360. Place the Xbox 360 horizontally on a table with the power button facing you. Squeeze the upper left corner of the faceplate while pulling up on the USB door at the lower right corner. Pull the faceplate off.
- 2
  Insert the tip of a flat-edge screwdriver into the top left and right holes in the ventilation grille on the left side of the console. Push the plastic tab inside the hole to release it from the outer case. Repeat this procedure on the ventilation grille on the other side.
- 3
  Turn the Xbox 360 over. Raise the bottom shelf and remove the 14 screws with the No. 20 Torx screwdriver. Turn the Xbox 360 right side up.
- 4
  Pull the outer case off the Xbox 360. Remove the screws from the back panel with the Torx screwdriver. Pull the two plastic inserts and the back panel off the Xbox 360.
- 5
  Remove the screws from the top metal plate with the No. 10 Torx screwdriver.
- 6
  Locate the extruded tab on the logic board--there are a series of numbers, beginning with "1," printed on the logic board.
- 7
  Heat up the soldering iron for five minutes. Apply a dab of solder to the ends of the four wires coming from the molex connector.
- 8
  Solder the ends of the black wires coming from the molex connector to the "1" and "2" contacts. Solder the end of the yellow wire to the "4" contact. Let the solder cool for two minutes. Solder the end of the final wire from the molex connector to the "8" contact. Let the solder cool for two minutes. Unplug the soldering iron.
- 9
  Place the DC fan next against the side of the fan assembly. Secure the DC fan to the fan assembly with strips of duct tape.
- 10
  Place the metal plate back onto the Xbox 360. Reattach the screws. Place the plastic inserts and the back panel back on. Reattach the screws. Place the outer cover back on.
- 11
  Turn the Xbox 360 over. Reattach the screws to the bottom. Turn the Xbox 360 right side up. Place the faceplate back on. Return the Xbox 360 to its original position. Reattach the cables.

Xbox 360