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How to Repair a Xbox 360 That Freezes Up

Microsoft Xbox 360 video game consoles can freeze up from overheating caused by prolonged gaming sessions. You can reduce the heat inside the console by applying new thermal paste to the machine's CPU and GPU chips. This allows for better heat conduction and will repair your freezing or red light error messages completely. The process of repairing freezing issues and red lights in an Xbox 360 takes about 30 minutes.

Things You'll Need

Torx screwdriver (size 7)
Thermal paste

Instructions

- 1
  
  Overheating the internal components of your 360's motherboard will cause heat stress and red ring errors.
  
  When you play a DVD or game in the Xbox 360 the console can become very hot if left on for long. You should limit game sessions to one hour maximum in order to prevent heat damage inside the machine. Your Xbox 360 will have improved system performance if you allow the console to cool down between gaming sessions.
- 2
  
  A new layer of thermal paste on top of the console's CPU and GPU will prevent solder damage from heat stress.
  
  Your Xbox 360 is equipped with a small internal fan, but it does not completely cool the system during high temperatures. High heat stress will cause the motherboard in the Xbox 360 to flex and this will damage the solder that connects the CPU and GPU to the console's motherboard. You should apply new thermal paste to the top of each chip in order to completely repair freezing and red light errors in the 360.
- 3
  
  The Torx screws in the Xbox 360 need to be removed before you can open the console.
  
  Use your Torx screwdriver to open the Xbox 360's plastic case and unscrew the heat sinks from the top of the CPU and GPU. Apply new thermal paste across the entire surface of each chip and replace their heat sinks. Return all cables and screws to their proper positions and place the case back on the Xbox 360 console. Your Xbox 360 will then be repaired and no longer freeze.

Xbox 360