XBox 360 X Clamp Fix

My xbox 360 recently tanked giving me an error different from the typical RROD (Red Ring Of Death) error. I couldn’t see any video. Audio would play fine, but, after a very breif cartoonish looking picture, the video capibility died. I searched for a few hours and found an inexpensive and fairly quick tutorial on how to do the the Xbox 360 X Clamp Fix which is said to repair the specific error I had as well as the RROD errors. The best part is that I didn’t have to pay to see videos or download a guide to know how to complete the task.

The first step is to see if your xbox is under warranty. If it is you can call microsoft and have the motherboard replaced. Microsoft has recognized the problem with the motherboards and have extended the warranty to cover many issues with the xbox. Just a reminder, when you open the case of your xbox your warranty is voided.

There are several sites that list the parts needed to repair the xbox 360 x clamp problem. I went to my local Lowes Home Improvement store and purchased all of the parts (including a torx screwdriver with changeable heads) for under $13. I purchased (10) M5-.80 pan head machine screws, (20) #10 Flat Nylon Washers. and (10) Flat metal washers. *Search the net for part numbers or to find the type of torx screws needed.* You will also need some thermal grease to replace the heatsinks on the motherboard. Arctic Sliver is known to be the best for this type of repair.

First, and the hardest part of the process, the removal of the case. The first step is just to go to youtube or do a simple google search for “how to remove xbox 360 case”. There are many different methods out there that are easy to follow.

Second, remove the CD drive eject button.

Third, remove the CD drive itself.

Fourth, unplug and remove the fan. Lift the metal slightly on top of the fan and then tilt forward for removal.

Fifth, with the torx screws removed from the x clamps on the bottom of the xbox you can carefully lift the motherboard out of the case.

Sixth, with the xclamps removed, take the heatsink off of the two (main processor and the video processor) processors.

Seventh, You will need to clean the old thermal grease off of the two processors and the heatsinks. Most people will use an alcohol pad to clean the surface. The Arctic silver grease will come with a cleaner sometimes. The common method used to realise if they are properly cleaned is that you can see yourself reflected in the processors like a mirror. Just make sure there isn’t any remaining on the parts.

Eighth, reapply the grease in the instructed fashion. Then use the nylon washers and metal washers to insulate the heatsink from touching the motherboard. This is a little tricky. It would be easier to do with another person around, but that is not required. I did mine alone.
Put the screws in from the underside of the motherboard with a metal washer and a nylon washer with the nylon washer touching the motherboard.
After the screw is through the motherboard put another nylon washer on it and then you can put another metal washer on top of that if you wish. Some people leave the last metal washer off or leave the metal washer off of the bottom side and put one on the topside of the motherboard. Then place the heatsinks on top of the screw and begin to tighten them. Do not tighten them all of the way. Just tighten enough for it to be snug. You will tighten them more after the next step.

Ninth, start putting the parts back in the case. Stop before putting the fan back in, but most will plug the CD drive back in.

Tenth, plug the xbox into the power supply. and turn on the xbox and leave it running until the red light appears on the front of the console.

Eleventh, unplug the console and tighten the screws to seal the heatsinks while they are still a little hot. Do not overtighten. they just need to be tight enough to make a good seal for the thermal grease and not allow the board to buckle around the processors.

Twelfth, let the xbox cool, put it back together, plug it up, cross your fingers, and turn it on.

This worked for me in the short term. It still might overheat. I had to repeat the process and situate the xbox to be in a cooler location or with a fan.

This was the XBox 360 Clamp Fix that I used. I hope it works well for you. If not, buy a new arcade version with the Jasper motherboard.

Another important thing is that the X Clamp fix is included within Everything4360.com and you can find an easy fix with videos for the X Clamp fix.

Access Everything4360.com right away to have an easy X Clamp Fix

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