There is a way of getting an Xbox 360 before Christmas, provided you are prepared to dig deep
Over the last few days we have discussed the Xbox 360 shortage extensively. We have told you that EB Games will not be caught up to pre-orders until the new year, that Future Shop has Xbox 360s left in expensive “bundles” and we have talked about how eBay sellers are making a killing online. Well there is another way of getting an Xbox 360 before Christmas, provided you are prepared to work for it.
Today while perusing through my local Best Buy, I came upon a performance almost good enough for the big screen. A woman was standing in the middle of the electronics section, growing increasing agitated to the point where she actually started crying. At first I couldn’t tell what she was gong on about, but then I realized the source of the drama.
The woman had come to Best Buy wanting to purchase a new Xbox 360 as a gift for her kid. But of course, the store was sold out days ago. Instead of accepting defeat and leafing, the lady told the electronics employee that she wanted the one on display. In a calm voice he explained to her that the display console was not for sale. That’s about when the “water works” started. I’m not just talking simple sobs; no, this lady was balling her eyes out and crying like a new born.
After about 5 minutes of this, and the inevitable involvement of the store manager, the display was unlocked and the Xbox 360 [http://www.xboxtoday.ca] was carefully put back into a box and given to the devoted mother.
What can we learn from this? Hissy fits work. So if you have exhausted all other possibilities and you still want your new Xbox 360, then we suggest you go to your local retailer and unleash a hissy fit like the world has never seen. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll get an Xbox.360.
For more news, check out our Xbox 360 News [http://www.xbox360news.ca] site our our PS3 News [http://www.pas3news.ca]/> sit
How to Fix the Xbox 360 Red Ring of Lights Error
Your game console is warning you that it is too hot! Turn it off and let it cool down for a couple of hours. Then after you turn it back on it should be fine. If you still have the red lights, turn it off again and wait for a longer time, maybe 4 or 5 hours. If it still occurs, you might want to call Microsoft if it is still covered under the warranty. The number is 1-800-4MY-XBOX.
To prevent the red light error, keep the console in a well ventilated place and try not to keep it on for extended periods of time. Read on for directions on how to fix the error permanently. This error condition is apparently caused by a solder problem, in which the solder joints on the GPU/CPU have worked loose or cracked. There seems to be a engineering design problem in the way that the x-clamp holds the CPU in place, and lead free solder that was used in manufacturing tends to crack when over heated. But sometimes it is just a temperature problem from lack of proper ventilation, causing the same result: The 3 Red Lights of Death. The clamps tend to flex the motherboard causing the joints to unsolder from the pressure and heat. There is more than one method of doing this repair. This is just one method that some prefer.
There are other methods than this one.
Disclaimer:
The following information is for informational purposes only. I can not give permission to anybody to disassemble their Xbox or Xbox 360 and I can not endorse it or recommend it. Therefore, I can not be held responsible for any damages that a person may cause to their electronic equipment or themselves, or others, or to personal property, etc. The information on this page is not to be used by children or unqualified or irresponsible persons.
WARNING:
Never work on electrical or electronic equipment while it is plugged in.
You will need:
8 .80 x 10 (M5) machine screws
4 number 10 flat nylon washers
4 5mm flat metal washers
Arctic Silver thermal compound (or other good quality high temperature heat sink compound)
Procedure:
1) The first thing you need to do is disconnect the power, then open the xbox & remove all the internal parts. There is no need for special tools here, but you may need a couple of torx screwdrivers or bits, size T8 & T10. Some people use a stiff paperclip or even a fork to carefully open the unit. Before opening the unit be sure to turn it off and unplug the power cord.
2) Once you have all the parts removed, DVD drive out, fans off, mainboard removed... next, remove the x-clamps that hold the heat sinks to the mainboard.
3) Next, you need to clean the old heat sink compound off of the chips and heat sink. Be very careful while you do this, so that you don't damage the chips themselves. I prefer to use Q-tips and 91 % isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Don't rush this part, as it is crucial for the surfaces to be perfectly smooth for optimal conduction of heat. The chips will shine like a mirror when clean.
4) You must now replace the x-clamp with the screws and washers.
Make sure that the nylon washers are up against the mainboard on both sides; not the metal ones. With two washers (1 nylon and 1 metal) on each side of the board, this matches the original spacing provided by the x-clamp. Don't tighten the screws all the way down yet. Just snug for now. You will tighten them down more later.
5) This is an important step follow the directions very carefully!
Once you have replaced the heat sinks as in the illustration, set the motherboard back into the bottom case. Don't screw it down yet. Replace the power button board with the lights, so we can see when the Xbox overheats. It 's okay to leave the DVD drive out for now. Leave the fans off for this part. The video plug must be plugged in or the unit will auto-shut off. Also, the power supply cord must be plugged in. Turn on the Xbox & wait until you will see the 3RLOD (3 Red Lights Of Death). Without the fans, it's just a matter of time until the Xbox over heats. When this happens, it will change to only 2 lights (both left side lights), then shut it off. I had to wait about 2 minutes before shutting it off. Next let it cool dawn without disturbing it. This allows the solder problems to fix themselves by getting hot enough to re-solder themselves in place. After this is cooled off, take the board out to where you can tighten the M5 screws down snug. Don't over tighten them, or you may crack something.
6) After everything is cool, put everything back together. Any cooling modifications that you can do can only help the situation. There are several out there: 12V modification to the existing fans, better fans, etc. All will help keep the temperature cooler.
That's it! Now you can start it up and unleash your Xbox 360.
About the Author
R. J. Tolman is a freelance writer providing advice on a variety of subjects including computers, PC repair and Xbox 360 games & repair. His numerous articles provide an interesting resource on the internet. http://whateveryouwantonline.info
Thursday 17 December 2009
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