Here is how my console is cooled (Pics)

**Lethal** · 02-11-2008, 06:11 PM

I said that today I was taking my console apart to clean out the dust so I decided to take pictures of exacly how I keep my console 100% 3ROD proof.

First step is to remove the case. Below is a shot of the top case which is screwed down to the consoles chasis. Remove only the screwed with a red mark to remove the case from the chasis.

Once its removed you will now be able to access the insides of the console. Below is a picture that shows where the tin shield is when you first open the case. I always remove this shield but you dont have to. Notice in the picture below that I installed a fan on my cpu heatsink. I did this to keep the heatsink cooler thus making the inside of the case cooler. I also installed a 12v XCM High Speed fan which works much better than the stock fans and blows out twice as much hot air. The fan on the cpu heatsink is just a PC chipset fan that I wasnt using and it plugs right in where the stock fans normally plug in to. My XCM fans have a splitter which plugs in to the DVD drive. The XCM fan has a voltage regulator built in so the DVD drive does not lose any power.

Now I removed the DVD drive from the unit and applied thermal pads on the ram chips above the board. There are also thermal pads on the bottom of the ram chips which Microsoft already supplied. There are more thermal pads under the air duct.

After that was done I decided to put a small piece of paper over the gpu heatsink for better air flow which helps to keep the heatsink cooler.

Now put the DVD rom back on and assemble the case again. Now you are all done! Notice that I did not do any soldering to my console. If you purchase the XCM fans that I use then it will free up the 3pin outlet in which you can use it to plug in any fan you wish.

A happy console!

XCM High Speed fans with LCD monitor.
Divineo.com - Product Information

Tool set I used to open console.
Divineo.com - Product Information

So if your like me and hate having a stock console then I suggest you try this method. I have never had a 3ROD. If you are afraid of breaking warranty then try this at your own risk. In my sig I have a video to show you how to remove the warranty sticker but I take no blame if you try this and fail.

chewy88 · 02-11-2008, 06:18 PM

i have had my console a while and have never had any problems with it but ill be sure to refer back to this if the ROD does happen to mine

**Lethal** · 02-11-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy88

i have had my console a while and have never had any problems with it but ill be sure to refer back to this if the ROD does happen to mine

Once you get the 3ROD then its pretty much to late. This is to prevent it from ever happening.

CBD · 02-11-2008, 06:28 PM

nice !! but doesn't this Divineo.com - Product Information already comes with the tools needed to open the xbox ? and wouldn't that piece of paper over the gpu catch on fire ?

**Lethal** · 02-11-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheesy bo daddy

nice !! but doesn't this Divineo.com - Product Information already comes with the tools needed to open the xbox ? and wouldn't that piece of paper over the gpu catch on fire ?

It does but I really didnt like the tools it came with. I only posted the other tool kit because they are good tools that will last a long time.

CBD · 02-11-2008, 06:32 PM

are the thermal pad necessary and can they be removed incase i have to send it back to MS

**Lethal** · 02-11-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheesy bo daddy

are the thermal pad necessary and can they be removed incase i have to send it back to MS

Is any of this really necessary? The pads arent stuck to the chips and come off very easily. Its just to help reduce the heat in the case. The pads soak up the heat and help keep chips cooler.

THis is just what has worked for me and has never failed.

CBD · 02-11-2008, 06:37 PM

well yes all this is very necessary or you'll get the RROD and much lower frame rate, am guess i could find this pads anywhere

**Lethal** · 02-11-2008, 06:38 PM

You can use any kind of thermal pad you want. I had these left over from dead consoles I bought.

pparks1 · 02-11-2008, 06:43 PM

Nice job on the cooling.

I have a 360 going on 2 years old without a single problem. No changes to the console whatsoever. I think the RROD is either a thing you get or a thing you don't. Not sure if any of this stuff is really the magic answer.