Skip to main content

Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement

What you need

  1. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Hard Drive: step 1, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Hard Drive: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • Grasp the hard drive assembly and press the release button while lifting its front edge.

    • Remove the hard drive assembly from the top vent.

    WARNING: Just replacing the drive will not make it work correctly. Microsoft has married the drives to the motherboard. Hence, in order to get full operation out of the drive you'll have to perform more steps not listed here. Search in the FAQ on this specific topic for more details. Otherwise, before buying a new drive, try cleaning the inside of the old one and/or replace the belt involved in opening and closing the drive door.

    - Good Luck

    Eric - Reply

    Thanks..helped!

    joseph zulu - Reply

    bress the button and lift with the same hand! i thought mine was stuck because of this pic!!!

    Maths with Luigi - Reply

  2. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Bottom Vent: step 2, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Xbox 360 Opening Tool
    $4.99
    Buy
    • Stand the console vertically with the bottom edge facing up.

    • Throughout the following opening procedure, the finger of an Xbox 360 opening tool can be used in place of a spudger.

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger or the edge of an Xbox 360 opening tool into the small gap at the front edge of the bottom vent.

    • Pry the front edge of the bottom vent away from the faceplate.

    You can avoid this step by pulling the front cover off. Just make sure you don't break the springs for the USB bay area.

    Repair Doctor - Reply

    Hello, thank you ifix for this guide, I followed this guide, I got stuck at some point but I resolved it. Also I want to share this resource: Step by Step guide to fix Xbox 360 errors it helped me go through all the things associated with Xbox 360 and the troubleshooting of errors. Hope this can also help you all.

    Christopher Sage - Reply

  3. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • In the next few steps, you will use the tip of a spudger or the finger of an Xbox 360 opening tool to release the clips along the left and right sides of the bottom vent. Their locations are highlighted in red.

    • You will insert the tool into the holes molded into the white plastic side case pieces.

  4. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • To release the clips, work from the front edge of the bottom vent.

    • While slightly lifting the front edge of the bottom vent, use the tip of a spudger to push the clips closest to the front of the bottom vent towards the inside of the console.

  5. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Repeat the same process to release the two center clips on the bottom vent.

  6. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of your spudger to release the clips on the bottom vent nearest the back of the Xbox.

  7. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the bottom vent from the 360.

  8. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Faceplate: step 8, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Faceplate: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the flat edge of a spudger between the faceplate and the outer casing near the power button.

    • Run your spudger along the edge of the faceplate to release the clips securing it to the front of the console.

    • You may also accomplish this task by using the edge of the Xbox 360 opening tool, but it may scratch the plastic case.

    • Alternatively, you can use your hands to carefully pull the faceplate away from the Xbox.

    The faceplate just pulls off, using a tool is completely unneccessary. https://beta.support.xbox.com/help/xbox-...

    Erik Tomlinson - Reply

  9. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • Repeat the same motions as previously mentioned to release the left side of the faceplate.

  10. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the faceplate from the front face of the console.

  11. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Top Vent: step 11, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Top Vent: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Stand the console vertically with the top edge facing up.

    • The top vent is secured to the console via clips. The first two clips are located underneath the top vent closest to the faceplate, as shown in the pictures.

  12. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the flat end of a spudger into the small gaps previously mentioned to release the clips.

    • You may also use the long finger of an Xbox 360 opening tool to accomplish this task.

    I found it easier to open these clips using the pointy end of the spudger rather than the flat end. Just slide it in against the side of the case and the clip will pop off.

    dave - Reply

  13. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • In the next few steps, you will use the tip of a spudger or the finger of an Xbox 360 opening tool to release the clips along the left and right sides of the top vent. Their locations are highlighted in red.

  14. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • To release the clips, work from the middle of the top vent.

    • While slightly lifting the front edge of the top vent, use the tip of a spudger to push the clips closest to the center of the top vent towards the inside of the console.

  15. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • Use the tip of your spudger to release the clip on the top vent nearest the back of the Xbox's upper case.

  16. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • The last clip is hidden underneath the rubber foot nearest the back of the console.

    • Use the tip of your spudger to release the clip on the top vent nearest the back of the Xbox.

    • Remove the top vent from the 360.

  17. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Lower Case: step 17, image 1 of 1
    • Stand the console vertically with the top edge facing down.

    • Carefully peel the warranty sticker off the console.

    There is an alternate to breaking the seal. If you open the back first starting with the opposite side of the sticker you can get the rear to "Clam Open" retaining the seal.

    Eric - Reply

    LOL “Romove the warenty seal”

    Alexander Wiand - Reply

  18. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • The upper and lower cases are attached via several latches, located in the front and back of the console. These latches must be disengaged to separate the upper case from the console.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to release the following latches:

    • Above the front-facing USB ports.

    • Beneath the front-facing USB ports.

    • Above the Memory Unit slots.

  19. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 1
    • Insert the flat end of a spudger and pry upwards to release the last remaining latch located above the eject button.

  20. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 1
    • Slightly lift the front portion of the lower case to ensure that the latches in the front have been completely released.

  21. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2
    • The upper and lower cases are held together by seven release latches located on the back of the console. Their locations are highlighted in red.

  22. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Press the Xbox 360 opening tool down into the clips securing the lower case to the upper case near the I/O ports.

    • While pressing down on the tool, push the lower and upper cases apart to separate the retaining clips.

    I didn't have an XBox tool, so I followed instructions in this video for this step (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaxIB6cX...) to pry it open with your fingers and a screwdriver.

    Nick Karnik - Reply

    The small (metal) women's hair clip is best for un-latching the tabs. The screw drivers just make the holes bigger.

    Denny Ross - Reply

    You can also use the pointed end of a plastic spudger to push each clip free while you separate the case with your free hand.

    Michael Carson - Reply

  23. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • While pushing the upper and lower cases apart, use the tip of a spudger or the finger of an Xbox 360 opening tool to push the long clip highlighted in red toward the center of the 360.

    • The clip should release, leaving the clips near the power connector as the only thing holding the upper and lower cases together.

  24. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 1
    • Press the Xbox 360 opening tool down into the two remaining clips near the power connector.

    • Push the upper and lower cases apart to fully release the retaining clips.

  25. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 1
    • Orient the console so that the front portion is facing downwards.

    • Grasp the back portion of the lower case and lift it upwards to separate it from the console.

    • Be careful not to excessively bend the lower case near the power plug, as it can crack easily.

  26. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Eject Button: step 26, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Eject Button: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to release the clip securing the eject button to the metal casing.

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger between the eject button and the optical drive.

    • Pry the eject button off its retaining posts and remove it from the 360.

    • This can also be accomplished using an Xbox 360 opening tool.

  27. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Upper Case: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the six silver 64 mm T10 Torx screws securing the upper case to the metal casing.

  28. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 1
    • Orient the console so that the upper case is facing upwards.

    • Lift the upper case straight up and remove it from the console.

  29. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Optical Drive: step 29, image 1 of 1
    • Peel the silver tape securing the optical drive to the metal casing.

    Does anyone know if the Silver Tape is Lead Tape?

    Sean - Reply

    Looking at mine, I doubt it. It looks like standard foil tape

    Rukir Gaming - Reply

  30. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 1
    • Slightly lift the optical drive upwards to gain clearance to disconnect the SATA and power connectors located on the backside of the optical drive.

    • Don't try to completely remove the optical drive just yet. Two cables still connect it to the motherboard.

  31. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2
    • Grab the power connector by its cables and pull it straight out of its socket on the optical drive.

    • Disconnect the SATA data connector from its socket on the optical drive by pulling it straight away.

    I found the power cable to be very tough to get out, at least it is the first time doing this.

    Nick Flacco - Reply

  32. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 1
    • Lift the optical drive assembly out of the metal casing.

    Be careful not to lose or break the two teeny metal clips securing the optical drive assembly snugly to the metal casing on either side of the drive's front face. I used a spudger to press in the topmost tines on these clips because they were catching on the drive and bending up. The clips should stay on the metal housing, not come off with the drive.

    Vaughn Baker - Reply

  33. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Cooling Fan Duct: step 33, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Cooling Fan Duct: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the flat end of a spudger into the small rectangular opening on the top of the cooling fan duct.

    • Carefully release the fan duct retaining clip and remove the fan duct from the Xbox.

    • The clip can alternatively be released using the metal finger of an Xbox 360 opening tool.

    Fair warning for people using this guide for maintenance, the inside will likely have a coating of fine dust or dirt

    Rukir Gaming - Reply

  34. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Dual Fans: step 34, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Dual Fans: step 34, image 2 of 2
    • While lifting the metal chassis strip above the dual fans, pull the fans toward the center of the motherboard.

    • Do not completely remove the dual fan assembly yet. Its cable is still attached to the motherboard.

    Cleaning out the fan now, will help problems in the future.

    Joe Begley - Reply

    Super easy as long as you have that tool and follow the directions. Having never opened the xbox before I was able to do this in 15 min. And im sure now that I know how to do it, next time will be even quicker.

    Thanks for the great instructions!

    Lasher M - Reply

    Do Step 35 first (remove the fan connector from the motherboard), otherwise as you pull the fans forward out of the metal bracket you risk stressing the connector's attachment to the motherboard (because the fans will press against the connector as you pull them forward).

    Vaughn Baker - Reply

    There are small black feet on the bottom of the fan assembly, You can push up from the bottom of the case if needed.

    Gary Gallant - Reply

    these are powerful fans. im having over heating issues with a brushless motor. anything less than a 120mm pc fan does nothing. but i must keep the top off to fit the 120 and adequate heat removal. so i wanna use tbis turbo fan and mount i ti the lid.

    how do i remove the blades and get to the bearings and guts??

    theres no rear access hole hiding under the specs sticker.

    please help! thank

    Robert Ahearn (Little Bobby) - Reply

  35. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 1
    • Lift the dual fan connector straight up from its socket on the motherboard.

    • Some fan connectors have a locking tab. If yours has a locking tab, be sure to depress it while disconnecting the fan from the motherboard.

    • Remove the dual fan assembly from the console.

  36. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Motherboard: step 36, image 1 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Motherboard: step 36, image 2 of 3 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, Motherboard: step 36, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to release the clips securing the RF module shield along the top and the left edge of the RF module.

    • It may be easier to use your fingernail to release the clips from the RF module.

    • Remove the RF module shield from the console.

  37. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 1
    • Remove three 5.6 mm T8 Torx screws securing the RF module to the metal chassis.

    for whatever reason the T8 screws holding the RF receiver on my unit were torqued on pretty hard. almost impossible to get off. IS taking the RF off really necessary?

    matt337 - Reply

    They all seem like that the further down we go. Unless you're here to just repaste the board, you have to take it off

    Rukir Gaming -

  38. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 2
    • Grasp the RF module and lift it straight up to disconnect it from its socket on the motherboard.

    • Remove the RF module from the console.

  39. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws securing the motherboard to the metal casing:

    • Nine gold 11 mm T10 Torx screws.

    • Eight black 5.6 mm T8 Torx screws.

    • If you are reassembling your Xbox 360 after installing the Red Ring of Death Fix Kit, the eight T8 Torx screws circled in orange are not reused.

    kinda hard for a KID to do this huh also I am a 9 year old you get it

    Andy Ewing - Reply

    well, it almost as if this is labeled as Difficult in the beginning!

    Francisco Ontiveros-Nuñez -

    The T8’s were T9’s on mine. This guide could be wrong, or my toolkit was mislabeled. If you can’t get the T8’s out, try a T9 before stripping the screws!

    Braden Estenson - Reply

    They were T8’s for me

    Ryan Lee -

  40. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 40, image 2 of 2
    • Turn the Xbox over, being careful not to let the motherboard fall out of the chassis.

    • Lift the motherboard assembly from its front edge.

    • Be careful not to damage the sockets as you rotate the motherboard away from the metal casing.

    • Remove the motherboard assembly from the metal casing.

  41. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement, GPU Heat Sink: step 41, image 1 of 1
    • Insert the tip of a small flathead screwdriver between the X clamp and its retaining post on the heat sink.

    • Pry the X clamp away from its retaining post until it is lifted above the small groove cut into the retaining post.

    Place a piece of cardboard on the motherboard to protect it from scratches in case the screwdriver slips.

    Aaron - Reply

    The instructions on how to remove the x clamps are insufficient. I had a great deal of trouble with them. The small flathead screwdriver included with the kit is too small and weak to do the job. I ended up Googling other how-to's. I used a larger screwdriver and FINALLY popped them off, however as careful as I tried to be in the process I accidentally damaged a few traces around the screw hole. Repair was a failure, still have 3 red lights. Waste of time and money.

    sbrasfield1 - Reply

    Why the heck would you suggest using a screwdriver to release the x-clamps from the motherboard, knowing that the screwdriver could slip and damage some of the traces on the motherboard!? Didn't see the comment about placing a piece of cardboard on the motherboard to prevent scratching until I had already screwed up my Xbox. How hard would it be for iFixit to develop a tool to easily remove the x-clamps like they did to open the Xbox? I wanted to do this to prevent any possibility of overheating, and went from a working Xbox to a dead one because of this bad step. Definitely took my view of iFixit down a notch, will be much more hesitant to recommend their tools and guides after this. Would like a refund but I know that's not going to happen. Super ticked!

    fdwboy - Reply

    Same thing just happened to me, the tiny screw driver they say to use has next to 0 leverage to get it off. Now my repair kit is useless cause I physically removed some of the bits because my screwdriver slipped.

    Forren -

    I found that inserting a sprudger between the X clamp and retaining post and turning while lifting worked well without damaging the board

    Patrick Kremer - Reply

    The tool provided in the kit is completely incapable of performing this step (prying the X off the post).

    Ben Mulligan - Reply

    I had no problems using the tools provided in the RROD kit. Patience is key, also pay close attention to the pictures referenced in the guide, they are incredibly helpful.

    Adam Hall - Reply

    I originally had a lot of issues prying them up; I was really worried about accidentally scratching the board. The instructions don’t seem fully adequate. Instead, first pry all four corners as high up as possible, pointing the screwdriver towards the center of the X clamp. If you pry them practically horizontally, then it makes the whole process a lot easier. Then work individually, pushing each corner slowly outwards and upwards, putting the screwdriver in from above (not the side as step 42 shows, too dangerous) into the small space between the screw and the X. Be careful at this point, just in case. Also, DON’T use the small flat head screwdriver provided; it’s too tiny to get proper leverage. I used 1/8 in. See this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHzEV3c_...

    Sophia Vera - Reply

    Maybe the tiny flathead in the kit I got is newer than the old ones…

    DO NOT stick the screwdriver vertical as shown in step 41!

    Instead use it like step 42. Insert it only that way, between each front of the X clip arm and the post, and turn it so the screwdriver turn pushes the bottom of the X clip off the post.

    No risk of damaging the board this way.

    Christopher Evert - Reply

    Instructions were very unclear, but comments helped. Both used cardboard and the tutorial found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHzEV3c_... as mentioned by Sophia Vera. Took my time, and mostly used a longer screwdriver like in step 42. Once the first 3 clips come off, the fourth one essentially falls off, so be ready to catch your heat block when you pop the third one.

    KYLE MANN - Reply

  42. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 2 Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 42, image 2 of 2
    • Insert your screwdriver parallel to the motherboard between the X clamp and its retaining post.

    • Twist the screwdriver to fully release the X clamp from its retaining post.

    • Repeat this process for all four corners of the X clamp.

    • When removing the last corner of the X clamp and holding the motherboard upside down, be sure to catch the GPU heat sink to avoid damage from it falling.

  43. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 1
    • To reinstall the X clamp, first start by attaching two corners to the posts on the heat sink.

    • While holding the third arm of the X clamp down against the post attached to the heat sink, use a small flathead screwdriver to pry the X clamp away from the heat sink post.

    • As you pry, press down on the arm of the X clamp until you "walk" it down into the retaining groove cut into the post attached to the heat sink.

    • Repeat this process for the fourth arm of the X clamp.

    Is the x-clamp supposed to be reinstalled? It's not pictured in any part of the instructions after this point, so I did not reinstall it, and putting the xbox back together now is different than taking it apart.

    amplifiedgir - Reply

    The X-clamps are not reused. Since you install machine screws in place of the X-clamp mounting posts, you do not reinstall the eight screws highlighted in orange on step 41.

    Andrew Bookholt -

  44. Xbox 360 GPU Heat Sink Replacement: step 44, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the GPU heat sink.

    • Before reinstalling the GPU heat sink, be sure to apply a new layer of thermal paste.

    • If you need to mount the heat sink back onto the motherboard, we have a thermal paste guide that makes replacing the thermal compound easy.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

62 other people completed this guide.

2 Comments

This guide is very inssuficient. Before you try this, find another guide

nick svensson - Reply

I work with many different types of mobile electronics. The tools required section is great. The walkthrough claims to visit their site for upto date info. For a free guide this exceeded my expectations for certain. They could use a little section tab to see videos as that helps the diy ppl learn by examples.

Daniel Dollive - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 1

Past 7 Days: 45

Past 30 Days: 256

All Time: 103,195