First, I did search but did not find exectly what I was looking for.

OK, it finally happened, I got the dreaded red ring of death on my Xbox.It's well out of warrenty, so returning it is not really an option.
Has anyone here had any experiance with the do it yourself repair options?
I am very handy and build servers and workstations so I am not afraid of a little work, IF it will actually repair it.
I have seen x clamp replacements that claim to fix it, as well as wrapping it in a towel (sounds crazy to me, but who knows).
I am just wondering if there actually are legit repair options out there?
There is a local computer shop that advertises thay can fix it, should I pay them or try it myself?
I do intend to get another one later, but would like to fix this one if possible.

1. so you have already owned the machine for 3 years? RRoD's warranty period = 3 years.
2. if it is not within warranty and that you intend to get another one later... why not do that now?

I've fixed my own... it bust again and i fixed it and installed an aftermarket fan and no problems since.

Here's the fan

fan (http://www.consoleshop.com/product.php?productid=16273)

And here's the guide

guide
(http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/repair/ring_of_light_x-clamp_fix.htm)

P.S. buy the stuff at a hardware store and buy double the quantity it says and replace both the x clamps (radioshack has the paste or some other computer tech store)

homer2324, sorry to hear about your 360, but they are easy to fix, the guide that livefornow posted is good. Like he said, do buy the parts local and save a ton of $$$. Here are the part numbers for Lowes:

a) 8 M5-.80 x 10 Machine Screws #138433
b) 16 #10 Flat Washers – Nylon #139065
c) 16 5mm Flat Washers – Metal #138319

Also pick up some artic silver, I got some at Office Depot pretty cheap. Good Luck.

1. so you have already owned the machine for 3 years? RRoD's warranty period = 3 years.

It's out of warrenty as I said.


2. if it is not within warranty and that you intend to get another one later... why not do that now?

Also, as I said, because I want to try to fix this one first.

I've fixed my own... it bust again and i fixed it and installed an aftermarket fan and no problems since.

Here's the fan

fan (http://www.consoleshop.com/product.php?productid=16273)

And here's the guide

guide
(http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/repair/ring_of_light_x-clamp_fix.htm)

P.S. buy the stuff at a hardware store and buy double the quantity it says and replace both the x clamps (radioshack has the paste or some other computer tech store)

Thanks, that looks pretty straight forward.
I'll see if I can round up the parts form my local shops and give it a try.

Fix the X-clamp in the system, and your RRoD will go away.

I assume you have checked into XBox Support and it is not under warranty any longer... so attempt to take the matter into your own hands. You can only hope for the best.

There are tons of guides online about fixing the RRoD, most commonly you need to pop the XBox case (easy) and then unplug the cooling fan. Then replace the x-clamp system and space it properly with washers. Then turn on the system for 15 mins without the fan plugged in (to heat up the system and reseat the CPU/GPU).

This should fix it. Plug the fan back in and put the case back on. Enjoy.

Otherwise, get an arcade console for dirt cheap and put your old HDD on it ;)

Good luck!

Being in the same boat as yourself, (I'm assuming you modded just as I did) I'd suggest you to atleast give the x-clamp replacement a try, but temper your expectations as it is only a bandaid and will not correct the root cause of the issue. Some people have had success, but for most, the RRoD returns eventually (1week-1month). Extra fans and the like can correct the problem, but success ultimately depends on how fractured the BGA joints have already become.

The problem with the x-clamp fix that not many people realize, is that it further worsens the condition by raising the melting point of the pb-free solder and causes even further damage to the BGA joints. The step I'm referring to is when some of the guides tell you to turn on the system without a heatsink or fan running to let it "overheat itself" and thus causes the solder to mend itself. Problem is, that it doesn't work that way all the time. Without getting into too much further detail, my suggestion would be to atleast give it a try if your sticker is already broken. If it's not, then you should definately send it back to MS. If it is broken, give the clamp replacement a shot, but don't be surprised if it craps out again a couple weeks later.

When all the above happened to me, I just sold the console itself, the hard drive, power brick, and controller all seperately on ebay and made out with about $200 from the original $400 it cost me. After truly understanding how severe and widespread the RRoD issue was(and similar BGA issues i.e. E74/ANA chip), I decided to spend my money elsewhere.

Being in the same boat as yourself, (I'm assuming you modded just as I did) I'd suggest you to atleast give the x-clamp replacement a try, but temper your expectations as it is only a bandaid and correct the root cause of the issue. Some people have had success, but for most, the RRoD returns eventually (1week-1month). Extra fans and the like can correct the problem, but success ultimately depends on how fractured the BGA joints have already become.

The problem with the x-clamp fix that not many people realize, is that it further worsens the condition by raising the melting point of the pb-free solder and causes even further damage to the BGA joints. The step I'm referring to is when some of the guides tell you to turn on the system without a heatsink or fan running to let it "overheat itself" and thus causes the solder to mend itself. Problem is, that it doesn't work that way all the time. Without getting into too much further detail, my suggestion would be to atleast give it a try if your sticker is already broken. If it's not, then you should definately send it back to MS. If it is broken, give the clamp replacement a shot, but don't be surprised if it craps out again a couple weeks later.

When all the above happened to me, I just sold the console itself, the hard drive, power brick, and controller all seperately on ebay and made out with about $200 from the original $400 it cost me. After truly understanding how severe and widespread the RRoD issue was(and similar BGA issues i.e. E74/ANA chip), I decided to spend my money elsewhere.


It's not moddod, and the case has never been opened, but it was originally owned my a person with kids who peeled the seal off becasue they did not want any "labels" on thier console. They got it on release day and Microsoft has already told me it is not under any warranty, and I have no intention of paying over a hundred bucks to send it in and have it fixed. It's just not worth it for a console this old and in this kind of shape. Since it's a reletivly easy fix, I am going to try to fix it and keep it until I can afford to get a new one.
I just saw so many different ways to do it, I was looking for some feedback from someone who actually tried it and was successful. As always, SD has the answers.

It's not moddod, and the case has never been opened, but it was originally owned my a person with kids who peeled the seal off becasue they did not want any "labels" on thier console. They got it on release day and Microsoft has already told me it is not under any warranty, and I have no intention of paying over a hundred bucks to send it in and have it fixed. It's just not worth it for a console this old and in this kind of shape. Since it's a reletivly easy fix, I am going to try to fix it and keep it until I can afford to get a new one.
I just saw so many different ways to do it, I was looking for some feedback from someone who actually tried it and was successful. As always, SD has the answers.

well played. i would go for the fix on your own in this case.

never pay for the 100 dollar fix from MS on a console that is over 3 years old. the new arcades can be found on a somewhat regular basis for 160 or so and they are brand new, include extras, and will run quieter and more reliably {note: the reliability of the new chipsets in the 360 are expected but not necessarily the actual truth. only time will tell how many of the new units will fail}.

I have done the xclamp fix numerous times and some will come back especially the E74 error but after losening the screws and heating up the GPU it works again. My opinion is that you don't want to tight the screws to much just enough to hold the heatsink on without out it overheating. Make sure you use good paste and not to much. You said you've build servers before so you'll be ok. If it does not work the first time don't quit, try loosen or tighten the screw a little at a time. I have one that I got from a buddy that's a pain but I play with it everyday, and once in a while he acts up. But I loosen and let it run and then he works again. PM me and i'll send you a forum that's very dedicated and helpful with this stuff. The guide I used does not require drilling, they just screw it on the motherboard.