If you are the owner of a new Xbox, setting it up so that you can use it is probably the only thing on your mind. It is human nature not to be troubled by upkeep and maintenance until it is too late.
However, if you hope to avoid the red ring of death and overheating issues, maintenance and proper usage is important. The Xbox is a complicated and sometimes difficult machine that demands your care. Keep your Xbox in good health by using the following four tips:
1.) Exposure to excessive heat is guaranteed to shorten the life of your Xbox.
Excessive temperatures will slowly break down the motherboard components. Extreme heat also causes micro cracks to form in the solder joints on the mother board.
When using your Xbox, always do it in a well ventilated and cool room. If not, overheating is sure to follow because the cooling system will not be able to cool the internal electronics.
Give your console a rest after one or two hours of play. Allow twenty minutes for your Xbox to idle after you’re done playing a game. This keeps any residual heat to a minimum after the cooling fans turn off.
2.) Don’t allow dust to build up within the console.
Dust disrupts the internal flow patterns of cooling air. Furthermore, it locks in heat because it is an insulator. As the dust builds up, the cooling system becomes less effective at doing it’s job.
3.) Exposure to cigarette smoke is unhealthy for your Xbox.
The electronic components get coated with the sticky tars that are present in cigarette smoke. Dust then sticks to the tar that coats the electronics. Because the dust is cemented in place, vacuuming or blowing of air won’t remove it. As mentioned above, dust is an insulator.
4.) Beware of externally mounted cooling fans.
These days, there is a big selection of fans of different makes and types. Some work better than others and results can vary among users. However, none of these fans are approved by Microsoft.
If you choose the wrong fan, it will cause more harm than good and it will void your warranty. Always read the customer reviews on the product before purchasing. If your console doesn’t overheat, then purchasing one of these fans is unnecessary.
While the Xbox can provide many hours of pleasure, it can also deal out lots of pain if mistreated. So extend it’s life and save yourself money by giving it the proper care that it requires.
Does your Xbox overheat? Get more Xbox trouble shooting information about fixing the Xbox 360 ring of death.
