Heatsink Screw Sizes For Xbox 360: A Quick Guide

The Xbox 360 is a video game console developed by Microsoft. It was first released in 2005 and has since been followed by the Xbox One and Xbox Series X. The Xbox 360 is known for its slim design, which sets it apart from other consoles. However, this slim design also led to issues with the console's heat sink, which is responsible for cooling the device. This issue can be fixed by replacing the heat sink, which requires the removal of several components and careful prying of various clips and vents. When replacing the heat sink, it is important to apply a new layer of thermal paste. The screws used to secure the heat sink are available in various sizes, including M5 machine screws that are 10mm long, and can be purchased from hardware stores or online.

GPU heat sink replacement

To replace the GPU heat sink of an Xbox 360, you will need to first remove the hard drive assembly by pressing the release button and lifting its front edge. Then, remove the assembly from the top vent. Stand the console vertically with the bottom edge facing up. Next, use a spudger or an Xbox 360 opening tool to pry the front edge of the bottom vent away from the faceplate. Release the clips along the left and right sides of the bottom vent, and then remove the bottom vent from the console.

Repeat this process for the faceplate, taking care not to scratch the plastic case. Stand the console vertically again, this time with the top edge facing up. Release the clips securing the top vent to the console, and then remove the top vent. With the top edge now facing down, carefully peel off the warranty sticker.

The upper and lower cases of the console are attached by several latches, which must be disengaged to separate the two. Use a spudger to release the latches above and below the USB ports and Memory Unit slots, as well as the one above the eject button. Separate the upper and lower cases by pressing the Xbox 360 opening tool into the clips near the I/O ports and power connector, and then push the cases apart.

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

Next, release the clip securing the eject button to the metal casing using a spudger. Pry the eject button off its retaining posts and remove it. Remove the six silver 64 mm T10 Torx screws securing the upper case to the metal casing. Lift and remove the upper case from the console.

Slightly lift the optical drive upwards to gain clearance, and then disconnect the SATA and power connectors. Remove the optical drive assembly from the metal casing.

Insert a spudger into the small rectangular opening on the top of the cooling fan duct to release the fan duct retaining clip. Remove the fan duct from the Xbox, and then lift the dual fan connector straight up from its socket on the motherboard. Finally, remove the dual fan assembly from the console.

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

Xbox 360 S heat sink replacement

To replace the heat sink in your Xbox 360 S, you will need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Console

• Ensure your Xbox 360 S is powered off and all cables are disconnected.
• Place the console on a flat surface with the "Xbox 360" logo on the sides facing upright and the faceplate facing left.

Step 2: Remove the Top Vent

• Insert a metal spudger between the top vent and the top bezel near the rear of the Xbox 360 S.
• Rotate the spudger away from the console to pry up the edge of the fan vent until the two plastic clips come free. Ensure the spudger rotates enough to clear the silver rim of the top bezel.
• Insert the spudger between the fan vent and top bezel along the left side of the console and pry the left side of the top vent away, freeing all clips on that side.
• Lift the fan vent to disengage the clips on the right side.
• Remove the entire fan vent.

Step 3: Release the Clips

• Orient the console so the left case is facing you and the faceplate is on the right.
• Insert the spudger through the front-most slit on the left edge of the top bezel, prying away from the console to release the clip. You should hear a "pop."
• Repeat this process to release the remaining two clips along the left edge of the top bezel.
• Grab the entire top panel and lift the left edge to rest the separated clips on the left case. You may need to use a spudger to undo any re-attached clips.
• Rotate the console so the right case is facing you.
• Insert the spudger through the rear-most slit on the right edge and pry to release the clip.
• Release the middle and front clips along the right edge of the top panel in the same manner.
• Lift the top panel off the device. Check and release any re-attached clips.

Step 4: Remove the Bottom Vent

• Orient the Xbox 360 S so the bottom is facing you and the faceplate is on the left.
• Insert the spudger between the black bottom vent and the silver rim of the bottom bezel in the rear right corner.
• Rotate the spudger to pry the vent up, ensuring it clears the silver rim.
• Pry the remaining clips on the bottom right edge in the same manner.
• Remove the bottom vent by lifting it away from the bottom bezel.

Step 5: Remove the Bottom Bezel

• The bottom bezel is attached by six clips. Insert the spudger through the slit near the rear left corner and rotate it away while lifting the bezel.
• Repeat this process for the remaining clips. Some clips may require more force.
• Lift the left edge of the bottom bezel to gain clearance.
• Insert the spudger behind the last clip and push it away from the right case.

Step 6: Separate the Cases

• Orient the console right-side up, with the faceplate facing you.
• Locate the clips connecting the right and left cases along the top edge, behind the Wi-Fi card.
• Pry the clips away from the case with a spudger while pushing the cases apart.
• Insert a spudger to hold the cases separate.
• Flip the console so the faceplate is on the left, then push the cases apart to release the remaining clips.
• Remove the left case.

At this point, you should be able to access the heat sink for replacement. Reassembly of the console can be done by following the above steps in reverse order.

Please note: Opening your Xbox 360 S will void the warranty, and you should be careful not to damage any internal components during the process.

Screw and washer sizes for RROD

If you are experiencing the Red Ring of Death (RROD) on your Xbox 360, you may need to replace the heat sink. Before you begin, ensure you have the correct tools and screws for the job.

When removing the heat sink, you will need to remove the hard drive assembly, the bottom vent, and the faceplate. You will also need to release the clips securing the top vent to the console. To do this, you will need a spudger or an Xbox 360 opening tool.

When it comes to the screws and washers, you will need to ensure you have the correct size. The Xbox 360 uses standard sizes for its screws, which can be found at most hardware stores. The size of the screw will depend on the specific model of Xbox 360 you have.

For example, the screws for the GPU heat sink on the Xbox 360 S model are different from the screws for the GPU heat sink on the original Xbox 360 model. The GPU heat sink for the Xbox 360 S model uses M8 x 1.25mm screws that are 12mm in length. The original Xbox 360 model uses 64mm T10 Torx screws.

It is important to note that when matching a washer with a screw, the diameter of the shaft of the screw should be matched to the inner diameter of the washer. Washers are standardised, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits your screw. Form A washers are the most common type and are available in a wide range of sizes and finishes.

By following these instructions and ensuring you have the correct tools, screws, and washers, you can successfully replace the heat sink on your Xbox 360 and fix the RROD issue.

Xbox 360 screw sizes

The Xbox 360 is a video game console released by Microsoft in 2005. Over the years, the Xbox 360 has had several revisions, including the Xbox 360 S, which was released in 2010. The Xbox 360 S features a slim form factor and updated hardware compared to the original Xbox 360.

One of the common issues with the Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 S is the heat sink. The heat sink is responsible for cooling the console's processor and graphics processor. Over time, the heat sink can become clogged with dust and debris, leading to overheating issues. In some cases, the heat sink may need to be replaced.

When repairing or replacing the heat sink in an Xbox 360 or Xbox 360 S, it is important to use the correct screw sizes. The screws used to secure the heat sink are typically M5 machine screws. The length of the screws can vary, but 20mm screws are commonly recommended to ensure they are long enough to secure the heat sink properly. In addition to the screws, washers are also used, specifically M5 washers and M5 spring washers.

It is important to note that opening the Xbox 360 or Xbox 360 S console will void the warranty. It is also important to be careful when working on the console, as some components can be delicate and easily damaged. It is recommended to follow repair guides and use the appropriate tools to avoid damage to the console.

Xbox 360 GPU heat sink screws

The GPU in the Xbox 360 is the Xenos, a custom graphics processing unit (GPU) designed by ATI (now AMD). The GPU is cooled by a heat sink, which uses heatpipe technology to conduct heat away from the GPU and eDRAM die to the heat sink's fins. The heat sink is then actively cooled by a pair of 60mm exhaust fans.

When replacing the GPU heat sink, it is important to apply a new layer of thermal paste before reinstalling. The process of removing the heat sink involves prying off the front edge of the bottom vent, releasing the clips along the left and right sides, removing the bottom and top vents, and then prying the clips along the sides of the top vent. It is important to be careful when removing the fan vent to avoid breaking any plastic clips. The heat sink is located underneath the top vent, which is secured by 13 clips.

The GPU heat sink screws for the Xbox 360 are not all the same size. The six silver screws securing the upper case to the metal casing are 64mm T10 Torx screws. The screws for the heat sink itself are not mentioned, but the process of removal and replacement is detailed in the iFixit guides for the Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 S.

Frequently asked questions