X-Clamp Fix: Screw Sizes For Xbox 360 Repairs

The Xbox 360 is the second game console made by Microsoft, released in 2005. The Red Ring of Death (RRoD) fault, which occurs due to the lack of lead in the solder that holds the GPU and CPU on the motherboard, has been a persistent issue for Xbox 360 devices. The X-clamp fix is a common solution to this problem, which involves replacing the X-clamps with screws and washers to improve the connection between the GPU and the motherboard. This fix requires screws of size 5mm or 12mm, along with metal and nylon washers, a special tool for opening the Xbox 360, and a power drill to widen the holes in the internal case.

The 'X-Clamp' fix

The X-Clamp fix is a solution to the Red Ring of Death (RRoD) fault on Xbox 360 devices. The RRoD issue is caused by the lack of lead in the solder that holds the GPU and CPU on the motherboard. Overheating causes the BGA (ball grid array) to weaken, resulting in the CPU becoming detached from the motherboard.

The X-Clamp fix involves making modifications to the Xbox 360 case to accommodate a repair kit. The kit replaces the X-clamp, a piece of metal attached to the motherboard below the CPU and GPU, which is intended to ensure that they are firmly connected. The X-clamp doesn't do its job properly, hence the Red Ring of Death. The kit replaces the X-clamp with eight screws and washers, which make a better job of connecting the heat sinks to the motherboard.

To complete the X-Clamp fix, you will need an X-clamp replacement kit, which can be purchased online, and a special tool for taking your Xbox 360 apart. You will also need a power drill with a suitable bit to widen the holes in your Xbox 360's internal case for the heavy-duty clamp. You may use a 3/16th Uni-bit to debur the hole, or a drill bit to widen the hole and then sand down any uneven areas with a Dremel-style tool.

When drilling, make sure to secure the case to prevent buckling. One approach is to use a standard bit suitable for drilling through metal with a piece of wood under the case. You will also need to take anti-static precautions as you will be handling the motherboard and other electronic components.

With the screws in place, test the Xbox 360 by reconnecting the DVD drive, placing the fan on top of the GPU heat sink, and powering up. If it doesn't work, slowly slacken each screw, making a quarter turn each time, before trying again.

It is important to note that the X-Clamp fix is not a permanent solution and should not be expected to last more than 12 months.

Xbox 360 screw size

The Xbox 360 is the second games console made by Microsoft, released in 2005. One common issue with the console is the "Red Ring of Death" (RRoD) fault, which is caused by a lack of lead in the solder that holds the GPU and CPU on the motherboard.

One fix for this issue is the X-clamp fix, which involves modifications to the Xbox 360 case to accommodate a repair kit. The kit replaces the X-clamp, a piece of metal attached to the motherboard, with screws and washers. The X-clamp doesn't securely connect the heat sinks to the motherboard, which can lead to overheating and cause the CPU to detach.

The repair kit typically includes eight 5mm or 12mm machine screws, and 16 metal and plastic washers. The screws and washers replace the X-clamps on the CPU and GPU, providing a tighter connection. The kit may also include a replacement thermal paste.

To complete the fix, you will need an Xbox opening tool, a T8 and T10 screwdriver, and thermal paste cleaner (these tools are usually not included in the kit). You will also need a power drill to widen the holes in the Xbox 360's internal case.

The success rate of this fix is high, but it is not permanent and should not be expected to last more than 12 months.

Xbox 360 screw types

The Xbox 360 is the second games console made by Microsoft and was released on November 22, 2005.

The X-Clamp Fix

The X-clamp fix is required because of the lack of lead in the solder that holds the GPU and the CPU on the motherboard. Overheating causes the BGA (ball grid array) to weaken, resulting in the CPU becoming detached from the motherboard.

The X-clamp fix involves replacing the X-clamp, a piece of metal attached to the motherboard below the CPU and GPU, with screws and washers. The X-clamp is intended to ensure that the GPU and CPU are firmly connected to the motherboard, but it doesn't always work, hence the Red Ring of Death (RROD).

Screw Types and Sizes

The X-clamp fix requires eight 5mm or 12mm machine screws, and 16 metal and 16 nylon washers. The screws are used to replace the X-clamps on the CPU and GPU, connecting the heat sinks to the motherboard. The washers are placed on either side of the motherboard, with one metal and one nylon washer on each screw.

Additional Tools

In addition to the screws and washers, you will also need a power drill with a suitable bit to widen the holes in the Xbox 360's internal case for the heavy-duty clamp. A T8 and T10 security screwdriver is also required to remove the screws holding the console parts together.

It is also advisable to have a special tool for taking your Xbox 360 apart, which can be purchased online or in electronic project stores.

Xbox 360 screw setup

The Xbox 360 is prone to the "Red Ring of Death" (RROD) fault, which is caused by the lack of lead in the solder holding the GPU and CPU on the motherboard. Overheating causes the ball grid array (BGA) to weaken, resulting in the CPU becoming detached from the motherboard.

The X-clamp fix is a solution to this problem. It involves making modifications to the Xbox 360 case to accommodate a repair kit, which replaces the X-clamp, a piece of metal attached to the motherboard that is meant to ensure the CPU and GPU are firmly connected.

The repair kit includes eight 5mm or 12mm machine screws, and metal and plastic washers that replace the X-clamps on the CPU and GPU. The screws and washers provide a tighter connection than the X-clamps.

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

You will need an X-clamp replacement kit, which can be purchased online. You will also need a special tool for taking apart your Xbox 360, a power drill with a suitable bit (a 3/16th Uni-bit or a standard bit suitable for drilling through metal), and a means of securing the case, such as a piece of wood. Additionally, you will need a T8 and T10 security screwdriver, thermal paste, and thermal paste cleaner.

Step 2: Disassemble the Xbox 360

Use the special tool to carefully open the Xbox 360 case. Remove the X-clamps from the back of the motherboard, being careful not to scratch it. Then, remove the small hex pieces attached to the two heat sinks. Clean the heat sinks and the CPU/GPU dies with rubbing alcohol to remove the old thermal paste.

Step 3: Install the Screws and Washers

Apply new thermal paste to the CPU and GPU. Then, place a metal washer, followed by a nylon washer, on each screw. Insert the screws through the Xbox 360 motherboard, and place another nylon washer and then a metal washer on the screw posts. Place the heat sink on top and tighten the screws, being careful not to over-tighten as this can damage the motherboard.

Step 4: Test the Xbox 360

Reconnect the DVD drive and place the fan on top of the GPU heat sink (the taller of the two). Power up the Xbox 360. It may boot normally, or it may take some time and the error code may change. If it doesn't work, slowly slacken each screw, making a quarter turn each time, before trying again.

Please note that this fix is not permanent and may not last more than 12 months. It is also important to ensure good airflow and ventilation for your console to prevent future overheating issues.

Xbox 360 screw heads

The Xbox 360 is the second games console made by Microsoft and was released on 22 November 2005.

The X-clamp fix is required because of the lack of lead in the solder that holds the GPU and CPU to the motherboard. Overheating causes the BGA (ball grid array) to weaken, resulting in the CPU becoming detached from the motherboard.

The X-clamp replacement kit includes eight 5mm machine screws, and metal and plastic washers that are intended to replace the X-clamps on the CPU and GPU. The eight screws and washers make a tighter connection than the X-clamps.

The kit also includes a replacement thermal paste. You will need to purchase an Xbox opening tool, a T8/T10 screwdriver, and a thermal paste cleaner separately.

The process involves widening the holes in your Xbox 360's internal case for the heavy-duty clamp. You will need a power drill with a suitable bit for this. You can use a 3/16th Uni-bit, or a drill bit and a Dremel-style tool to sand down any uneven areas.

You will also need to take anti-static precautions as you will be handling the motherboard and other electronic components.

With the screws in place, you should test the Xbox 360 by reconnecting the DVD drive, placing the fan on top of the GPU heatsink and powering up. If it doesn't work, slowly slacken each screw, making a quarter turn each time before trying again.

This fix is not permanent and will likely not last more than 12 months.

Frequently asked questions