The Xbox 360 should be treated like any other complex machine. What I mean by this is that some maintenance and proper usage will prevent a lot of problems. The type of problems that occur have to do with heat and more specifically, the red ring of death.
If you have a new 360 and it operates just fine, it is recommended that you apply the following four tips to keep your machine working trouble free.
1.) Dirt and dust free environment.
Always keep your console clean. It doesn't belong in dusty areas. The reason for this is that dust in the environment can contaminate your machine if it gets into the cooling vents.
A buildup of internal dust insulates and doesn't allow heat to escape from the motherboard. Dust and dirt also obstructs the vents, which further impedes cooling.
2.) Enclosed or stuffy environments.
The console needs lots of air to avoid getting too hot. There are fans inside the console that draw in cool air and expel hot air. If your machine is enclosed in a cabinet or kept in a cluttered corner, there won't be enough air available for effective cooling.
3.) Temperature of operating environment.
The console puts out heat in abundance. A little common sense says to use it in a cool environment. When you're out exercising, are you more likely to over heat in an area that's hot or cool?
This kind of reasoning also applies to the treatment of your console. Try not to use your machine in very warm places or in direct sunlight or next to a heater or furnace. You want to stay away from all heat sources.
4.) Your Xbox needs a break once in a while!
Which physical activity will cause you to get overheated? Doing a 10 mile run or walking to the mailbox? Common sense like this also applies to the overheating issues of your console.
High definition games will cause a good deal more heat than simple arcade games. When you make your console work hard, take occasional breaks from your gaming. Some time should be allowed for it to cool.
The Xbox 360 can be a fragile thing that needs to be babied. Take good care of it and it will give many hours of trouble free gaming. - 29852
If you have a new 360 and it operates just fine, it is recommended that you apply the following four tips to keep your machine working trouble free.
1.) Dirt and dust free environment.
Always keep your console clean. It doesn't belong in dusty areas. The reason for this is that dust in the environment can contaminate your machine if it gets into the cooling vents.
A buildup of internal dust insulates and doesn't allow heat to escape from the motherboard. Dust and dirt also obstructs the vents, which further impedes cooling.
2.) Enclosed or stuffy environments.
The console needs lots of air to avoid getting too hot. There are fans inside the console that draw in cool air and expel hot air. If your machine is enclosed in a cabinet or kept in a cluttered corner, there won't be enough air available for effective cooling.
3.) Temperature of operating environment.
The console puts out heat in abundance. A little common sense says to use it in a cool environment. When you're out exercising, are you more likely to over heat in an area that's hot or cool?
This kind of reasoning also applies to the treatment of your console. Try not to use your machine in very warm places or in direct sunlight or next to a heater or furnace. You want to stay away from all heat sources.
4.) Your Xbox needs a break once in a while!
Which physical activity will cause you to get overheated? Doing a 10 mile run or walking to the mailbox? Common sense like this also applies to the overheating issues of your console.
High definition games will cause a good deal more heat than simple arcade games. When you make your console work hard, take occasional breaks from your gaming. Some time should be allowed for it to cool.
The Xbox 360 can be a fragile thing that needs to be babied. Take good care of it and it will give many hours of trouble free gaming. - 29852
About the Author:
Marc Sandford is a gaming enthusiast and author. Get more Xbox troubleshooting advice about repairing the Red Ring of Death.
