The RROD issue


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I have had it with Microsoft.

I have gone through 4 Xbox 360's since I first bought mine at launch back in 2005. Each time I sent it in for repair to fix this problem, it was sent back to me, only to have the exact same problem months later. Microsoft has finally told me that they will not fix my console again, because it's past the warranty date.

Here is why I am so angry. Yes, the whole issue of dropping over $1,000 in controllers, remotes, games, and the console itself is enough to warrant my frustration, but the real issue I have is this. Why does Microsoft refuse to tell me what the issue is? If I knew what it was I could fix it myself. I have already opened my 360 since my warranty is null and void at this point anyway. I have reapplied the thermal paste to both heatsinks, and scoured the entire motherboard for defects including broken soldering joints and burnt out circuits. Everything seems to be fine, except the thermal paste that Microsoft applied was pushed off of the chip when I removed the heatsinks for the first time.

Has anyone figured out what the exact problem is? If it was purely an overheating issue, the console would at least start, and later on shutoff, but it refuses to start at all.

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It is an overheating issue, that has been proven. Newer consoles with the smaller GPU see fewer RRoD than that of the launch consoles. Apparently it is illegal to open your console seeing the no tampering stickers from the original Xbox, so I doubt MS will give you any advice on how to open it up and fix it. Probably part of the reason why they use custom screws and such.

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It is an overheating issue, that has been proven. On newer consoles with the smaller GPU and such, this problem has been greatly reduced. Apparently it is illegal to open your console seeing the no tampering stickers from the original Xbox, so I doubt MS will give you any advice on how to open it up and fix it. Probably part of the reason why they use custom screws and such.

So explain how the console can be turned off for days in a cool environment, and instantly overheat a second after being turned on.

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Define irony.

I just came across an explanation of the RROD. Technically speaking, it IS an overheating issue, but not a consistent one. Apparently the older 360s would generate a certain level of heat that would eventually crack the soldering where the CPU and GPU connect to the motherboard, making it die completely. Now I just need to know if I can fix this soldering issue with my soldering gun.

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So explain how the console can be turned off for days in a cool environment, and instantly overheat a second after being turned on.

I really have no clue. Personally, I think MS should've made the case a helluva lot bigger.

EDIT:

Define irony.

I just came across an explanation of the RROD. Technically speaking, it IS an overheating issue, but not a consistent one. Apparently the older 360s would generate a certain level of heat that would eventually crack the soldering where the CPU and GPU connect to the motherboard, making it die completely. Now I just need to know if I can fix this soldering issue with my soldering gun.

And you probably can, but I would be clueless as to how.

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It's always known to be an overheating issue, however I always thought that MS extended/renewed the warranty on replacement machines to cover this?

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Define irony.

I just came across an explanation of the RROD. Technically speaking, it IS an overheating issue, but not a consistent one. Apparently the older 360s would generate a certain level of heat that would eventually crack the soldering where the CPU and GPU connect to the motherboard, making it die completely. Now I just need to know if I can fix this soldering issue with my soldering gun.

This is the case if I remember correctly, heat build up over time, motherboard slightly bends and tiny cracks occur. The towell trick works because the method's used to ''melt'' the crack together, this won't last long and people recommend against doing it.

Recently my console red ringed, it was a fairly old console so I've opted to purchase a new arcade console. The newer consoles are less prone to experience the red ring - apparently.

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It's a well known X-clamp issue, the X-clamps would be way too tight and then when the components heats up it would bend the board and make components ( Mostly the GPU ) lose contact and break the solders.

And then overheating the thing with the use of a towel could, for a short while, solder it back together.

If this "cracking" and bending is true, then why is my 360 still working in a room with a typical temp of 40'C?

Because it could happen, was a not a 100% certainty.

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It is probably a bad solder joint somewhere instead of it overheating.

If you are feeling brave, here's what you can do (This is what I've done to mine to revive it twice):

1. Preheat the oven to 450-455 degrees

2. Stick the motherboard only on a cooking pan with foil on the bottom

3. Wrap the capacitors in tin foil to ensure they don't leak.

4. Bake the **** out of it for 10 minutes.

5. Take it out, let it fully cool, and give it a try.

All it does it reflow all the solder joints. So ideally the solder would melt and reconnect the broken connection.

I would personally try the X-Clamp fix first, and it that still doesn't do the trick, try this baking trick.

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It is probably a bad solder joint somewhere instead of it overheating.

If you are feeling brave, here's what you can do (This is what I've done to mine to revive it twice):

1. Preheat the oven to 450-455 degrees

2. Stick the motherboard only on a cooking pan with foil on the bottom

3. Wrap the capacitors in tin foil to ensure they don't leak.

4. Bake the **** out of it for 10 minutes.

5. Take it out, let it fully cool, and give it a try.

All it does it reflow all the solder joints. So ideally the solder would melt and reconnect the broken connection.

I would personally try the X-Clamp fix first, and it that still doesn't do the trick, try this baking trick.

Remember not to serve it before it's cold and plenty of butter to give it that creamy consistency :rofl:

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Youtube.. its the new Google..

Mine is currently awaiting to be picked up by UPS, this is only the second time its happened. Its terrible when saying only the second time it happened is a relatively positive thing compared to other people. Before I called Microsoft I checked Youtube to see if there had been any amateur advances and there was a few interesting videos. Luckily I'm still in warranty so I didn't have to attempt a fix myself..

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It is probably a bad solder joint somewhere instead of it overheating.

If you are feeling brave, here's what you can do (This is what I've done to mine to revive it twice):

1. Preheat the oven to 450-455 degrees

2. Stick the motherboard only on a cooking pan with foil on the bottom

3. Wrap the capacitors in tin foil to ensure they don't leak.

4. Bake the **** out of it for 10 minutes.

5. Take it out, let it fully cool, and give it a try.

All it does it reflow all the solder joints. So ideally the solder would melt and reconnect the broken connection.

I would personally try the X-Clamp fix first, and it that still doesn't do the trick, try this baking trick.

All that does (at best) is DELAY the RROD and (at worse) destroy your 360. Only a tiny handful of 360's should be out of warranty now, so there's no reason not to have Microsoft fix it for you.

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All that does (at best) is DELAY the RROD and (at worse) destroy your 360. Only a tiny handful of 360's should be out of warranty now, so there's no reason not to have Microsoft fix it for you.

Well I have a launch system and this method has kept it going.

Think about. Try baking it, or go blow another $300... Personally I'd rather save my money.

The first bake saved it for about 3 months, and I redid it about a week ago and its still going strong.

If it's dead and out of warranty as the OP stated his was, why not give it a try. That's why I posted this.

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Because there are FAR better methods for fixing the RROD than shoving it into an oven. All that is, is a more extreme "towel trick", which any decent electronics/360 repairer will tell you is a VERY BAD IDEA.

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Customer - "So, I have this RRoD issue, can you fix it?"

Microsoft - "Sure, but let's try some other methods to confirm it is indeed the issue. Have you tried leaving it off for maybe an hour?"

Customer - "Yes"

Microsoft - "Okay, have you tried it in a well ventilated area?"

Customer - "Yes..."

Microsoft - "Okay, we'll send you a replacement Xbox as soon as possible"

Customer - "Great!!! Btw, in the mean time, could I maybe try baking the xbox in the oven again to get it to work a little longer?"

Microsoft - "You did what?!"

Customer - "I put it in the oven! What you do is this: Preheat the oven to around 450-455C, Stick the motherboard on a cooking pan with foil on the bottom. Then you leave it in for 10 minutes then take it out and let it cool for an hour, it's worked twice, but I want this issue fixed now."

Microsoft - "..."

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haha. Nice, although none of that makes any sense.

You have to open it first to cook it, and if you open it, MS won't touch it.

Maybe, but I'm sure MS would of figured it out when the 'motherboard' was placed in the oven. :p Even putting the Xbox in the oven when it's fully together would be voiding the warranty as it could be forcing the RRoD issue in the first place. :p

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