How To Fix An Overheating Xbox 360

By Author: Joe Richards
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Xbox 360 is one of the hottest selling video gaming consoles today. Besides, this console offers a huge library of games and more. However, it has been found that overheating is one of the problems plaguing the Xbox 360 today. If you experience freezing or crashing while you are playing with your favorite Xbox 360 games, then there is a great chance that it was caused by overheating.



Basically, you need to understand that the hardware inside the Xbox 360, such as the GPU, CPU and hard drive can produce heat after long periods of hours of operation. However, in theory, overheating shouldn't happen as these components have their own cooling system that will be able to prevent overheating.



If you experience crashing or freezing while playing with your favorite Xbox 360 games, try feeling the Xbox 360 for any hot areas. If the Xbox itself is way hotter than normal, then the problem may lie with an overheated hard drive. The power unit can also overheat and you might want to try feeling it too.



Theoretically, Microsoft claims that the Xbox 360 shouldn't overheat ...
... because of the built-in cooling systems. The cooling systems are basically fans that can take cool air inside the unit and hot air out. However, the fans are not really that sufficient in order to keep the Xbox 360 cool enough and prevent it from overheating. It's not really about an issue of substandard fans, but the owners of the Xbox 360 are also to blame for it.



Most people today like keeping their Xbox 360 in a display cabinet below or above their television. This is a big no-no as keeping the Xbox 360 in confined spaces will prevent it from getting cool air. In fact, it will trap in the hot air which will cause the Xbox 360 components to overheat.



So, try playing with your Xbox 360 games with the Xbox 360 console placed on a well-ventilated area, such as on your coffee table. Also, if it is possible, try playing with your Xbox 360 in an air conditioned room. This will help in maintaining the temperature of your Xbox 360 and prevent it from overheating.



Dust is another cause of overheating. In time, dust can accumulate inside the Xbox 360 and can eventually accumulate on the fans that keep the hardware cool. When the fans clog up with dust, it will become inefficient in doing its job. It may also stop working altogether which can eventually result in hardware failure.



So, from time to time, try to clean the insides of your Xbox 360 including the fans. For this, you can use a non-static brush or you can also try spraying a contact cleaner which is very efficient in getting rid of dust on electronic equipments.



If you really want to prevent overheating, try limiting the amount of time you use your Xbox 360. As a hardcore gamer, you may want to play with your Xbox 360 for a lot of hours. However, you have to consider that the system has its limitations and you may want to give the Xbox 360 a rest after a few hours of playing with your favorite games.



Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to prevent your Xbox 360 to overheat and enjoy playing with it for a long time.
The author Joe Richards is the manager of the PSP sale and PSP games downloads website that offers great PSP's, PSP games, movies and music online. He is presently conducting a great PSP games Sale online at this website.