Xbox 360 S Motherboard Replacement Guide: DIY Tutorial
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 59 Steps
Oops! Did you fry your cherished Valhalla motherboard? No worries! This guide will help you swap it out and get you back online with Xbox Live in no time!
Step 1
Alright, now flip that Xbox 360 S so the bottom is facing you. We’re about to get into some serious repairs!
– Give that latch a gentle nudge to the left to free up the hard drive cover.
– Carefully slide the hard drive cover off, like a magician revealing a surprise!
Step 2
That fabric tab is holding onto a little catch inside the hard drive housing. You might need to give it a gentle tug to get the hard drive out. No worries, it’s tougher than it looks!
– Grab the fabric tab on your hard drive – it’s labeled with the size, like ‘250 GB’ – and get a good grip!
– Now, carefully pull the hard drive straight out of the console. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Step 3
Let’s get started by removing the bottom vent in the following steps.
– It’s snugly held in place at the bottom panel by those seven nifty clips you see right there.
Step 4
Position your Xbox 360 S with the hard drive port pointing up and the faceplate to the left, like it’s waving hello!
– Gently slide a metal spudger into the gap between the sleek black bottom vent and the shiny silver rim of the bottom bezel, right at the rear right corner of the vent.
– Now, give that spudger a little twist away from the console, carefully lifting the vent free from the bottom bezel with a bit of finesse.
Tools Used
Step 5
You’re making great progress! The clips along the right and front edge should now be free, and if some other clips have come undone too, no worries, that’s totally okay.
– Just like we did earlier, gently pop open the last two clips on the bottom right edge. You’re getting this done like a pro!
Step 6
– Gently lift the bottom vent away from the bottom bezel to set it free.
Step 7
Get ready to tackle the next step! Here, you’ll be popping off the bottom bezel, which is snugly held in place by four little clips. Let’s do this!
– Those red clips are ready to be freed! Use a metal spudger to get under the bottom edge of the clip. Gently pry the clip away from the console, and it’ll pop right off!
Tools Used
Step 8
You might hear a little *pop* as the clip releases. It’s like a mini-celebration for your device!
Step 9
You should now have the entire left side of the bottom bezel all clear and ready for the next step!
– Slide a metal spudger into the left middle slit of the bottom bezel, wiggling it gently between the bottom edge of the clip and the left case. You’re crafting some magic here!
– Now, give that bottom bezel a little lift while rotating the spudger away from the console to set the clip free. Almost there!
– Keep it up! Just like before, free the clip located at the front of the bottom bezel’s left edge. You’re doing great!
Tools Used
Step 10
Flip the console around so the faceplate is on your right and the right case is directly in front of you. You’ve got this!
Now, this clip can be a bit of a tough cookie! Don’t hesitate to give it a bit of elbow grease to get that spudger in there just right.
– Alright, let’s get this party started! Take your trusty spudger and slide it into the back slot on the right side of the bottom bezel. You’re gonna want to wedge it in there, so push down on the spudger while pushing the tip against the right case. You got this!
– Now, release the clip and pull the bottom bezel up. You’re doing great!
Tools Used
Step 11
Step 12
Be careful with this little clip – it’s smaller than the rest, so don’t try to remove it from the top like you did with the others.
Step 13
Be gentle when taking off the fan vent—let’s keep those little plastic clips intact and happy!
– Get ready to tackle these steps where we’ll pop off the top vent, held snugly in place by thirteen little clips. Let’s do this!
Step 14
– Let’s get this party started! First, give the Xbox 360 a little spin so the words “XBOX 360” are right-side up, and the faceplate is facing to the left. Cool, huh?
– Next, take your trusty metal spudger and gently slide it between the top vent and the top bezel, near the back of the Xbox.
– Now, give that spudger a little twist, gently prying the edge of the fan vent upwards. Keep going until you hear those two plastic clips release. You’re doing great!
Tools Used
Step 15
– Time to get started! Insert a metal spudger between the fan vent and top bezel on the left side of the console – it’s the perfect spot to begin prying things open.
– Now, use that same technique to gently pry the left side of the top vent away from the top bezel. You’re making great progress!
– Keep going! Continue prying along the left side of the device, and you’ll soon have all the clips on that side freed up. You’re doing fantastic!
Tools Used
Step 17
To release each clip, slide a metal spudger under the bottom edge of the clip. Once you’re in there, just give it a gentle pry away from the console, and voilà! The clip is free!
– In the upcoming steps, you’ll be gently unfastening the six clips marked in red. Let’s get that device open with a little finesse!
Tools Used
Step 18
Position the console with the left casing facing you and the faceplate turned to the right.
You’ll hear a satisfying ‘pop’ as the clip pops free from its grip.
– Now it’s time to get a little tricky – insert a metal spudger through the front-most slit on the left edge of the top bezel, making sure it’s between the bottom edge of the clip and the left case. Take your time and get it just right.
– Here’s the fun part: rotate the spudger away from the console while pulling up on the top bezel. This will help free the clip, and you’ll be one step closer to fixing your device. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry – just take a deep breath and try again.
Tools Used
Step 19
– Just like we did before, gently pop free the last two clips along the left side of the top bezel. You’ve got this!
Step 20
The top panel is still playing hard to get with the console.
Step 21
– First things first, flip that console around so the back of your Xbox 360 S is pointing to the right—got it? Now, make sure the right side is looking straight at you like it’s ready for action!
– Next up, grab your trusty metal spudger and slide it through the furthest gap on the right edge of the top bezel. You’ll want to wiggle it in between the bottom edge of the clip and the right case—easy peasy!
– While you’re giving a gentle lift to the top bezel with your fingers, give that spudger a little twist away from the console. That should help free up the clip like magic!
Tools Used
Step 22
– Just like you did before, gently pop open the middle and front clips along the right side of the top panel. You’ve got this!
Step 24
Before you go any further with your Xbox 360 adventure, keep in mind that opening it up will mean you’ll have to break or peel off that warranty sticker on the outer case. Just a heads up – doing this may void your Microsoft warranty for anything not directly connected to the logic board. So, think twice before you take that leap!
Step 25
Alright, let’s get this party started! Flip your device so it’s standing tall, with the screen facing you. Ready to rock and roll?
– First, find those two sneaky clips that are holding the left and right cases together right at the top edge of the console, just behind the Wi-Fi card. They’re a bit shy, but you’ll locate them!
– Now, with one hand, gently nudge the left and right cases apart. As you do that, take your trusty metal spudger and carefully pry those clips away from the case. You’re doing great!
Tools Used
Step 26
Keep those two cases apart like they’re at a party and don’t want to mingle! This will stop the clips from snapping back together.
Step 27
Turn your Xbox upside down so that the faceplate is to your left and the left side of the case is right in front of you!
– With one hand, gently push the left and right cases apart while freeing up the clip next to the hard drive slot. Easy does it!
Step 29
Feel free to pop out those spudgers keeping the top and bottom clips apart. You’re doing great!
– Let’s get started by inserting the flat edge of a metal spudger between the left and right cases, where the warranty sticker used to be. This is the first step in separating the cases.
– Next, gently pry the left case upwards to create a gap between the two cases. Then, carefully slide the spudger in toward the left case to loosen it.
– Now, rotate the spudger upward to release the last clip. This might take a bit of finesse, but you’ve got this! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Tools Used
Step 30
– Let’s get started by releasing one of the clips at the front left corner of the top edge, which holds the left case in place against the faceplate.
Step 31
– Alright, let’s get started! First, flip that console over so the bottom is facing up and ready for action.
– Next up, gently release the clip located in the front left corner of the bottom edge. This clip is the secret keeper for the left case and faceplate!
– Now, give the left case a little twist away from the device to free up those last two inner clips. Just a little shake and they’ll be on their way!
– And voilà! The left case is now liberated. You’ve got this!
Step 32
Let’s get started by placing the console right-side-up, so the faceplate is facing forward – easy peasy!
– Gently pop that clip loose in the front right corner at the top edge. It’s holding the right case snugly to the faceplate, so give it a little nudge!
Step 33
Flip that console over so the bottom is up and the faceplate is looking right at you. Let’s get to work!
– Pop that clip in the bottom right corner of the top edge to free the right case from the front case. You’ve got this!
Step 34
Hang tight! The faceplate is still hooked up to the console by a delicate ribbon cable. So, let’s not rush to take it off just yet!
– Gently nudge the left edge of the faceplate upwards to pop off the last two clips holding it to the right case. You’re almost there!
– Now, carefully detach the faceplate from the device. You’re doing great!
Step 35
Don’t worry, that locking tab is a bit shy. It’ll only move a tiny bit, like 2 millimeters. Just give it a gentle nudge!
– Grab your trusty spudger or your fingernail and gently lift that clear blue tab away from the connector like you’re opening a magical treasure chest.
– Give the locking tab on the power switch board cable connector a little nudge toward the top of the console to set it free.
– Now, with a steady hand, pull the power switch cable straight out of the connector. It should come out smoothly, just like butter.
– Voilà! The faceplate is now happily detached from the console, ready for the next adventure.
Tools Used
Step 36
– Let’s get those two 5.6 mm T8 Torx screws out of the way to free the RF module from the metal case. You’ve got this!
Step 37
The RF module is still hooked up to the Xbox via a large USB-type connector – let’s get that disconnected!
– Gently lift the board straight out from the Xbox to set it free.
Step 38
– Unscrew the lone T10 Torx screw that’s keeping the wireless card snug in its spot.
– Gently slide the Wi-Fi Board out of the console and say goodbye to its temporary home.
Step 39
This sticker is designed to show if your device has been opened, but don’t worry—Salvation Repair won’t void your warranty just because you’re taking a peek inside. Go ahead and have fun!
– Peel off that big white sticker from the metal frame to reveal a hidden screw. It’s like unwrapping a little surprise!
Step 40
– Let’s get started by removing the five 55.5 mm T10 Torx screws that hold the right case in place on the metal frame. Grab your trusty screwdriver and get to work!
Step 41
Flip that Xbox over so the right side is pointing up and ready for action!
– Gently lift the right case away, using that sturdy metal framework as your trusty guide.
Step 42
– Time to get started! Carefully disconnect the optical drive data cable from the back of the optical drive – it’s the first step to getting your device up and running again.
– Next, gently pull out the power cable from the back of the optical drive. You’re making great progress!
Step 43
– Time to give that optical drive a little lift and say ‘see ya later’ to the Xbox.
Step 44
Flip the console over, so the metal case is facing up. We’re gettin’ close to the good stuff!
– Take out the lone 11.3 mm gold T10 Torx screw from the spot labeled ‘G.’ You’ve got this!
Step 45
Check it out! There’s a handy locator peg hiding under the fan duct, right at the top right corner (just peek at the pictures for a visual). When you’re putting things back together, take a little glance down the screw hole to help you get everything lined up just right.
Step 46
– First, let’s tackle that pesky 9.2 mm T10 Torx screw that’s holding the hard drive cable connector to the plastic bracket. Give it a gentle twist and remove it.
– Now, with that screw out of the way, carefully lift the hard drive cable connector off the hard drive bracket. You’re doing great!
Step 47
– Let’s get started by removing the 11.3 mm T10 Torx screw that’s holding the hard drive bracket in place, located near the DC-In port. This is a great opportunity to get familiar with the inner workings of your device, and we’re here to guide you through it.
Step 48
– Gently lift the hard drive bracket out of its cozy spot in the metal frame. You’re making great progress!
Step 49
– Now, let’s disconnect the fan cable. Just gently pull the connector off the logic board. It’s like saying ‘goodbye’ to your old friend, the fan.
Step 50
– Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver and unscrew those two 11.7 mm screws that are keeping the fan snug against the heat sink—one in the bottom right corner and the other in the top left. You’ve got this!
– Now, gently lift the fan out from the logic board assembly. You’re making great progress!
Step 51
– Let’s get started by removing the screws that hold the logic board assembly in place – there are 10 in total!
– First, locate the five 11.3 mm silver T10 Torx screws in the holes marked ‘M’, ‘N’, ‘P’, ‘R’, and ‘T’ – these are the ones you’ll need to remove first.
– Next up, you’ve got four 5.6 mm black T9 Torx screws in the holes marked ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘J’, and ‘K’ – take those out as well.
– Last but not least, there’s a single 11.3 mm gold T10 Torx screw in the hole marked ‘A’ – remove that one too, and you’ll be ready to move on to the next step.
Step 52
– Time to set that optical drive free! Carefully lift the retaining bracket off the logic board.
Step 53
Getting the logic board assembly out may take a little muscle! Don’t worry; you’ve got this!
– Get a good grip on the heat sink with one hand, and use your other hand to hold the metal frame steady – you’re in control here!
– Now, carefully lift the logic board assembly out of the metal frame. Take your time, it’s a delicate step, but you’ve got this! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Step 54
Hey, that logic board is a delicate flower! Be careful not to scratch or dent it with your screwdriver. Take it easy, and you’ll be a repair pro in no time.
Flip that logic board assembly over to get a good look at the heat sink’s x-clamp. It’s time to get cozy with your device!
Worried about giving your logic board a little scratch? No problem! Just slide a spudger or a thin screwdriver through one of the x-clamp holes, right in the gap near the screw post. Give it a gentle pry outward to pop that x-clamp off. Don’t forget to do the same for the other side!
– To keep your logic board safe from ESD damage, make sure to place it on a soft, static-free surface while you work on it – your board will thank you!
– Let’s get started! Begin at the front left corner of the x-clamp and carefully insert a 1.5 mm flathead screwdriver between the heat sink’s peg and the x-clamp’s hook. Take your time and you’ll be a pro in no time!
Tools Used
Step 55
Give that logic board a little twirl! Rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. You’ve got this!
– Just like we did before, go ahead and gently unhook the rear right side of the x-clamp. You got this!
Step 56
Give that logic board a little twist! Rotate it 180 degrees to the left, like you’re performing a smooth dance move.
– Now, let’s loosen the rear left hook of the x-clamp, just like we did earlier. Give it a little wiggle and it should come free!
Step 57
– Gently pop the x-clamp off the back of the logic board like you’re lifting a lid off a pot—easy does it!
Step 58
Hold the heat sink steady with one hand, and gently flip the logic board over.
– Let’s get that heat sink off the logic board. Take your time, and remember, we’re in this together!
– Now, before you put the heat sink back on, let’s refresh that thermal compound. Give your device the love it deserves! If you’re feeling unsure about the thermal paste, schedule a repair and our team will be happy to help.
Step 59
– The logic board and its connectors are still in place, so let’s get started!
– Now, when you’re putting in that shiny new board, don’t forget to move the cables from the old one to the new one – it’s like giving your device a brand new outfit!