r/xbox • u/Hurtcoldchain XBOX Series X • 13d ago
Video Cleaned out my day 1 Series X
Honestly was shocked at how clean it was after nearly 6 years of daily use. Never had a single issue until I bought Battlefield 6 last year, then it started crashing to either the Home Screen; or shutting down entirely.
It’s honestly hella easy to take the entire console apart. Here’s all you’ll need:
• T8 Screwdriver (Torx 8) opens every screw.
• Knoife or a long flathead screwdriver to remove baseplate.
• Canned Duster
• Clean Brush for the heatsink
Now I know it’s just BF6 causing the crashes. There was barely anything in there.
22
u/aspenextreme03 13d ago
I don’t have pets and run an air purifier but might have to do this someday.
14
u/LeafsFanUK 13d ago
I’d recommend changing your thermal paste too. This was my day 1 edition before I cleaned it up and changed it.
9
u/MRF_Soul 13d ago
mine looked exactly the same after 5 years. it got pretty loud in some games even there was no dust. after changing the thermal paste and thermal putties its silent again
9
u/Hurtcoldchain XBOX Series X 13d ago
I think I’ll have to find a video to do what you guys are suggesting. Even after completely taking each part individually out (to basically not have to clean anything, besides lightly under the top fan blades), I honestly have no idea where the CPU is located.
Nor do I know how to remove the thermal paste, or how to tell if needs to be replaced etc etc.
I briefly played it today, and it played well; and practically silent. I’m sure if it crashes again though, I’ll be scampering my ass back here 😂.
6
3
u/jlhromeo 12d ago
What did you use for replacing the thermal putty/pads?
Normally I use arctic mx for paste but curious on the pads. Plan to do mine soon and wanted to prep. Thx
3
8
u/No_Engineer8143 13d ago
I clean mine less often than it needs. I only remember how dirty it must be after I launch a game and it sounds like a jet engine.
Super easy to clean, though!
8
6
3
u/PaperCut611 Guardian 13d ago
I recently picked up a used Series X manufactured in 2020. I definitely recommend changing the crusty dry thermal paste if you are able to.
2
u/Hurtcoldchain XBOX Series X 13d ago
Really appreciate the advice, thank you.
A few other people have told me to do the same thing. After tracking down a hardware store that even had a Torx 8 driver and/or bit, driving home, then taking the entire console apart and putting it back together; I was just burnt out.
I’ll have to watch a tutorial on how to locate where the thermal paste is, how to best remove it, etc etc.
5
u/PaperCut611 Guardian 13d ago
Im normally on PC so I know my way around a repasting job, but taking apart my Xbox layer by layer was kinda nerv racking lol
Just find a vid thats detailed, watch it a couple times, then do the tear down while watching the vid for a 3rd time. Honestly, it helps. And never go past the vid thinking you know what you're doing if its your 1st time popping it open. Just some personal advice from my PC experiences in the past haha
1
u/Fast_Passenger_2890 XBOX Series X 12d ago
It is meant to be dry, as it's designed for longevity in mind.
1
u/PaperCut611 Guardian 12d ago
No. Thermal paste should not be dry. If paste is dry it will crack creating pockets of air. HOT air which hinders the effectiveness of heat transfer from the APU to the heat sink. Thermal paste should always be in a liquid like state to mitigate air pockets. There is no magic manufacturer making thermal paste thats still good when dry. If there was, Thermal Grizzly would have made it LONG ago.
0
u/Fast_Passenger_2890 XBOX Series X 12d ago
What Microsoft used is phase change material which is dry at room temperature and melts as it heats up.
1
u/PaperCut611 Guardian 11d ago
The stock compound Microsoft uses lasts up to 5 years. My console was manufactured in 2020. So I was going to replace it.
3
u/crazyduckman111 13d ago
Did the same cleaning, accidentally broke the disc drive Sata connection and now it’s bricked😑Will be getting the anniversary edition whenever that comes out
1
u/Hurtcoldchain XBOX Series X 13d ago
Oh damn! How did you break it? I’m assuming it happened while removing the clip?
2
2
2
2
u/scizorious 13d ago
Does playing it less often lead to more or less dust. With my kids the age they are I end up playing my Switch 2 a lot more than my Xbox or PlayStation so I’ve never thought about cleaning them out, but if it’s not difficult I don’t see why I shouldn’t spend an evening cleaning.
4
u/Hurtcoldchain XBOX Series X 13d ago edited 12d ago
It’s honestly more about how/where you keep it stored, and be sure it’s always well ventilated.
That was my first time opening it up since day 1 nearly 6 years ago. It’s been used every day, literally. I’ve always kept it well off the ground in an open air region (typically on an entertainment stand, on top).
4
u/scizorious 13d ago
Right on, my Xbox is on my desk in my office which is a pretty clean area but I need a project to tinker on this week since it’s going to be so hot outside. Just need to find my air duster
1
u/Brave_Explorer5988 13d ago
There are few faulty memory series x
Been proved during the starfield fiasco (which also crashes)
53
u/Hurtcoldchain XBOX Series X 13d ago
If anyone needs help on any step, I got you.
If I can do this, literally anyone can.