How to Repair the Video Card in the XBox 360

Most Xbox 360 owners enjoy their gaming console without a hitch. However, when a problem does plague the system, it is usually a failure of the video (graphics) card. This is caused by an overheating of the game console due to lack of proper cooling. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars at a repair shop to have it fixed. In fact you can fix it yourself at home relatively easily. So grab your tools and Xbox 360 console, and let's get started!

Removing the Xbox 360 Housing

Remove the hard drive from the back of the Xbox 360 console (it should pull right off), then remove the face plate from the front of the console (also should pull right off).

Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws in the side panels on the console.

Use your flat-head screwdriver to pop out the tabs in the rear of the Xbox console above the power input, as well as the tabs in the front of the console above the controller inputs.

Remove the plastic outer housing on the Xbox console.

Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove all of the screws in the interior metal housing over the motherboard and remove the power button on the front of the console. Remove the cover of the metal housing, revealing the motherboard.

Remove the DVD drive (the connector wire should pop right out) and fan. Take out the X-clamps (X-shaped metal bars) from the back of the motherboard by popping them out with your flat-head screwdriver.

Locate the video card (small black square in the center of the motherboard) and notice the chip in the center of the card. It should be covered in old thermal paste.

Fixing the Video Card

Clean the accumulation of old and dirty thermal paste residue off of the front of the video card using your cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol. Make sure you remove all of the goo, leaving a clean and shiny video card.

Apply a tiny spot of thermal paste (available at any electronics store) over the chip and smear evenly, covering the entire area.

Replace the X clamps, then the fan, and continue to reassemble your Xbox the same way you disassembled it.

Turn on your Xbox and check the video quality. Everything should be completely repaired.