Oh sweet Jesus, thank you! I've been waiting until a good sizeable paycheck so I could get my 360 repaired, and now I don't have to. Guess I'll be calling MS tomorrow and setting up a repair.
I'm lucky that my 360 hasn't had a single problem since I've had it.
I hope I'm not jinxing it.
What is this 3 ring death thing about anyways? I heard something about foam rubber things inside the console that were the main source of the problem. Anyone care to elaborate?
Essentally the 360 is not desgined that well.
As the system runs it gets hotter, and a vital part of the motherboard warps due to faulty clamps.
I'm lucky that my 360 hasn't had a single problem since I've had it.
I hope I'm not jinxing it.
What is this 3 ring death thing about anyways? I heard something about foam rubber things inside the console that were the main source of the problem. Anyone care to elaborate?
Essentally the 360 is not desgined that well.
As the system runs it gets hotter, and a vital part of the motherboard warps due to faulty clamps.
Its funny reading all these "theories" from people online on what they think is wrong with the 360 :P
Buy a broken 360 off of ebay for cheap, get it fixed for free...
I used to do this with PS2's with the DRE, until everyone and their mother caught on. If you are going to try this, make damn sure the auction ends in like ten minutes.
It's a simplifaction of what I've read, from communities that have modded 360 hardware.
Well it couldnt be farther from teh truth.
All these people online who claim they know what is wrong with the console are all mostly wrong.
And from fixing thse faults they get their 360s working again?
Are you telling me that they're all lying?
Here's a quote from someone discribing the freaking problem in more detail.
After reading some of the excellent detective work here re the red lights of death and going over the couple of dead consoles here with a microscope, I've come to the conclusion that in most cases the red lights of death is due to a simple design flaw, not to overheating or poor soldering.
We seem to be seeing consoles where the motherboard has flexed and a few of the solder balls or pads have given way at the corner of the CPU or GPU as pointed out by SMTRework and others.
Now why would a motherboard flex?
The answer is the heatsink clamp design.
If you look at the clamp design, *all* of the pressure to hold the heatsink down is in one tiny point. The centre of the X clamp has a plastic 'spacer button' that sits hard against the bottom of the motherboard and that causes all of the stress to push upwards (towards the bottom centre of both the GPU and the CPU.)
What is the reaction to that upward force? the corners of the motherboard flexing in the opposite direction.
Because the motherrboard is not screwed down to the chassis in the areas around the CPU and GPU the natural reaction is for the board to flex downwards slightly because of the pressure in the middle pushing upwards.
When the console gets hot, the solder balls may become slightly softer allowing the board to flex further and the break occurs.
Even if the soldering was perfect the poor design of the heatsink clamps means the corners of the CPU and GPU are going to be under tension.
So perhaps the fix would be to remove the clamps altogether, fit 'screw in' pegs to the chassis and screw down the motherboard and the heatsink so rather than tension being on the board to flex, it is actually encouraged to stay flat. The existing holes in the board where the clamp attached would be ideal.
So extra cooling and other measures may not do squat unless you remove the tension of the giant pimple trying to push up from the bottom.
I just want to know the "real truth" from BigRed, since he's claiming he has all the answers.
"We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so..."
"All these people online who claim they know what is wrong with the console are all mostly wrong."
So everyone is wrong but you know exactly what's wrong with the system. Well then, what's the hubbub, bub? What's exactly wrong with the system?
Dashui on
Xbox Live, PSN & Origin: Vacorsis 3DS: 2638-0037-166
It's a simplifaction of what I've read, from communities that have modded 360 hardware.
Well it couldnt be farther from teh truth.
All these people online who claim they know what is wrong with the console are all mostly wrong.
And from fixing thse faults they get their 360s working again?
Are you telling me that they're all lying?
Here's a quote from someone discribing the freaking problem in more detail.
After reading some of the excellent detective work here re the red lights of death and going over the couple of dead consoles here with a microscope, I've come to the conclusion that in most cases the red lights of death is due to a simple design flaw, not to overheating or poor soldering.
We seem to be seeing consoles where the motherboard has flexed and a few of the solder balls or pads have given way at the corner of the CPU or GPU as pointed out by SMTRework and others.
Now why would a motherboard flex?
The answer is the heatsink clamp design.
If you look at the clamp design, *all* of the pressure to hold the heatsink down is in one tiny point. The centre of the X clamp has a plastic 'spacer button' that sits hard against the bottom of the motherboard and that causes all of the stress to push upwards (towards the bottom centre of both the GPU and the CPU.)
What is the reaction to that upward force? the corners of the motherboard flexing in the opposite direction.
Because the motherrboard is not screwed down to the chassis in the areas around the CPU and GPU the natural reaction is for the board to flex downwards slightly because of the pressure in the middle pushing upwards.
When the console gets hot, the solder balls may become slightly softer allowing the board to flex further and the break occurs.
Even if the soldering was perfect the poor design of the heatsink clamps means the corners of the CPU and GPU are going to be under tension.
So perhaps the fix would be to remove the clamps altogether, fit 'screw in' pegs to the chassis and screw down the motherboard and the heatsink so rather than tension being on the board to flex, it is actually encouraged to stay flat. The existing holes in the board where the clamp attached would be ideal.
So extra cooling and other measures may not do squat unless you remove the tension of the giant pimple trying to push up from the bottom.
They were close, but no cigar. It doesnt have to do with the heatsink clamps.
The clamps arent pulling on the motherboard, they are pulling the heatsink down, and therefore pulling the cpu/gpu into the mobo evenmore. The clamps dont cause it to flex in the way they are describing. The pressure is centered on the core of the cpu/gpu and directly underneath it. Pushing in that one spot on the PCB isnt enough to flex the whole board...
Its most likely just a coincidence that in removing the clamps they did Indeed flex the board (those things are a bitch to get off without the proper tools) and it reset a few connections.
As I said we know exactly what is wrong, and it doesn't have to do with teh heatsink attachments.
If he's under an ironclad NDA, all he can do is be a cocktease.
Yeah thats about all I can do. I can dismiss theories but cant really reveal/say much. Although most people dont understand or actually follow NDA's, and I would like to keep my awesome job kthx
Heh, yes it is.
We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so...
This is awesome and all, you know, that you're all "on top of it" or whatever, but when my console has red-ringed 3 times before being properly repaired your comments don't exactly fill me with confidence.
If he's under an ironclad NDA, all he can do is be a cocktease.
Yeah thats about all I can do. I can dismiss theories but cant really reveal/say much. Although most people dont understand or actually follow NDA's, and I would like to keep my awesome job kthx
Can you at least tell us what part? Is it a problem with the chips themselves, or the installation of them?
Heh, yes it is.
We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so...
This is awesome and all, you know, that you're all "on top of it" or whatever, but when my console has red-ringed 3 times before being properly repaired your comments don't exactly fill me with confidence.
You are saying it was sent for repair 3 times? or shows 3x 3 red rings before it was sent in?
Could a problem with either the Harddrive or power cables cause a ring of death?
My first 360, bought in august last year and died around april/may this year. It gave me fuzzy screens and funny noises and then the red lights. I returned it to EB with my warranty and got a new console. I kept the Harddrive and power cables. About a week or so later, I tried out my second 360 and the first thing I got was the red lights and an error message. Not wanting to let this happen, I turned the 360 off and on a few times and got it to work fine (this was when the Halo 3 beta just came out and I wasn't going to miss that).
So, now it might take 2-3 tries or none to turn my 360 on. Could be a coincidence that this one broke right away or it could be the HD or power cables (if possible).
Either way, I will be sending my 360 in probably next weekend (which will probably be stupid on my part with everyone else sending theirs). I haven't played my 360 in probably a month or two. DS ftw.
Could a problem with either the Harddrive or power cables cause a ring of death?
My first 360, bought in august last year and died around april/may this year. It gave me fuzzy screens and funny noises and then the red lights. I returned it to EB with my warranty and got a new console. I kept the Harddrive and power cables. About a week or so later, I tried out my second 360 and the first thing I got was the red lights and an error message. Not wanting to let this happen, I turned the 360 off and on a few times and got it to work fine (this was when the Halo 3 beta just came out and I wasn't going to miss that).
So, now it might take 2-3 tries or none to turn my 360 on. Could be a coincidence that this one broke right away or it could be the HD or power cables (if possible).
Either way, I will be sending my 360 in probably next weekend (which will probably be stupid on my part with everyone else sending theirs). I haven't played my 360 in probably a month or two. DS ftw.
Nope.
Hard drive/optical drive errors will show a light in the lower right corner and an on screen error E-60 or somthing simlair.
If he's under an ironclad NDA, all he can do is be a cocktease.
Yeah thats about all I can do. I can dismiss theories but cant really reveal/say much. Although most people dont understand or actually follow NDA's, and I would like to keep my awesome job kthx
Can you at least tell us what part? Is it a problem with the chips themselves, or the installation of them?
Heh, yes it is.
We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so...
This is awesome and all, you know, that you're all "on top of it" or whatever, but when my console has red-ringed 3 times before being properly repaired your comments don't exactly fill me with confidence.
You are saying it was sent for repair 3 times? or shows 3x 3 red rings before it was sent in?
3 times sent in. Nov 06, Apr 07, and when I got my box back the second time it lasted 2 days before red-ringing again. Same serial number on the box.
EDIT: Dates.
Heh, yes it is.
We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so...
This is awesome and all, you know, that you're all "on top of it" or whatever, but when my console has red-ringed 3 times before being properly repaired your comments don't exactly fill me with confidence.
You are saying it was sent for repair 3 times? or shows 3x 3 red rings before it was sent in?
3 times sent in. Nov 06, Apr 06, and when I got my box back the second time it lasted 2 days before red-ringing again. Same serial number on the box.
Well things were pretty bad with the repair process. I cant really say much but that it looks like you got the short end of the stick. That sucks man
At least things are a lot better now.
Heh, yes it is.
We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so...
This is awesome and all, you know, that you're all "on top of it" or whatever, but when my console has red-ringed 3 times before being properly repaired your comments don't exactly fill me with confidence.
You are saying it was sent for repair 3 times? or shows 3x 3 red rings before it was sent in?
3 times sent in. Nov 06, Apr 07, and when I got my box back the second time it lasted 2 days before red-ringing again. Same serial number on the box.
EDIT: Dates.
Heh, yes it is.
We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so...
This is awesome and all, you know, that you're all "on top of it" or whatever, but when my console has red-ringed 3 times before being properly repaired your comments don't exactly fill me with confidence.
You are saying it was sent for repair 3 times? or shows 3x 3 red rings before it was sent in?
3 times sent in. Nov 06, Apr 06, and when I got my box back the second time it lasted 2 days before red-ringing again. Same serial number on the box.
Well things were pretty bad with the repair process. I cant really say much but that it looks like you got the short end of the stick. That sucks man
At least things are a lot better now.
Indeed. I'm very happy about the warranty changes. Sadly I'd be a fool if I didn't remain skeptical that you guys know exactly what the problem is when six months after one repair my system is experiencing another "general" failure. I mean, the first repair must have been good if it worked for that long?
The 360 might be an electronic onion which whilst peeled reveals even more crisp, tear inducing problems.
Heh, yes it is.
We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so...
This is awesome and all, you know, that you're all "on top of it" or whatever, but when my console has red-ringed 3 times before being properly repaired your comments don't exactly fill me with confidence.
You are saying it was sent for repair 3 times? or shows 3x 3 red rings before it was sent in?
3 times sent in. Nov 06, Apr 07, and when I got my box back the second time it lasted 2 days before red-ringing again. Same serial number on the box.
EDIT: Dates.
You swapped out your power brick each time right?
The power brick works and was not requested by Microsoft, so no.
But seriously - how the fuck can someone get and keep a job at Microsoft when they CONSTANTLY misspell the word "the".
In this thread alone you've a) maintained that Xbox failure rates aren't that bad, b) maintained that all of the recorded evidence that folks have regarding what they believe to be the problem with the 360 is wrong and c) used the word "teh" in nearly ever post.
Pony up and quit being coy. If you really work for "Teh MSeses": spit some figures on the defective rate. Give us a concise explanation as to what's wrong with it - and back it up. And for Christ's sake, buy a Macintosh and use the built-in spellchecker.
Three year warranty? Holy crap. That's pretty much unheard in the electronics world.
So is the horrifically bad failure rate of this electronic device and the terrible customer service and ridiculousness of having to send a single console in to be repaired (and having to pay each time) over ten times.
Three year warranty? Holy crap. That's pretty much unheard in the electronics world.
So is the horrifically bad failure rate of this electronic device and the terrible customer service and ridiculousness of having to send a single console in to be repaired (and having to pay each time) over ten times.
Posts
Essentally the 360 is not desgined that well.
As the system runs it gets hotter, and a vital part of the motherboard warps due to faulty clamps.
Its funny reading all these "theories" from people online on what they think is wrong with the 360 :P
Heh, yes it is.
We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so...
http://search.ebay.com/broken-360
Buy a broken 360 off of ebay for cheap, get it fixed for free...
I'M A TWITTER SHITTER
I used to do this with PS2's with the DRE, until everyone and their mother caught on. If you are going to try this, make damn sure the auction ends in like ten minutes.
hahaha thats actually a good idea. Get it while you can though, im sure they will catch on soon.
Good plan. Also if your 360 dies god hates you too :P
Well it couldnt be farther from teh truth.
All these people online who claim they know what is wrong with the console are all mostly wrong.
But I've know that for, oh, 23 years or so.
And from fixing thse faults they get their 360s working again?
Are you telling me that they're all lying?
Here's a quote from someone discribing the freaking problem in more detail.
"We know exactly what is wrong with the console, and thats not it so..."
"All these people online who claim they know what is wrong with the console are all mostly wrong."
So everyone is wrong but you know exactly what's wrong with the system. Well then, what's the hubbub, bub? What's exactly wrong with the system?
XBL : lJesse Custerl | MWO: Jesse Custer | Best vid ever. | 2nd best vid ever.
They were close, but no cigar. It doesnt have to do with the heatsink clamps.
The clamps arent pulling on the motherboard, they are pulling the heatsink down, and therefore pulling the cpu/gpu into the mobo evenmore. The clamps dont cause it to flex in the way they are describing. The pressure is centered on the core of the cpu/gpu and directly underneath it. Pushing in that one spot on the PCB isnt enough to flex the whole board...
Its most likely just a coincidence that in removing the clamps they did Indeed flex the board (those things are a bitch to get off without the proper tools) and it reset a few connections.
As I said we know exactly what is wrong, and it doesn't have to do with teh heatsink attachments.
Yeah thats about all I can do. I can dismiss theories but cant really reveal/say much. Although most people dont understand or actually follow NDA's, and I would like to keep my awesome job kthx
I confirmed that god hates everyone who's 360 has died.
God did it.
This is awesome and all, you know, that you're all "on top of it" or whatever, but when my console has red-ringed 3 times before being properly repaired your comments don't exactly fill me with confidence.
This guy needs a cookie.
Or he's just bsing like he knows :P
I never asked for this!
This is proof that the atheists are wrong and stupid! Conform and have working Xbox 360s! Praise Jesus.
Can you at least tell us what part? Is it a problem with the chips themselves, or the installation of them?
But I eated them, so.
You are saying it was sent for repair 3 times? or shows 3x 3 red rings before it was sent in?
I like to give everyone an out.
XBL : lJesse Custerl | MWO: Jesse Custer | Best vid ever. | 2nd best vid ever.
My first 360, bought in august last year and died around april/may this year. It gave me fuzzy screens and funny noises and then the red lights. I returned it to EB with my warranty and got a new console. I kept the Harddrive and power cables. About a week or so later, I tried out my second 360 and the first thing I got was the red lights and an error message. Not wanting to let this happen, I turned the 360 off and on a few times and got it to work fine (this was when the Halo 3 beta just came out and I wasn't going to miss that).
So, now it might take 2-3 tries or none to turn my 360 on. Could be a coincidence that this one broke right away or it could be the HD or power cables (if possible).
Either way, I will be sending my 360 in probably next weekend (which will probably be stupid on my part with everyone else sending theirs). I haven't played my 360 in probably a month or two. DS ftw.
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Nope.
Hard drive/optical drive errors will show a light in the lower right corner and an on screen error E-60 or somthing simlair.
X treme bottomfed
3 times sent in. Nov 06, Apr 07, and when I got my box back the second time it lasted 2 days before red-ringing again. Same serial number on the box.
EDIT: Dates.
Well things were pretty bad with the repair process. I cant really say much but that it looks like you got the short end of the stick. That sucks man
At least things are a lot better now.
Indeed. I'm very happy about the warranty changes. Sadly I'd be a fool if I didn't remain skeptical that you guys know exactly what the problem is when six months after one repair my system is experiencing another "general" failure. I mean, the first repair must have been good if it worked for that long?
The 360 might be an electronic onion which whilst peeled reveals even more crisp, tear inducing problems.
The power brick works and was not requested by Microsoft, so no.
But seriously - how the fuck can someone get and keep a job at Microsoft when they CONSTANTLY misspell the word "the".
In this thread alone you've a) maintained that Xbox failure rates aren't that bad, b) maintained that all of the recorded evidence that folks have regarding what they believe to be the problem with the 360 is wrong and c) used the word "teh" in nearly ever post.
Pony up and quit being coy. If you really work for "Teh MSeses": spit some figures on the defective rate. Give us a concise explanation as to what's wrong with it - and back it up. And for Christ's sake, buy a Macintosh and use the built-in spellchecker.
I mean, that's just a few steps above stealing candy from babies while wearing a horrible mask.
PCs have built in spell checkers if you use Firefox.
Don't put me in the cantina.
So is the horrifically bad failure rate of this electronic device and the terrible customer service and ridiculousness of having to send a single console in to be repaired (and having to pay each time) over ten times.
BRAWL CODE: 3866-7685-8500