May 17, 2017

XBOX 360 Power Brick Fan Replacement

Main guide photo

Introduction

If your XBOX 360 power supply sounds like a little dragon's trapped inside, it's probably high time you change the fan.

Step 1 The Problem !

This is how my power brick sounded when I decided I couldn't bear it anymore

Step 2 Taking off the Screws
Image 1/3: Most of the time, the rubber part will become detached from the plastic one

Image 2/3: Use pliers if necessary

To take off the 4 screws, you need to pry off the rubber feet
Most of the time, the rubber part will become detached from the plastic one
Use pliers if necessary

Step 3 Open up the case

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After removing the 4 screws, pry along the edge to get the two halves separated

Step 4 Remove PCB from main housing
Image 3/3: The main board should come out relatively easily now.

Image 2/3: The main board should come out relatively easily now.

Lift up the light diffuser
Lift up the power-connector & DC out wire
The main board should come out relatively easily now.

Step 5 Disconnect the Fan
Image 1/2: Be careful when pulling the wire out, as it usually gets stuck between the heatsink and capacitors - patience is, as always, key

Image 2/2: Be careful when pulling the wire out, as it usually gets stuck between the heatsink and capacitors - patience is, as always, key

Disconnect the fan from under the main heatsink.
Be careful when pulling the wire out, as it usually gets stuck between the heatsink and capacitors - patience is, as always, key

Step 6 Taking Fan Assembly Out of Upper Case
Image 1/3: After that's done, only a few clamps hold the assembly in Image 2/3: After that's done, only a few clamps hold the assembly in

Image 3/3: After that's done, only a few clamps hold the assembly in
First - just take out the two smaller screws, whilst leaving in the two bigger ones
After that's done, only a few clamps hold the assembly in

Step 7 More Screws ...
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There is yet another sub-assembly holding the fan in - I tip my hat to whoever designed this

Step 8 Fan Size
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The dimension of the fan-holder in my unit might differ from yours, as Microsoft seems to use different suppliers each day for good reasons (such as probably getting more air-flow related complications packed in)

Step 9 Removing the Fan
Image 1/3: Once that's done, there's a pin holding the wire down

Image 2/3: As you probably won't be reusing the piece of junk fan that brought you to this guide, I suggest you go medieval prying it out - works a treat
Image 3/3: As you probably won't be reusing the piece of junk fan that brought you to this guide, I suggest you go medieval prying it out - works a treat
To actually get to the fan, the faceplate needs removing as well
Once that's done, there's a pin holding the wire down
As you probably won't be reusing the piece of junk fan that brought you to this guide, I suggest you go medieval prying it out - works a treat

Step 10 Replacing the Fan

Image 1/2: !!! Make sure to get a 12V fan, of correct dimensions

Image 2/2: I got mine from an old laptop cooler

With the fan out, the next step is fitting in a replacement
!!! Make sure to get a 12V fan, of correct dimensions
I got mine from an old laptop cooler

Step 11 Mounting new Fan

Image 1/2: Then used some epoxy resin (Poxipol) to glue down the new fan

Image 2/2: To maximize airflow, mount it skewed to the right (from 2nd picture's point of view)

I first sanded down the little protrusion which held the old fan in place
Then used some epoxy resin (Poxipol) to glue down the new fan
To maximize airflow, mount it skewed to the right (from 2nd picture's point of view)

Step 12 Connecting & Testing
Image 1/3: Prep the wire ends by applying solder to them

Image 2/3: Next, feed some tiny shrink wrap over the cable, THEN solder them together (somehow I always end up having to desolder stuff ...:)

Before the resin sets - make sure your fan can spin freely
Prep the wire ends by applying solder to them
Next, feed some tiny shrink wrap over the cable, THEN solder them together (somehow I always end up having to desolder stuff ...:)

Step 13 Done !

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Just put everything back together, and hopefully you found the right fan that's weak enough to not be louder than your XBOX

Author
Darie H
Member since: 11/20/2012
3,814 Reputation
4 Guides authored