Nathan Sweet
Eastern Kentucky University
Overview
• Aims to solve overheating problems in first
gen Xbox 360
• Full size ATX case instead of Xbox case
• Additional cooling
• Addition of 3rd party wireless networking
hardware
• Maintains all of Xbox 360 functionalities
Motivation
• Needed an affordable media center
• Xbox 360 already on hand suffering from red
ring problems after several repair attempts
• Aftermarket cooling options helped but still
failed, more drastic measures needed
Problem Statement
• Needed media center capable of streaming
over Wi-Fi on a limited budget
• Xbox 360 on hand suffered from overheating
problems causing it to be unreliable
• 360 also lacked wireless capabilities
Assumptions
• Cost effective but only if Xbox does not need
to be purchased
• Assumes source of Xbox failure is poor
ventilation and insufficient cooling
Proposed Solution
• Disassemble console down to basic
components
• Transplant all Xbox 360 hardware into a full
size ATX computer case
• Include additional cooling fans
• Add wireless networking hardware
• Extend all connections and make them
external to the computer case
Results
• Fully functional Xbox 360 housed inside a
computer case
Results
• Wi-Fi Capabilities from TPLink TL-WA701ND Access
point configured as a
client bridge
• Internal to computer case
Results
• USB and HDMI ports made
accessible externally via
extension cables
• USB connected to computer
case front panel ports
Results
• Two additional fans
controlled by switch
inside front panel of
case
Results
• Optical drive easily accessible
inside front panel of case
Results
• All components housed in computer case
Results
• Finished Product
Conclusion
•
•
•
•
Rough around the edges but fully functional
Overheating problems solved
All functions of Xbox 360 console maintained
Compatible with 802.11 (b/g/n)
Future Work
• Replacement of Xbox power brick and
auxiliary power supply with standard
computer power supply
• Cleaner wire routing
• Additional fan (total of 3)
• Addition of LED lights inside case
References
•
Modgyver. (2011, July 20). TUTORIAL''How to install xbox360 motherboard inside a pc case. - YouTube.
YouTube. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pyRsbqUoFU
•
QuackMasterDan. (n.d.). How to Disassemble a Xbox 360. DIY Instructables - Share What You Make.
Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Disassemble-a-Xbox360/?ALLSTEPS
•
Seraphic. (2003, December 16). Power Sources . Scenyx Entertainment Community (Powered by Invision
Power Board). Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://forums.xboxscene.com/index.php?showtopic=613160
•
Jacob5680. (n.d.). Disassembling and Cleaning Xbox-360 Power Supply ( Brick ). DIY Instructables - Share
What You Make. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassembling-andCleaning-Xbox-360-Power-Supply-/?ALLSTEPS
•
HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 | Geeks are Sexy Technology News. (n.d.). Geeks are Sexy
Technology News | tech, science, news and social issues for geeks. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from
http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2007/10/02/how-to-cheap-wireless-for-your-xbox-360/