Well, it finally happened...

[xan_racketBOY_fan]

Before getting the 3 red rings, I was experiencing video problems. What started out as incorrect colors, picture flicker, then eventually power up to the infamous rrod. I guess the X-clamp fix works best for certain issues.

[CFFJR]

Well that's the thing, some of these posts are confirming what I've been reading, which is that even if the X clamp works for a system, its really a temporary fix, and that it eventually puts more stress on the board from tightening the bolts.

Whatever the case might be, if there's a "better" way, I'm willing to pony up for it if it means that there's less risk for another problem in the future.

I found a local pc repair place that also services current consoles. They seem pretty legit, and on the plus side they're also a mere 10-15 minute drive from my house, heh heh. I think I might check'em out.

For you guys that got your systems working, I say congrats.

Dakinggamer, its good to have a backup. Honestly, I would consider going the same route, but the truth is I don't want to upgrade because I'm simply attached to my xbox. I was always so happy that it never gave me any problems while other people's systems were dropping like flies, it would feel cruel to turn my back after all this time!

Yeah, I know, its dumb, but I still have my original dreamcast, and it died in 2002. What can I say?

[Niode]

Well that's the thing, some of these posts are confirming what I've been reading, which is that even if the X clamp works for a system, its really a temporary fix, and that it eventually puts more stress on the board from tightening the bolts.

Whatever the case might be, if there's a "better" way, I'm willing to pony up for it if it means that there's less risk for another problem in the future.

I found a local pc repair place that also services current consoles. They seem pretty legit, and on the plus side they're also a mere 10-15 minute drive from my house, heh heh. I think I might check'em out.

For you guys that got your systems working, I say congrats.

Dakinggamer, its good to have a backup. Honestly, I would consider going the same route, but the truth is I don't want to upgrade because I'm simply attached to my xbox. I was always so happy that it never gave me any problems while other people's systems were dropping like flies, it would feel cruel to turn my back after all this time!

Yeah, I know, its dumb, but I still have my original dreamcast, and it died in 2002. What can I say?

Ask if they have a BGA workstation. If not, don't bother, they're just going to do what you can do at home for very little cost. The only way to permanently fix the 360 is by reworking the BGA with high quality (leaded) solder. You can do a similar temporary fix at home like Hobie mentioned. It's also the method I used to fix my 360, it's worked for the times that I've got it out for LAN play. However it is no longer my main machine since I have an Elite now.

[CFFJR]

Ask if they have a BGA workstation. If not, don't bother, they're just going to do what you can do at home for very little cost. The only way to permanently fix the 360 is by reworking the BGA with high quality (leaded) solder. You can do a similar temporary fix at home like Hobie mentioned. It's also the method I used to fix my 360, it's worked for the times that I've got it out for LAN play. However it is no longer my main machine since I have an Elite now.

Here's a quote from their website:

Reflowing is the process of re-soldering the processors to the motherboard repairing the microscopic cracks that cause the CPU and GPU chips to lose contact though heating and cooling cycles. All of our automated BGA Chip rework is done exclusively with Dark Infrared technology and custom rework profiles.

It doesn't specify a workstation exactly, but they seem to be talking about the same thing. Does it sound right to you or should I look elsewhere? I don't know much from this stuff.

[Niode]

Ask if they have a BGA workstation. If not, don't bother, they're just going to do what you can do at home for very little cost. The only way to permanently fix the 360 is by reworking the BGA with high quality (leaded) solder. You can do a similar temporary fix at home like Hobie mentioned. It's also the method I used to fix my 360, it's worked for the times that I've got it out for LAN play. However it is no longer my main machine since I have an Elite now.

Here's a quote from their website:

Reflowing is the process of re-soldering the processors to the motherboard repairing the microscopic cracks that cause the CPU and GPU chips to lose contact though heating and cooling cycles. All of our automated BGA Chip rework is done exclusively with Dark Infrared technology and custom rework profiles.

It doesn't specify a workstation exactly, but they seem to be talking about the same thing. Does it sound right to you or should I look elsewhere? I don't know much from this stuff.

Yep, that is what I'm talking about. Depending on the cost and it seems worth it for you I'd say to go for it. I just mentioned it because a lot of places offer repair of PS3/360s but don't own a BGA workstation. So they're charging you for a service you can perform at home.

[CFFJR]

Cool, I'll go check them out later this week when I've got some money available, heh.

Thanks.

[CFFJR]

I got my xbox back today, and it works like a charm!

I ended up going to a local game store to get the repair done, and it all went well. Only cost me 50 bucks for the reflow, good deal I say.

[Bradtemple87]

I got my xbox back today, and it works like a charm!

I ended up going to a local game store to get the repair done, and it all went well. Only cost me 50 bucks for the reflow, good deal I say.

good choice, you saved a ton in shipping