Chosen Solution
My friend recently gave me his refurbished Xbox 360. We tested it out to see what was wrong with it and here is what we found: No RRODsSound worksTurning it on displays a black screen with white dots running across diagonally. I googled around and this appears to be (correct me if I am wrong) a GPU problem leading up to the dreaded RROD. I plan to take apart the Xbox and deal with the problem. I’ve received recommendation to do many things and I wanted to consult iFixit before I purchase anything. Do I need to resolder the GPU connectors? Buy a new heatsink? Reapply thermal paste? Clean the fans? Help would be greatly appreciated!
It’s definently a problem with the GPU. It will probably need to be reflowed, and have the x-clamps replaced with screws. Buying a new GPU chip is not ever necessicary unless there is physical damage to it. If it is a 1st generation “Xenon” console (Manufactured 2005-2006, and with no HDMI port) then you should look into buying a 2nd generation GPU heatsink. (These have a heatpipe, and will keep the GPU cooler) and I always recommend replacing the thermal paste with Arctic Silver 5.
