NEED ADVICE: my Xbox Broke, 2 Red Rings of Death (?)

[Hotsauce]

Today I was playing COD and my Xbox just turns off, and about 5 secs later, I get 2 Red Rings Blinking. I decided to unplug, let cool (even though I had only played 2 games). When I plugged in, I got halfway into a game and the same thing happened. I tried unpluging for a longer period of time, still no go.

Researched, turns out my my unit "overheated". My system sits on top of a table, and literally has nothing around it. The temp was probably around 74 in the room, when I felt the Xbox and table, they were warmer, but not hot by any means.

I went through the recommended troubleshooting and it still wont work.

Instructions from M$ here...

There were 3 potential fixes M$ offers. The 3rd being to send it in for repairs. My warranty is way expired, and this will cost me $99, plus shipping. I really enjoy the system, and have invested money into the games, controllers, etc.. Money is VERY tight right now (wife not working and new baby). I hate to have to spend an extra $150~ to fix the damn thing.

Could you guys help me figure out my options? Could I take the chance and buy one off Craigslist for $50 and it not work. Is there a home remedy that I could try (no I am not going to put it in the freezer or wrap a towel around it). I am not too big on taking it apart, unless it is easy. I figure if the warranty is already voided, would it matter that I took it apart? I did find one youtube video where they said the dust inside could cause the 2 red rings. Is opening the xbox hard?

[NCstoner420]

Tell them you just bought it from a store about 18 months ago, they should still have the 3 year warranty.

[Lumps]

It is overheating because you most likley have a pre-Jasper cpu chip (175 watt). Originally they ran at 250 watts and the current model with the best chip runs at 150-. The cpu will overheat because it simply can't handle the power, there is nothing you can do and will eventually happen with any used older model. My advice is save up and buy a new one on ebay that you know has at least a jasper or later cpu. No worries about overheating.

[Guest Irv]

i guess its time to go outside then

[Hotsauce]

LOL, looks like this guy has it all figured out! what I feel like doing!

[Hotsauce]

It is overheating because you most likley have a pre-Jasper cpu chip (175 watt). Originally they ran at 250 watts and the current model with the best chip runs at 150-. The cpu will overheat because it simply can't handle the power, there is nothing you can do and will eventually happen with any used older model. My advice is save up and buy a new one on ebay that you know has at least a jasper or later cpu. No worries about overheating.

I actually bought an XBox black elite in like 2009...would my warranty still be good? They dont list a number on the website for me to call Microsoft and explain. I thought the Elite's had better hardware to prevent this?

Should I call? Anyone know the number?

[carpanfan96]

I actually bought an XBox black elite in like 2009...would my warranty still be good? They dont list a number on the website for me to call Microsoft and explain. I thought the Elite's had better hardware to prevent this?

Should I call? Anyone know the number?

You should still be in warranty for the red rings. No biggie, just call them up and tell them about the lights. 1-800-4myxbox / 1-800-469-9269.

[Zaximus]

If you can't get them to fix it via warranty, there are kits on ebay for like $12 shipped that have everything to fix the 2 red ring issue. It usually works, but not forever. I had a 20gig xbox Pro that I fixed 3-4 times over 3-4 years and it kept trucking till a year ago. I did have a different model so some of the things may be a bit different.

[Henne Given Sunday]

Get a PS3

[g5jamz]

Just go online...plug in your serial number...they'll tell you if it's still under warranty.

$100 bucks I think is the most you're out getting it fixed (out of warranty).

[Hugor Hill]

I've had 1 red ring of death. My friend on the other hand has had 4. So he quit xbox and bought ps3. I'm guessing you have an older xbox without the Jasper chip in it. I would give you my advice, but since what I was going to say has already been said, I'll shut the hell up.

[mmmbeans]

Get a PS3

happens to ps3s too albeit with less frequency.

[Jbro]

Buy a new one at walmart, switch serial numbers, return the busted one.

[mmmbeans]

Buy a new one at walmart, switch serial numbers, return the busted one.

make sure to use a hair-dryer on the glue.

orrrr.... you could deal with it like an adult.