Ever since X Box 360 was introduced by Microsoft for the gaming community, there has been an expression of unhappiness by the gaming community. It is regarding the 360 freezing issues. Many complain that as many as one third of X Box 360 sold have the 360 freezing issues. Of course, Microsoft has been attending to these 360 freezing issues, but one has to have patience to wait for four to five weeks.



The 360 freezing problem has drawn the attention of many people who frequently use the X Box gaming. Some people have pointed out that even the error message has not appeared on the monitor. Even with online help from Microsoft, the problem continues unabated. Some even complain that the three red lights did not glow to indicate the onset of the problem. This problem has been identified as follows:

1. Microsoft has used BGA chips in the CPU and the GPU. There appears to be faulty design in the clamping mechanism of these CPU and GPU. The faulty design puts more pressure on the centre of the chip. This causes the motherboard to flex and the solder on the CPU and GPU breaks and the problem starts. In course of time the 360 freezing problem gets worse. But, by the process of ‘towel trick', this problem can be got over. After the ‘towel trick', the heat sinks clamps need to be replaced with appropriate nuts and bolts and keep the heatsink in contact with the board so that the board does not wrap again. If the X Box 360 is under warranty, then replacement could be sought from Microsoft. If the X Box 360 is not under warranty, the best option would be to replace the fan and the heat sink clamps so that the problems do not recur.

2. The 360 freezing problem can be got over by ‘towel trick'. In addition to this, it is also advisable that the break in solder could be re-fixed properly. For this, the X Box needs to be opened. If the X Box is opened, it may void the warranty. Notwithstanding, by opening the X Box and by properly soldering the problem can be certainly solved.

3. Some have noticed that the 360 freezing problem is caused because of faulty soldering on the mother board. The other way to get out of this problem is to remove the head sink of the GPU and place tin foil over the plastic pieces on the board. Take a heat gun and place the heat gun and place it on low heat for about two minutes. Trace both front and back side of the board in circular motion. Do this mainly on GPU and RAM chips. Now place the heat gun in high heat for two more minutes and the do the same circular motion. Allow the unit to cool for about half an hour. The Unit will boot without any hitch.

Microsoft has been making effort to solve this 360 freezing problem. But considering the number of defective units which have been sold so far, it would take some time to rectify all the defective units.