The Xbox 360 is a high-performance gaming system that uses a ton of processing power. This, in turn, can cause the Xbox 360 to get too hot for the system to function properly, and often the system simply shuts down. Sometimes 3 of the rings around the controller’s circle will flash, which is why this problem is often referred to as the 3 red lights error or the red lights of death. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can prevent your Xbox 360 from overheating and help extend the life of your system. These simple tips can save you hundreds of dollars and are very easy to implement.
1. Place the Xbox 360 in an area where air can flow freely. Do not place it in a home entertainment center where it is enclosed and lacks airflow.
2. Do not place Xbox 360 on a rug or blanket. This will block the ventilation and cause the system to overheat very quickly.
3. Give it a break – If you feel your Xbox 360 getting hot, just save your game and turn it off for a couple of hours. After it cools down a bit, you can resume the game without worry. If you continue to play when your system is hot, you could cause permanent damage to both the system and the game.
4. Buy a refrigeration unit. They only cost around $25-30 and help keep the Xbox 360 from overheating during long gaming sessions. It may cost a few dollars, but it could save your system.
5. Shut down the system when finished. Sometimes you’ll just leave it on when you leave because you don’t want to wait for the start time when you want to play again, but it’s not worth the damage it could cause to your Xbox 360. Be sure to check that the system is off when you leave because wireless controllers tend to turn it on by accident if you put the bottom side down.
If you follow these tips you should have no problem with your Xbox 360 overheating. If you are having a problem or your Xbox 360 is flashing 3 red lights, you should get the repair guide below.