Top Tips on Xbox 360 Maintenance

By Jack Thompson

At a cost of nearly $400 for the Xbox Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Elite Console and around $300 for the regular Elite Console, the Xbox 360 can be a significant investment for gamers. Including the cost of important accessories such as extra controllers and a universal remote, the price of a top of the line Xbox system can be hundreds.

Even though this system can represent a serious investment, many gamers lose sight of the importance of practicing proper maintenance for their Xbox 360 in the thrill of the gaming this system provides. Gamers will often treat their console as if it were indestructible - at least until the much feared "red ring of death" shows up as a reminder that this system does need to be cared for properly. Once this sign appears, it is often a sign that you need to change your ways and fast if you hope to keep your console working.

Fortunately, you can take the following measures in protecting your Xbox 360 and, hence, prolonging its life for your gaming pleasure. Keep in mind that the main enemies of the Xbox are heat, dust and dirt.

Overheating is the downfall of many Xbox 360 consoles, but it is a preventable problem. Using your console for extended periods can tend to cause overheating; but a 30 minute break every few hours is all your Xbox needs to recover. It is important to keep your Xbox 360 away from materials which trap heat such as carpets and blankets as well as far from direct sunlight, vents and other heat sources.

You should also keep your Xbox 360 away from electronics such as amplifiers; these can generate enough heat to cause trouble for your Xbox as well. Make sure not to keep your Xbox in an enclosed space such as a closed entertainment center while you play - your console needs adequate ventilation to stay cool. The best place to use your Xbox is in a room which is air conditioned or somewhere that you can point a fan directly at the console. There are cooling accessories which you can use to keep your console from overheating, but you need to make sure not to power these accessories from the Xbox 360 unit, since this will actually cause, not prevent overheating.

To keep your Xbox 360 safe from dust and dirt, you should keep the console away from any place which tends to get dusty, such as open windows and especially underneath beds; a place where many Xbox owners seem to stash their consoles. It is recommended to use a cover to protect your Xbox 360 from dust when it is not actually in use.

If you must travel with your Xbox 360 in tow, be sure that you have a special carrying case for it. This way, you provide protection for the console from the dirt, dust and grime as well as the bumps and grinds of transportation.

You can keep your console protected from dust and dirt by keeping the area you keep your Xbox in as free of dirt as possible. You should also keep your Xbox 360 discs protected by keeping them in your cases, since dust and dirt can also damage your games. If you smoke, make sure not to do it around your console; smoke can also damage the system.

Indeed, when it comes to keeping your investment in the pricey Xbox 360, the most important thing is taking care of it like a diligent father would take care of his kids. - 29968

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