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A project addressing overheating issues in first-gen Xbox 360 by transforming it into a media center with enhanced cooling and wireless capabilities within a full-size ATX case. This solution maintains Xbox functionalities and Wi-Fi streaming on a budget.
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PC360 MEDIA CENTER Nathan Sweet Eastern Kentucky University
Overview • Aims to solve overheating problems in first gen Xbox 360 • Full size ATX case instead of Xbox case • Additional cooling • Addition of 3rd party wireless networking hardware • Maintains all of Xbox 360 functionalities
Motivation • Needed an affordable media center • Xbox 360 already on hand suffering from red ring problems after several repair attempts • Aftermarket cooling options helped but still failed, more drastic measures needed
Problem Statement • Needed media center capable of streaming over Wi-Fi on a limited budget • Xbox 360 on hand suffered from overheating problems causing it to be unreliable • 360 also lacked wireless capabilities
Assumptions • Cost effective but only if Xbox does not need to be purchased • Assumes source of Xbox failure is poor ventilation and insufficient cooling
Proposed Solution • Disassemble console down to basic components • Transplant all Xbox 360 hardware into a full size ATX computer case • Include additional cooling fans • Add wireless networking hardware • Extend all connections and make them external to the computer case
Results • Fully functional Xbox 360 housed inside a computer case
Results • Wi-Fi Capabilities from TP-Link TL-WA701ND Access point configured as a client bridge • Internal to computer case
Results • USB and HDMI ports made accessible externally via extension cables • USB connected to computer case front panel ports
Results • Two additional fans controlled by switch inside front panel of case
Results • Optical drive easily accessible inside front panel of case
Results • All components housed in computer case
Results • Finished Product
Conclusion • Rough around the edges but fully functional • Overheating problems solved • All functions of Xbox 360 console maintained • Compatible with 802.11 (b/g/n)
Future Work • Replacement of Xbox power brick and auxiliary power supply with standard computer power supply • Cleaner wire routing • Additional fan (total of 3) • Addition of LED lights inside case
References • Modgyver. (2011, July 20). TUTORIAL''How to install xbox360 motherboard inside a pc case. - YouTube. YouTube. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pyRsbqUoFU • QuackMasterDan. (n.d.). How to Disassemble a Xbox 360. DIY Instructables - Share What You Make. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Disassemble-a-Xbox-360/?ALLSTEPS • Seraphic. (2003, December 16). Power Sources . Scenyx Entertainment Community (Powered by Invision Power Board). Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=613160 • Jacob5680. (n.d.). Disassembling and Cleaning Xbox-360 Power Supply ( Brick ). DIY Instructables - Share What You Make. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassembling-and-Cleaning-Xbox-360-Power-Supply-/?ALLSTEPS • HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 | Geeks are Sexy Technology News. (n.d.). Geeks are Sexy Technology News | tech, science, news and social issues for geeks. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2007/10/02/how-to-cheap-wireless-for-your-xbox-360/