Console · Microsoft · Xbox Series X
Microsoft Xbox Series X Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Microsoft Xbox Series X
Before you begin
Tools
- T8 Security Torx screwdriver
- T10 Torx screwdriver
- TR7 Torx screwdriver
- Spudger
- Tweezers
- Soft brush
- Compressed air can
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- High-performance thermal paste
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
Safety
- Disconnect the console completely from AC power before starting disassembly.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent ESD damage to delicate surface-mount components.
- Work in a well-ventilated space when using high-concentration isopropyl alcohol.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Unplug Console Power and External Cables
1 minDisconnect the AC power cord, HDMI cable, and all external accessories immediately. Never attempt water damage repair while the system is connected to power.
- 2
Peel Rear Warranty Stickers
2 minUse tweezers to peel off the sticker above the expansion slot and the green label covering the lower screw hole.
- 3
Remove Rear Panel Screws
2 minUse a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the rear outer casing.
- 4
Slide Off Rear Shell
2 minGently slide the rear plastic housing upward and lift it away from the internal metal frame.
- 5
Pry Off Bottom Stand
3 minInsert a spudger around the edge of the circular bottom base plate to release its plastic tabs and lift it off.
- 6
Remove Bottom Chassis Screws
3 minUnscrew the exposed T8 Torx screws along the lower perimeter of the inner plastic frame.
- 7
Disconnect Main Cooling Fan
3 minRemove the fan retaining screws with a T8 Torx screwdriver and unclip the 4-pin fan connector from the main board.
- 8
Lift Out Internal Fan
2 minCarefully pull the large top cooling fan straight up out of the chassis.
- 9
Remove Internal Power Supply
4 minRemove the T10 Torx screws securing the internal power supply module and lift it out of the frame.
- 10
Disconnect Optical Disc Drive
3 minUnplug the power and data ribbon cables connected to the disc drive, then lift the drive out of the housing.
- 11
Unbolt Central Heatsink Frame
5 minRemove the T10 Torx screws around the perimeter of the aluminum core structure holding the boards together.
- 12
Separate Dual Motherboards
4 minCarefully pull the main system board and secondary board off the central aluminum heatsink chassis.
- 13
Scrub Motherboards with Isopropyl Alcohol
10 minDip a soft brush in 99% isopropyl alcohol and scrub away all liquid residue and corrosion from both motherboards.
- 14
Clean Power and Auxiliary Boards
8 minInspect the internal power supply board and disc drive board, scrubbing away visible liquid marks with alcohol.
- 15
Remove Old Thermal Paste
5 minClean off dried thermal paste from the APU die and copper heatsink contact plate using alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
- 16
Dry Board Components Thoroughly
15 minUse compressed air to blow out trapped moisture from beneath BGA chips, then allow all components to dry completely.
- 17
Apply Fresh Thermal Paste
2 minPlace a small pea-sized dot of high-performance thermal paste onto the center of the clean APU die.
- 18
Reassemble Internal Frame and Test
12 minReattach the motherboards to the central heat sink frame, secure all screws in reverse order, and test the console before replacing the outer shell.
After your Microsoft Xbox Series X water damage repair
Power the Xbox Series X back on and test the water damage repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Microsoft Xbox Series X job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Microsoft Xbox Series X repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
