Anyone in jhb do the Xclamp fix for rrod consoles? Mines just died and not really keen to buy a new console for just GOW3, so i might just try get it fixed. I have opened it up, might just try it myself, but if anyone does it for a reasonable fee i wont mind paying.
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clamp fix
- Thread starter phiber
- Start date
maestro_za
Expert Member
You know the clamp fix only works a few months right? It's a waste of time as RROD will return before you know it.
The only fix worth the money is the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIwNSBtQKUw - Reballing
The only fix worth the money is the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIwNSBtQKUw - Reballing
gregmcc
Honorary Master
+1
I wouldn't bother with the clamp fix - As Maestro's says get it done properly and will last again for ages.
I wouldn't bother with the clamp fix - As Maestro's says get it done properly and will last again for ages.
evilspinach
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2005
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Maestro, how much are you charging for reballing nowadays? I've been wanting to get mine fixed for some time now.
maestro_za
Expert Member
Hi
R850 with a 90 day warranty. 0 comebacks with untampered units (Non-DIY fixed units have a high chance of successful, lasting repair).
It's quite a bit of work but myself and my technicians are the most experienced in the country.
Cheers
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maestro_za
Expert Member
Ja, needs a decent BGA rework station ($1000+ range), 80W soldering station, stencils, various fluxes and other bits and bobs.
The number one word is patience!
Cheers
FarligOpptreden
Executive Member
Can sadly attest to that. My DIY x-clamp fix lasted a total of... wait for it... 3 minutes.
That was more than a month ago and I just decided to get a new console. Still saving up for that, but my wife may be gracious and get me one for my birthday. 
maestro_za
Expert Member
Can sadly attest to that. My DIY x-clamp fix lasted a total of... wait for it... 3 minutes.
Haha ... at least you have a partner that supports your habit!
FarligOpptreden
Executive Member
Wish I could say it's a habit... I barely got 4 hours of play in a week. Usually late Friday evenings when she's asleep.
My PS3 and Wii are also just gathering dust... Only games I wish to finish on my 'box are Fallout 3 GOTY and Fallout New Vegas. Haven't even unwrapped the plastic on New Vegas after a colleague bought it for me!
Surv0
Executive Member
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I used the Xclamp fix on my xbox, worked solidly for another year then died again. Its all really dependant on how the solder spread out below the chip. If it spread quite thinly, then chances are the clamp wont work. Mine obviously wasnt that bad off so it lasted alot longer than some of the other experiences here.
If you have the clamps, i imported from US back in the day, then its pretty simple.
If you have the clamps, i imported from US back in the day, then its pretty simple.
maestro_za
Expert Member
The x-clamp fix merely forces the BGA (Ball Grid Array) processor solder contacts to make a connection unnaturally. It stresses the mounting holes and flexes the motherboard.
Most Xbox's brought in to us that have been clamp fixed either have ripped pads after we lift the GPU/CPU, motherboard is warped or the processor is dead. It's a real shame this fix was popularized on the Internet as it is utter crap.
I have a feeling once the new Slim has BGA issues that the x-clamp will once again be used *sigh*
I agree, I dont actually think he's lying or being over dramatic either just to get business. The clamp fix is horrendous end-of-story. Think about the physics involved...you're clamping the BGA so hard to try and hope to make connections on all the balls. Friggen madness!
Well, went for xclamp as it was in pieces, machine is old and i really don't want to spend more than 50 bucks to fix it... i know it sounds petty, but i dont really use it.... might decide to buy a new one sometime in the future, but not right now.... 850 is a bit steep, considering the new 4 gig is like 2200 but i dont think i am going to buy a new one now
Oh on the xclamp, its currently "overheating" lets see how it goes.
Oh on the xclamp, its currently "overheating" lets see how it goes.
maestro_za
Expert Member
Uhm ... my point stands - clamp fix is a waste of time
In regards to your post regarding comparing reballing to the price of a new unit, a reballed FAT will probably outlast the Slim in any case as the lead-free solder using in manufacturing is taken out of the equation.
Also R850 is under half the cost of a 4GB Slim so ...
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Uhm ... my point stands - clamp fix is a waste of time
In regards to your post regarding comparing reballing to the price of a new unit, a reballed FAT will probably outlast the Slim in any case as the lead-free solder using in manufacturing is taken out of the equation.
Also R850 is under half the cost of a 4GB Slim so ...
I would rather spend the 2200 and get get the 4 gig slim, this is one of the old NTSC-J consoles that came out in 2006, just not worth hanging onto it anymore. Would rather spend the money on something that would ship with a 3 year warranty etc.
maestro_za
Expert Member
Microsoft no longer offers a hardware failure (RROD/E74) 3 yr warranty as they feel the RROD that plagued the earlier FAT models are a thing of the past. Only extended warranty you get is if you take an extra period with the retailer you buy a Slim from.
The Slim is a nice console by the way and I'll finally upgrade to it once Gears of War 3 comes out!