The Xbox is one of the best gaming systems around, but it is not necessarily cheap. With prices of up to $300-$400 for consoles like the Elite Console and the Xbox Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Elite Console, an Xbox 360 can be a serious investment. When you factor in necessities like a universal remote and extra controllers, the price tag for a high quality system can be in the hundreds of dollars easily.
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.
To counteract the damaging effects of overheating in the Xbox 360, you must ensure that you give it breaks after long hours of service in your gaming life. Often, even 30-minute breaks in-between 6-hour games are sufficient. You also need to position the Xbox 360 away from sources that generate heat like sunlight and heating vents as well as materials that trap heat like carpets and blankets.
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 prevent dust and dirt from damaging your Xbox 360, do not keep it near any places which dust collects such as open windows. One place which a lot of gamers tend to store their Xbox is a definite no-no: underneath the bed. When you are not using your Xbox 360, consider using a protective cover to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the unit.
Some gamers bring their Xbox on the road with them. While not recommended, you can do this as long as you use a good carrying case for your console which gives it ample protection from bumps, dirt and dust.
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.
Your Xbox 360 is not just any gaming system - it is an investment you need to protect. With diligent care, you can ensure that your Xbox can keep you entertained for years to come. - 29872
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.
To counteract the damaging effects of overheating in the Xbox 360, you must ensure that you give it breaks after long hours of service in your gaming life. Often, even 30-minute breaks in-between 6-hour games are sufficient. You also need to position the Xbox 360 away from sources that generate heat like sunlight and heating vents as well as materials that trap heat like carpets and blankets.
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 prevent dust and dirt from damaging your Xbox 360, do not keep it near any places which dust collects such as open windows. One place which a lot of gamers tend to store their Xbox is a definite no-no: underneath the bed. When you are not using your Xbox 360, consider using a protective cover to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the unit.
Some gamers bring their Xbox on the road with them. While not recommended, you can do this as long as you use a good carrying case for your console which gives it ample protection from bumps, dirt and dust.
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.
Your Xbox 360 is not just any gaming system - it is an investment you need to protect. With diligent care, you can ensure that your Xbox can keep you entertained for years to come. - 29872
About the Author:
Do you want to find out how to do the XBOX 3 red lights by yourself to save money? See this to learn all about the XBOX red ring of death and other repairs too. Do it yourself and you can play games later today!!
