The Xbox Series X is one of the most advanced gaming consoles available in the market today. Like any other high-performance console, it requires maintenance to keep it running at optimal levels.
If properly maintained, an Xbox Series X will not suffer from self-shutdowns, performance throttling, and damage to internal systems due to overheating.
This guide aims to assist you in understanding the causes of overheating in an Xbox Series X and provide solutions, along with ways to prevent it in the future.
Symptoms of Overheating
As a first step, familiarize yourself with the following signs of overheating:
Externally, the console is scorching
The console emits an unusually loud noise
Games becoming unresponsive
Unplanned power down
Console warning systems activate to notify users
In case of soreness from the above-mentioned issues, corrective action must be taken.
1. Vents and Fan Maintenance
Just like in other consoles, airflow is one of the primary factors that avteraged to impact performance.
Addressing airflow becomes essential in case dust is an issue. Addressing airflow is as simple as plugging the Xbox with a can of compressed air without cutting the console open. Doing so ensures that the warranty does not suffer.
How to Do It
Switch off your Xbox Series X and make sure all plugs are power are removed.
Remove dust from the rear and top vents using a can of compressed air.
Utilising a soft-bristle brush or vacuum on a lower pressure setting will work as well on vent openings.
2. Make Sure There Is Adequate Air Circulation
How It Is Beneficial:
Cool air intake and hot air exhaust should be unrestricted on the Xbox Series X console.
Recommendations:
Do not insert the console in a closed cabinet; put it in an open, spaced area.
Free space of 4-6 inches towards the sides, back, and top of the console should be maintained.
Avoid putting the console near walls, electronic devices, or heat-emitting objects.
3. Change The Orientation Of The Console To Vertical
How It Is Beneficial:
The Series X is intended to be oriented vertically, which allow Microsoft to provide better airflow via the top vent.
Instructions:
Put the console upright and ensure the top exhaust vent is unobstructed.
It should not be covered by anything or blocked.
4. Do Not Overextend Console Usage Without Intervals
Why it Helps:
The hardware will become overworked and overheated if the console has lengthy gaming sessions.
Instructions:
Try taking breaks every 2-3 hours to let the console cool down.
Turn off any apps or games that are not in use to minimize background processes.
5. Control The Temperature Of The Room
Why It Helps:
Directly setting the overheating levels of the console.
Recommendations:
Avoid allowing sunlight or heating vents to shine down on the console.
Use a powerful fan or air conditioner in the room.
6. Update Your Console Software
Why It Helps:
Improvements to fan control and thermal management may be included in your system updates.
How to Check:
Settings > System > Updates.
Check that your console has the latest system version.
7. Remove External Heat Sources
Why It Helps:
Surrounding electronics can increase the temperature of the environment around the console.
What to Do:
Avoid placing the console next to routers, PCs, TVs, or any heat-generating devices.
Don’t stack devices on top of each other.
8. Use a Cooling Stand or External Fan (Optional)
Why It Helps:
Cooling accessories provide better airflow which helps to lower the internal temperature.
Note:
Avoid all third-party products that don’t have a good reputation.
Check what customers say about the cooling stand before buying it.
9. Reset Console (If Issues Persist)
Why It Helps:
Occasionally, hardware may be overworked due to system bugs or corrupted data.
Steps:
Settings > System > Console Info > Reset Console.
Pick Reset and Keep My Games & Apps to retain data.
10. Contact Xbox Support for Repairs
If your Xbox Series X continues to overheat despite trying all the above steps, it may have underlying hardware issues. If the device is still under warranty, contact Microsoft Xbox Support for repair or replacement.
Conclusion
As discussed earlier, the most common problem where an Xbox Series X gets damaged is overheating. You can avoid this with a clean environment, proper ventilation, regular maintenance, and timely system updates.
Following the recommendations we shared, we guarantee you will achieve effortless and smooth performance without overheating issues.