Fan Removal

Written By: Spencer Day
  • Comments: 0
Fan Removal

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

12

Time Required

No estimate

Introduction

This guide shows how to remove the fan in your Xbox Series X (Digital Edition) gaming console.

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    • Before you begin, completely power down and unplug all cables from your console.

    • Two stickers cover the back panel screws. You can remove the stickers without heating them, though it makes them much easier to remove cleanly.

    • Heat an iOpener and lay it on the smaller sticker near the bottom of the back panel for two minutes.

    • Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to heat the sticker.

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    • Use a pair of angled tweezers to remove the sticker hiding the first screw on the back panel, near the base.

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    • Use an iOpener or hair dryer to heat the larger sticker near the center of the back panel.

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    • Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape up a corner of the larger sticker until you can grip it with a pair of blunt tweezers.

    • Use blunt tweezers to peel back the sticker to reveal the second screw.

    • You only need to peel this sticker to where you can access the hidden screw. You don't need to pull it completely off.

    • Technically, these are tamper-evident stickers, but don't worry—Microsoft can't legally void your warranty, as long as you don't damage anything. Have fun!

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    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your console.

    • Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the two 7.4 mm‑long screws securing the back panel.

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    • Insert the flat end of a spudger into the gap between the back panel and the shell, near the left side of the base.

    • Pry up the back panel to release it from the locking clips.

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    • Insert the flat end of a spudger into the gap between the back panel and the shell, near the right side of the base.

    • Pry up the back panel to release it from the locking clips.

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    • Grip the back panel at the opening you just created and pull it up and away from the shell to unclip the long edges.

    • During reassembly, press along the edges of the back panel to snap it into place.

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    • The back panel slots into a gap at the top of the shell.

    • Tilt the back panel up and pull it away from the top edge of the shell to release it from the gap.

    • Remove the back panel.

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    • Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the three screws securing the fan to the center chassis:

    • One 10.3 mm‑long pancake screw

    • Two 9 mm‑long screws

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    • Use your fingernails or a pair of angled tweezers to firmly grip the edges of the fan cable connector.

    • Grip your tweezers close the connector to get a better grip.

    • Pull the connector straight out of the socket to disconnect it.

    • If you're having trouble, gently rock the connector side to side to loosen it.

    • Always pull cables by their connectors and not the wires themselves.

    • During reassembly, route the fan cable underneath its small cable guide on the fan housing so it doesn't interfere with the back panel.

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    • Slide the fan out of its slot to remove it.

    • During reassembly:

    • Before installing the fan, make sure it's clean! Use a dust blower or compressed air to blow off any dust or debris, and wipe the fan clean with a clean cloth.

    • Use a finger to keep the fan blades steady—it makes them easier to clean.

    • Note that the fan can only be installed one way—make sure Master Chief is facing you.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

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