Nathan SweetEastern Kentucky University

PC360 MEDIA CENTER

Overview

• Aims to solve overheating problems in first gen Xbox 360

• Full size ATX case instead of Xbox case • Additional cooling • Addition of 3rd party wireless networking

hardware• Maintains all of Xbox 360 functionalities

Motivation

• Needed an affordable media center • Xbox 360 already on hand suffering from red

ring problems after several repair attempts• Aftermarket cooling options helped but still

failed, more drastic measures needed

Problem Statement

• Needed media center capable of streaming over Wi-Fi on a limited budget

• Xbox 360 on hand suffered from overheating problems causing it to be unreliable

• 360 also lacked wireless capabilities

Assumptions

• Cost effective but only if Xbox does not need to be purchased

• Assumes source of Xbox failure is poor ventilation and insufficient cooling

Proposed Solution

• Disassemble console down to basic components

• Transplant all Xbox 360 hardware into a full size ATX computer case

• Include additional cooling fans • Add wireless networking hardware• Extend all connections and make them

external to the computer case

Results

• Fully functional Xbox 360 housed inside a computer case

Results

• Wi-Fi Capabilities from TP-Link TL-WA701ND Access point configured as a client bridge

• Internal to computer case

Results

• USB and HDMI ports made accessible externally via extension cables

• USB connected to computer case front panel ports

Results

• Two additional fans controlled by switch inside front panel of case

Results

• Optical drive easily accessible inside front panel of case

Results

• All components housed in computer case

Results

• Finished Product

Conclusion

• Rough around the edges but fully functional • Overheating problems solved• All functions of Xbox 360 console maintained • Compatible with 802.11 (b/g/n)

Future Work

• Replacement of Xbox power brick and auxiliary power supply with standard computer power supply

• Cleaner wire routing • Additional fan (total of 3)• Addition of LED lights inside case

References• Modgyver. (2011, July 20). TUTORIAL''How to install xbox360 motherboard inside a pc case. - YouTube.

YouTube. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pyRsbqUoFU

• QuackMasterDan. (n.d.). How to Disassemble a Xbox 360. DIY Instructables - Share What You Make. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Disassemble-a-Xbox-360/?ALLSTEPS

• Seraphic. (2003, December 16). Power Sources . Scenyx Entertainment Community (Powered by Invision Power Board). Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=613160

• Jacob5680. (n.d.). Disassembling and Cleaning Xbox-360 Power Supply ( Brick ). DIY Instructables - Share What You Make. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassembling-and-Cleaning-Xbox-360-Power-Supply-/?ALLSTEPS

• HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 | Geeks are Sexy Technology News. (n.d.). Geeks are Sexy Technology News | tech, science, news and social issues for geeks. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2007/10/02/how-to-cheap-wireless-for-your-xbox-360/