Xbox Disassembly
rmarstel and 13 other contributors
Last updated on Jul 2, 2026
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Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓This is the teardown for the original Microsoft Xbox, not the Xbox 360.
What you need
Tools
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T15 Torx Screwdriver$7.99
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Video Overview
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Start with your Xbox unplugged and sitting on a flat, stable surface.
Ask FixBot
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Peel back both the silver sticker and the white barcode sticker to reveal two additional screws.
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Use a T20 Torx screwdriver to remove the four screws located under the rubber feet you just removed as well as the two screws from beneath the stickers removed in the previous step.
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Once the bottom shell is no longer attached, carefully turn the Xbox right-side-up and lift off the top shell.
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Move the grey ribbon cable out of the way in order to remove the three 3 mm screws using T10 Torx screwdriver. They are located on the upper right corner, lower right, and lower left corners of disk drive.
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Lift the hard drive storage unit out of the Xbox. It should come right out.
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Take the power cable out of the track around the hard drive so that the unit will come out easier.
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Use a T15 Torx screwdriver to remove four 3.37mm screws from both sides of the hard drive.
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Remove the plastic housing from the hard drive. It does have some clips on it, but it should come right off.
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Remove the disk drive. It should come right out.
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Unplug the ribbon cable and yellow cables from back of disk drive.
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Pry back the black plastic tabs around the disk drive in order to remove it from its housing. Once removed, set the drive aside.
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Unplug the multi-colored power cord from the motherboard. It can be plugged in very tight, so it may take some effort to unplug it.
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Using T10 Torx screwdriver, remove two 3mm screws from the power supply board.
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Unplug the bundle of yellow cables as well as the rainbow cord from the motherboard.
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Remove eleven 3mm screws from motherboard, using a T10 Torx screwdriver. Refer to the picture to find all eleven.
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Unplug the power cable attached to the fan.
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Remove the motherboard from the Xbox. As long as all of the screws are out and the fan is disconnected, it will lift out easily.
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Using a T10 Torx screwdriver, remove two 3mm screws from each of two controller sockets.
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Take the sockets out by pulling back and up at the same time.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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Team
Cal Poly, Team 18-2, Maness Fall 2009 Member of Cal Poly, Team 18-2, Maness Fall 2009
CPSU-MANESS-F09S18G2
3 Members
60 Guides authored
11 Guide Comments
Awesomeness, thanks a lot!
Thanks a million - perfect!
Heatsink removal?
Face plate removal?
Did a complete cleanup and refresh of my Xbox thanks to your guide, thank you :)
