My own watercooled xbox360!

[unrealized]

ok, so I saw the one that the guys on [H]ard|ocp did, and I thougt to my self, why not make one that you dont need 2 peices and 2 different power cords. So thats exactly what im currently doing. So I ordered the 2 Koolance GPU Blocks (http://www.koolance.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=29_46&products_id=87) and the Koolance INX Cooling Sysetem (http://www.koolance.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=28_48&products_id=213)

So far I have installed the 2 GPU blocks and now I am working on spliceing the wireing so it can power the INX cooling system.

Heres a pic of what I've done so far with the watercooling blocks:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360wc_small.jpg (http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360wc.jpg)

Getting Power:
ok, so if anybody has ever opened up their xbox 360, you should notice that there is no way to get power for your own HD, or any other device that requires a 12v 4-pin molex. So, I have found a way to make that molex using the 12v line from the dvd power connector and the 5v line from the fan connector.
Finished product (after sleeving, soldering and shrinkwrap):
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360cord_small.jpg (http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360cord.jpg)
IT REALLY WORKS:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360koolance.JPG

Heres a size comparance of the xbox 360 and the INX:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360placement.JPG

Making the cuts:
I decided to go ahead with the window mod, and I needed to cut for the INX anyways. I used a dremel over at MsB's place and made all of the cuts, now all that I need to do is get a spacer for the INX, and make the back plastic piece and attach the window.

Heres a pic of the cuts:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360cut_small.JPG

Heres a pic of it all working and running perfectly:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360wcrun1.JPG
My work area:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360messy.jpg

ok, I just got back from the plastic shop and guess what: THEYRE FINALLY DONE!
heres some pics of the finished plastic piece:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/xbox-plastic-front.JPG
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/xbox-plastic-side.JPG

Got the CD window started this weekend here's the result so far:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360cd1-small.JPG (http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360cd1.JPG)

[/337]

Sweet! It makes me want to watercool my 360.

[unrealized]

Power cord mod added! now i dont have to draw power from an external source!!!

[jaqattack02]

You sure the 360's PSU will be able to handle all of that?

[unrealized]

yeah, the problem that people have been having is that they hook into just the fan, not the dvd drive 12v. I have already tested that everything powers up and it all works great!

[krizzle]

This is quite cool, no pun intended. You reckon the watercooler won't draw too much power from the xbox? My Koolance Exos 1 unit draws around 10 watts I believe. It shouldn't be devestating for your xbox power block, but you never know...

Also, how will you integrate the INX cooler/radiator into the xbox? It would have to be horizontal for the pumps to work...

[Arkanian]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Keep us updated! :D :cool: :eek:

[Isaacav2]

Thats some neat skills at display here. Just curious, what good does it do? Not trying to rain, but I'd like to know. Can you overclock? Can you get better frames? Can you add a bigger HDD?

[Tiny]

can you try water-cooling the external PSU for the Xbox 360 next?

[HurtMeP1nty007]

sweet! def keep the pics coming!

[DudeItsMe]

The PSU is most likely tested to a certain higher wattage (33% over for example) in order to run the required watts the XBox needs. Not that I know these kind of things, but that's how often does a company make a component of their product just good enough to operate.

[Tman]

very nice man...
I am currently fooling around this this exact same Idea :)

[TheAcorn]

The PSU is most likely tested to a certain higher wattage (33% over for example) in order to run the required watts the XBox needs. Not that I know these kind of things, but that's how often does a company make a component of their product just good enough to operate.

You are running Windows, aren't you? :rolleyes:

Same company.

[unrealized]

since the INX is a little bit deeper thatthe 360 (by about 2in) it will hang over the back edge, but I will be designing a plastic piece to go over it to make it flow with the system and make it look good. As for future plans, I dont plan on watercooling the PSU, but I do plan on giving it a paint job and perhaps a window mod w/ some lights.

[unrealized]

Lots of pics added!

[Arkanian]

nice!!!! So this peice that you will add will back the back of the xbox look good right? Meaning that their will be no hangover from the INX.

[unrealized]

correct, and this unit will also hold a bit larger, high cfm fan

[lesman]

/subscribed.....nice!

[Tiny]

+2 points for using the kitchen counter as a work space. :p

[PCBliss]

cool stuff

[unrealized]

Things left to do (in order):
1) cut hole in case and chasis
2) mount INX to xbox through hole
3) fill with water and test
4) make window mod and install lights (optional)
5) get case painted
6) put it all back together
7) enjoy until mod chip comes out
8) install modchip
9) EBAY!!

[Nuzzles]

+2 points for using the kitchen counter as a work space. :p

I sure hope he's got those sink plugs in... >.>

I could picture myself dropping nearly every important thing that is small enough to get in there, down that darn thing.

[unrealized]

yeah not to worry its got plugs! anybody got any ideas on designing a plastic piece for the back? and do you think that it should run along the entire back side of the case, or should it just stick out where the inx hangs off?

[Steve]

Very cool stuff bro, very cool. If you need anything, shoot me a line steve@hardocp.com

[bsoft]

You are running Windows, aren't you? :rolleyes:

Same company.

No, the XBOX 360 power supply is actually made by <a href="http://www.deltaww.com">Delta</a>, the largest switched-mode PSU manufacturer in the world. Check the UL number.

[chrisf6969]

so when are you going to mod it to overclock!! :)

I doubt the CPU can be OC'd being this is such a closed system. Though there may be some way to OC the GPU.

I liked how the original Xbox's were moded with 1Ghz chips & more ram, etc..

[Bobsaysthis]

so when are you going to mod it to overclock!! :)

I doubt the CPU can be OC'd being this is such a closed system. Though there may be some way to OC the GPU.

I liked how the original Xbox's were moded with 1Ghz chips & more ram, etc..

Do you have any links on this? Not flaming, I would just love to see it.

[sanj101]

very nice *claps in ur name*

[atomriot]

lets just pick out the processor and put it in a new box. What socket is it? we can surely oc it then right? haha

[EarlMcFish]

Don't mean to crap on your thread here, but why do this?

[IceWind]

What the fucks with the paper with "unrealized" written on it?

[notGrim]

He doesn't want someone else claming his work without having to photochop it first.

[IceWind]

He doesn't want someone else claming his work without having to photochop it first.


Oooooooooooohhhhhh....................

[unrealized]

I alos put that paper there so that my friends would actuall believe me when I said I was actually going to do this!

[pr0pensity]

Why?

[Erasmus354]

Don't mean to crap on your thread here, but why do this?

Do you own / have you heard a 360? Silence is golden my friend, silence is golden.

[CrimandEvil]

Why?
Because this is the internet.

[HurtMeP1nty007]

Don't mean to crap on your thread here, but why do this?

Why not do this? if you have the time, it seems like an awesome project. Plus he will make some $$ on ebay

[dyzophoria]

Don't mean to crap on your thread here, but why do this?

because he can.. :cool:

[swatbat]

yeah not to worry its got plugs! anybody got any ideas on designing a plastic piece for the back? and do you think that it should run along the entire back side of the case, or should it just stick out where the inx hangs off?

I was wondering about that when I was looking at your pictures. I would almost try to extend the entire back of the 360 but that would take a good deal of work. Maybe some bondo, sanding, and paint. Another option would be finding a smaller radiator and shorting the koolance system. I wish I had a real good idea for you and what to do but no way seems like a real good way.

[Nuzzles]

I alos put that paper there so that my friends would actuall believe me when I said I was actually going to do this!

Not only your friends, but the rest of the internet too. Proving that you are actually doing it and didn't steal the pictures from someone else (it works both ways Grim ;))

((Some people on ebay do the same thing with stuff they're selling ot prove they actually have it in person))

[shroompod]

Subscribed :D


Why?

Remember the X-box? I give it t- 360 days and apache will be ported and optimized for IBM multicore. A prophecy :eek: Then the core will need cooled.

[fbiguy]

Why?

As others have answered, and I’d like to reiterate. The Xbox 360 is a freakin wind tunnel. This may not hold true to alot of you, but I’m sound conscious, and watching a DVD on the 360 is out of the question. I'm just a whiney ass when it comes to sound, but i cant stand the stuff less it be intended (music/communication/etc).

Great project, I would like to see more pictures throughout the steps in this process of converting the Xbox 360 to a watercooled machine :)

Edit: spellcheck :)

[unrealized]

This weekend, I will be getting together with a friend to cut the holes in the case and to design and mold the back plastic piece, also I'm planning on installing the window and perhaps some lights! I'll post pics come this weekend.

[Rich Tate]

Please keep this work log updated, you've got my attention as well.

[Asian Dub Foundation]

nice work OP

[stealthy123]

I couldn't believe how loud the xbox 360 gets.
it was louder than my loud as hell pc.
good job and good luck

[unrealized]

updated, plus heres some more pics of the cuts:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360inxcut.JPG
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360cutting.JPG
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360metalcut.JPG

[Arkanian]

Nice!

[atomriot]

is your box fully put together yet or have you not had any extra time to continue working on it?

[Squishead]

We need an update :p

[theNoid]

Awesome job so far, I cannot wait to see the final product! :cool:

[MetalX]

That's freakin sweet man.

[Volume]

This isn't a troll to bring down your efforts (and a good looking result) but what's the point of water cooling something that (I assume) you're not overlocking?

[Tiny]

anyone know how easy it is to swap the fans out?

I would like to put some 'silent' ones in there.

[theNoid]

This isn't a troll to bring down your efforts (and a good looking result) but what's the point of water cooling something that (I assume) you're not overlocking?

At times the 360's fan can be loud.

1. Watercooled = less noise
2. Bragging rights

[texuspete00]

This isn't a troll to bring down your efforts (and a good looking result) but what's the point of water cooling something that (I assume) you're not overlocking?

More point than not reading and asking the same question over and over again. Do people read the threads they post in anymore? :p

Looks good. I would have thought 10 watts is a little conservative estimate, for some kind of tiny pump, but also additional fans it appears are being used.

[Om1kron]

lol not to thread crap but this is as retarded as a tennis helmet!

A for effort however my friend, good show.

[atomriot]

lol not to thread crap but this is as retarded as a tennis helmet!

A for effort however my friend, good show.yeah but when the day comes that a mod chip comes out and allows us to put linux or os x on the 360 but it runs really hot, this thread will be hella helpful!

[Om1kron]

yeah but when the day comes that a mod chip comes out and allows us to put linux or os x on the 360 but it runs really hot, this thread will be hella helpful!

The people with regular x box are still waiting for that "mod chip"

[unrealized]

UPDATE:
Im still waiting on the plastic store to finish fabricating :( taking forever because the guy who was working on it has been sick, trust me, as soon as I get those plastic pieces you guys will be the first to know!

[unrealized]

ok, I just got back from the plastic shop and guess what: THEYRE FINALLY DONE!
heres some pics of the finished plastic piece:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/xbox-plastic-front.JPG
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/xbox-plastic-side.JPG

[Tunes]

Love your hard work, Unrealized!

How noisey is the dvd drive?

I thought that the dvd drive made most of the noise. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[unrealized]

your correct, when I make the hole in the dvd drive, ill see what i can do to reduce the noise

[eastvillager]

This isn't a troll to bring down your efforts (and a good looking result) but what's the point of water cooling something that (I assume) you're not overlocking?

It is something to do while he waits for the first AAA title to come out.

[CrimandEvil]

It is something to do while he waits for the first AAA title to come out.
Four months and counting. ;)

Anyways, nice mod. It's alittle bulky for my taste (I don't much like how the Koolance sticks out so far in the back) but it is pretty cool.

[Tunes]

Unrealized

Let us know how you get on with quietening the dvd drive.
Is it possible to just swap drive for quieter one or does firmware stop this?

Keep up the good work
Very inspiring stuff!

[unrealized]

ive already checked that and it turns out that the dvd and motherboard are tied to eachother, so to replace either would make the xbox unoperational. quieting the dvd drive is going to be harder since 1/2 of it will be windowed, so therefore i will probably replace some of the dvd drive parts if I do do anything to quiet it down, I just really want to get this project done, its taking way too long and I really need the money.

[zamardii]

I don't understand the point of doing this. I mean, you can't overclock the 360, so what's the point?

[o0akoni0o]

I don't understand the point of doing this. I mean, you can't overclock the 360, so what's the point?because its cool.

[German Muscle]

subscribed :)

[unrealized]

the point is for something to do and make some money while im at it

[unrealized]

Got the CD window started this weekend here's the result so far:
http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360cd1-small.JPG (http://centralupload.com/files/1/pics/x360cd1.JPG)