Gaming Console Cooling

Gaming console cooling inspires heated debates, especially among geeky gamer types who pay attention to all the fine print and research the heck out of cooling solutions. The average video game console user may find it a bit more difficult to navigate the back-and-forth of cooling discussions. Does your video game console really need a cooler? Whether you need a cooler or not depends on how you use it, how you've got it set up and whether it's an Xbox 360.

Cooling and the XBOX 360.

If you've got an XBOX 360, you've probably heard of the Red Ring of Death (RROD). A number of XBOX 360 hardware errors can cause the display ring on the front of the gaming console to light up red, instead of the green that indicates "all clear" to Xbox 360 users. When you get a Red Ring of Death, the only practical solution is to send it back to Microsoft for repair. Because so many XBOX 360 hardware errors occur, Microsoft has actually extended the initial warranty to three years for Red Ring of Death repairs.

Overheating is the most common hardware problem that causes this particular error. Microsoft has made a number of changes to the Xbox 360 since its initial release to reduce heating problems and improve cooling, so newer models are presumably at lower risk of overheating. Original model Xbox 360s, however, could definitely benefit from a cooling unit. Beware of Nyko's Intercooler accessory for Xbox 360, however; many users have experienced product malfunctions and even further complications caused by the Nyko Intercooler. Nyko has implemented a policy to replace consoles affected by its cooler, but wouldn't you rather avoid having a problem at all?

Coolers for other Game Consoles

You don't really need a cooler for the PS3 or the Nintendo Wii. Sony products traditionally run hotter than other electronic devices, but Sony designs their products to handle the heat without ill effect. If you're worried about cooling your consoles, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don't obstruct the fan vents.
   Don't put things next to your gaming console or otherwise cover the fan vents. These vents help keep your system cool, so let them do their job. Dust periodically to ensure they're open and working.
2. Avoid keeping your console in a cabinet.
   It's easy for heat to build up if you keep your console in a confined space. Don't keep your console in a cabinet where it might overheat, but instead let it sit out at room temperature to help keep system heat down.
3. Consider the heat of other electronics when placing your console.
   Don't put your gaming console on top of a cable box, DVD or Blu-Ray player that gets hot during use. The heat from these devices can increase your video game console's temperature, making it easy to overheat.