QUOTE(jeffrey1790 @ Jan 6 2012, 11:08 AM)

If you take the xclamps off and put new thermal compound on, is it worth it just to do the xclamp fix?
If you have the supplies then yes, replace the x-clamps with sturdy M5 bolts for a better hold. You can re-use the stock x-clamps and the Xbox will run ok, but probably not for as long as if you did the x-clamp mod. The stock x-clamps work but a big reason as to why Xboxes started failing left and right all those years ago was because the clamps didn't provide proper support to hold the heatsinks in place, which causes movement of the heatsinks and less efficient cooling and then overheating issues like Rrod. Not the only cause of Rrod, but a substantial one.
Bottom line, if you have the ability, do the mod.