Hi All,

I was given a "broken" first gen 360.
It was experiencing the no-vid problem.

So I opened the case up, cleaned out the dust and the thermal compound, and applied some ArticSilver 5.

I ran the system with no fans until it red ringed three time.

In installed the fans, closed the case and fired the system up -it appeared to work.

So a day later I turned the system on and it worked, but after about 15 minutes random items on the screen began turning red, and then a few more, and it got worse and worse.

So I power cycled the system and the video stopped working all together.

Took the case apart, ran it with no fans until it red ringed, put the fan back in and it worked again.

So at this time, to get the system to work, I have to preheat it every time.

So what do you think I need to do to get the system to run solid without having to constantly bake it each time I want to play?

Does this mean I needed more thermal paste? Or should I just bake the SOB really long one time - whats the best way to do that?

get that puppy reballed, you making matters worse if you do that

Is that really the only option, I dont know where I can find a place in Kansas City to do that, or if it would be worth the cost.

I also don't understand the logic, if the solder melts when its hot, then why would the connection break again when it cools?

When you overheat it that way, the solder balls DON'T melt! All you do is make a temporary connection that lasts for a few hours at best!
Reflow or Reball. I recommend you try to reflow first, with flux. If not, you must reball it.
That "no-fan" method is just a glorified towel trick.