Replacing the Xbox clock capacitor (CLOCK CAP fix)
The CLOCK CAP — the clock capacitor of the original Xbox — is the most urgent repair you can make to this console. If the capacitor leaks (which has already begun in many units), the acid corrodes the circuit board traces. Once damaged, the motherboard is difficult or impossible to repair.
Good news: if you act now, it’s a relatively straightforward procedure.
What you need {#what-you-need}
- Torx T20 screwdriver — for the outer housing screws
- Torx T10 screwdriver — for internal screws
- Soldering station + soldering iron — for desoldering the capacitor
- Solder wick / desoldering pump — for removing old solder
- Replacement capacitor: 1000µF, 6.3V, low-ESR, radial type
- Multimeter (optional, for testing the new capacitor)
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Remove or replace the capacitor?
Some people simply remove the capacitor without replacing it — the Xbox still works, but it forgets the date/time on every restart. That's not a problem for gaming. Replacing is neater and prevents the empty solder pad from corroding.
Step 1 — Open the Xbox
- Remove the 6 Torx T20 screws on the bottom (four in the corners, two in the middle)
- Also remove the 2 screws hidden under the rubber feet (use a toothpick to lift the stickers)
- Lift the lid — it clips off
- Remove the hard drive (Torx T10 screws) and set it aside
- Remove the optical drive (Torx T10)
- Carefully lift the motherboard to access the underside
Step 2 — Locate the CLOCK CAP
The clock capacitor sits on the motherboard near the clock battery. It’s recognisable as a cylindrical capacitor — often showing signs of leakage (brown residue, dried deposits or a bulging top).
Also check the motherboard around the capacitor for stains or damaged traces.
Step 3 — Remove the capacitor
- Heat the solder on both legs with the soldering iron
- Use solder wick or a desoldering pump to remove the solder
- Gently lift the capacitor free — don’t force it
Watch out: already leaked?
If you see liquid or crystallisation around the capacitor or on the board below it, clean this first with IPA and a cotton swab. Damaged traces show as interrupted copper paths — these can sometimes be repaired with conductive paint.
Step 4 — Solder the new capacitor
- Check the polarity of the new capacitor (the negative side is marked)
- Insert the legs through the holes in the motherboard
- Solder in place — use as little solder as needed
- Trim the protruding legs
Step 5 — Reassemble the Xbox
- Place the motherboard back
- Reattach the optical drive and hard drive
- Close the lid and tighten all Torx screws
Done
Power on the Xbox. If everything went well, it boots normally. The clock will likely have reset — set it again.
Next step: Consider doing a softmod now that you’ve had the Xbox open. It’s straightforward and adds a lot to what you can do with the console.
Questions or doubts? You’re not the first. We’re happy to help you through it.