If you are the owner of a new Xbox, setting it up so that you can use it is probably the only thing on your mind. It is human nature not to be troubled by upkeep and maintenance until it is too late.

But proper usage and maintenance cannot be ignored if you want to have years of trouble free gaming. The Xbox is a demanding device that is very unforgiving if it is not treated well. Follow the four tips listed here to increase your odds of having years of trouble free gaming:

1.) A console that is chronically overheated is almost guaranteed to give you trouble later on.

The components on the motherboard were not designed to operate in extreme heat. This heat also compromises and weakens the solder joint connections on the motherboard.

Always locate your Xbox in an open and cool area. Failure to do this will overtax the console’s cooling system and will cause overheating.

Limit the gaming time to no more than one or two hours. Let the console idle for twenty minutes before turning it off. This will minimize any residual heat left over after the fans shut down.

2.) Dust accumulation inside the console is just as destructive as excessive heat.

Dust disrupts the internal flow patterns of cooling air. Furthermore, it locks in heat because it is an insulator. As the dust builds up, the cooling system becomes less effective at doing it’s job.

3.) Cigarette smoke is not only bad for you, it is also bad for your Xbox.

The electronic components get coated with the sticky tars that are present in cigarette smoke. Dust then sticks to the tar that coats the electronics. Because the dust is cemented in place, vacuuming or blowing of air won’t remove it. As mentioned above, dust is an insulator.

4.) Be very cautious when buying an externally mounted cooling fan.

There is no shortage of models and makes of these types of fans. Some of these fans actually work well while others don’t. However, Microsoft does not endorse any of them.

The wrong choice will cause further damage to your console. Only buy fans that have favorable customer reviews. If you don’t have problems with overheating then getting one these fans is completely unnecessary

While the Xbox can provide many hours of pleasure, it can also deal out lots of pain if mistreated. So extend it’s life and save yourself money by giving it the proper care that it requires.

Does your Xbox 360 tend to overheat? Get more Xbox 360 repair information about fixing the Xbox 360 red ring of death.