“My Xbox just died after a power surge. The power supply’s gone, and the new one costs almost as much as a second-hand console! What should I do?”
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation—staring at your dead Xbox Series S after a sudden power outage—you’re not alone. This happened to me recently, and instead of shelling out ₹8,000–₹12,000 for an official power supply replacement, I decided to take a different route. Let me walk you through how I managed to revive my console using a computer SMPS, and answer some of the most common questions people ask when they hear about this mod.
What Exactly Happened?
It all started after a nasty power surge in my area. My Xbox Series S, which had been working fine up until then, refused to turn on. No lights, no response—completely dead.
I took it to a trusted console repair technician who confirmed my suspicion: the internal power supply was fried.
He said it could be repaired, but with a warning: “These repairs often cause instability—power fluctuations that might damage your Xbox motherboard over time.” That was a big red flag for me.
Why Not Just Buy a New PSU?
Simple answer: money.
The original power supply unit (PSU) for the Xbox Series S isn’t easy to come by. When you do find it, it usually costs around ₹8,000–₹12,000. Add labor charges, and you’re almost touching the price of a new or used console.
So I asked myself—“Isn’t there a more DIY, cheaper, and safer way?”
Enter the Computer SMPS (I used Artis VIP 400R)
Now, here’s where it gets interesting.
I had an Artis VIP 400R Plus 400W SMPS lying around—it’s a basic ATX power supply for desktop PCs. It outputs clean, regulated power, and more importantly, it provides +12V rails—which is exactly what the Xbox Series S runs on internally.
I started researching, testing voltage levels, and eventually decided to hook it up. Spoiler: it worked!
Let me break it down for you.
How Did You Connect a PC Power Supply to an Xbox?
Here’s what I did, step by step:
🔌 1. Identify the Needed Voltages
The Xbox Series S runs entirely on 12V DC, and under load, it consumes about 100–120W. The SMPS can easily provide 12V at 16A or more—that’s more than enough.
I only needed two things from the SMPS:
- +12V (Yellow wires)
- Ground (Black wires)
⚙️ 2. Connect with Reliable Wiring
I used two 15-amp-rated cables—one for +12V, and one for ground. To make it safer and neater, I used a 15A ceramic connector (Cost Rs. 50-80 at any local hardware store) between the SMPS and the Xbox’s power input lines.
This ensured a solid, heat-resistant connection that wouldn’t melt or come loose during long gaming sessions.
🟢 3. Make the SMPS Stay On
ATX SMPS units don’t start automatically when you plug them in. They need a signal.
So, I shorted the green wire (PS_ON) to any black ground wire on the 24-pin ATX connector. That made the PSU turn on as soon as it’s plugged in.
You can also add a switch if you want better control.
Is It Safe to Power an Xbox with an SMPS?
I asked this question myself. After all, this isn’t something Microsoft recommends.
Here’s what I found:
- ✅ Voltage is stable: SMPS units are designed to handle sensitive electronics.
- ✅ Amperage is sufficient: The Xbox never pulls more than 10A; my PSU can do up to 18A.
- ✅ Cooling is built-in: The SMPS has a fan, so it doesn’t overheat.
- ⚠️ No auto shutdown: The Xbox can’t tell the SMPS to turn off. I just unplug it when done.
- ⚠️ Keep it clean: It’s an external setup, so dust or spills could be a concern.
So yes, it’s reasonably safe if you know what you’re doing and take precautions.
How Well Does It Work?
Honestly? Perfectly.
I’ve been gaming on it for weeks—no crashes, no overheating, no voltage drops. Even during heavy gameplay like Forza Horizon or Warzone, the power stays steady.
And the best part? The whole fix cost me under ₹1,000, since I already had the PSU.
What Are the Downsides?
Of course, no DIY project is perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- The setup looks a bit Frankenstein-ish unless you box it up neatly.
- If you’re not careful with connections, you could short the board.
- You lose some automation—no standby, no instant shutdown.
But if you’re comfortable with basic electronics and soldering, it’s a brilliant workaround.
Would You Recommend This to Others?
If:
- Your Xbox PSU is dead,
- You’re comfortable working with wires,
- And you want a budget solution without sacrificing performance…
Then yes. 100%.
Just be cautious, double-check your connections, and use quality wires and connectors.
Final Thoughts
This project taught me something valuable: a little knowledge and creativity can save you thousands of rupees. I brought my Xbox Series S back from the dead without spending a fortune. And if you’re in a similar situation, maybe this gives you a practical, working alternative to overpriced replacements.
If anyone’s curious or trying this out, feel free to ask questions—I’ll be happy to help where I can.
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