Is an Xbox Series X cooling fan worth it?

💡 Need to know

• Most Xbox players don’t need an external fan.
• Keep your console well-ventilated by leaving several inches of open space around it.
• Clean your console regularly to remove dust.
• Some aftermarket fans may actually disrupt airflow or collect additional dust.

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Long gaming sessions, while lots of fun, put strain on your console. That strain can lead to overheating, especially in enclosed entertainment setups. However, for most typical users, an Xbox Series X® cooling fan is not worth it.

The console already includes a built-in cooling system that should be enough to keep everything at the right temperatures. Some players consider external cooling fans for extra airflow anyway, though.

Through helping countless customers with their gaming systems, the Asurion team has learned what works best for each console in different situations. Use our guide to better understand whether an external Xbox Series X cooling fan is worth it for you.

How the Xbox Series X cooling system works

Consoles today are cleverly designed to stay cool, even during prolonged use. The Xbox Series X is no exception. It uses a vertical cooling structure with a quiet fan at the top that pulls cool air up from the bottom vents and expels hot air from the top exhaust vent. Make sure to learn how to clean your Xbox Series X to keep those vents clear and working efficiently.

Aftermarket cooling accessories, like an Xbox Series X cooling fan, are designed to supplement this system. But in many cases, the system doesn’t actually need supplementing. The external fan may even get in the way of the console’s efficient vertical airflow system, making the console more likely to overheat.

The pros and cons of external cooling fans

You always have to weigh pros and cons before making a new purchase and changing your existing system.

One positive of an external cooling fan is the potential to improve airflow for your Xbox if you have it in a tight space. Ideally, you would place your console somewhere it can get plenty of airflow. If that’s not possible, an external cooling fan might help.

The drawbacks are considerable, though. You may have to deal with extra noise, additional dust buildup, and blocked vents from the new external cooling fan. And most importantly, the fan may only have a minimal impact on the performance of your console.

Better ways to prevent your Xbox from overheating

If using an external cooling fan isn’t right for you but you’re still concerned about overheating, try these tips to stop your Xbox from getting hot:

• Place your console in an open area with at least three inches of space around it, if possible.
• Avoid putting the Xbox in an enclosed cabinet that traps hot air in.
• Regularly clean your console to get rid of dust and keep the vents clear.
• Maintain airflow around the console.
• Try to keep the room temperature low when using your Xbox.

When an external cooling fan may be worth trying

For most people in most situations, there’s no need for an external cooling fan. However, you may benefit from external cooling if one of these situations applies:

• The room where you use your Xbox is unusually hot.
• You have a crowded media center and can’t give your Xbox more space.
• You’re dealing with consistently poor airflow setups.

Keep in mind that even in these situations, an external cooling fan may not help cool down an overheating Xbox.

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FAQ

Does an external fan improve Xbox Series X performance?

Generally, using an external cooling fan does not improve FPS or hardware performance directly. Adding an external fan can even cause problems by disrupting the carefully designed airflow in the console.

How do you know if your Xbox Series X fan is failing?

You will typically be able to tell your Xbox Series X fan is failing due to signs like:

• The console making strange, loud noises
• Seeing overheating warnings while using the Xbox
• Experiencing random shutdowns
• Noticing weak airflow in the console

Don’t worry, though. You may be able to fix an Xbox Series X fan that’s not working by installing a software update to address a bug or resetting your system to factory settings.

Can an external fan replace a broken internal fan?

If your internal hardware fails, you may want to use an external fan as a quick and fairly inexpensive replacement. Unfortunately, external fans can’t replace a broken internal fan. The system needs the proper internal ventilation. If problems with the internal fan persist and you notice performance differences while gaming, you may need to take your console in for repairs.