The x-clamps distributes the pressure from the screws across the chips. That's why its on there. There is no perfect identical screws, they are always gonna be slightly different.
I can have a screw so long its coming out the top of the case The washers I buy are more level than the case itself. Whats important is getting rid of that x clamp that doesn't distribute pressure evenly, its original screws cause the board float in mid air like magic pushing the pin that is in the center of the chip set and holding it close. That is causing a trampoline affect on the board when its heated and cooled. So in other words, I keep the clamp for its center pivot but also hold the board perfectly still on the outside of the chip set with screws and washers. In turn causing the board not to flex under the gpu and cpu. Tin whiskers are not the cause of rrod, one needs to take a look at the jasper and a
Xenon running for 3 months. Hair line fractures in rock candy and a unforgiving environment are a serious problem. Another that Ive encountered while lifting gpus are what I would call heat rot. Heat damage to the mobo under the gpu chip set a softening of the board.
If a jasper gets rrod, Ill give you credit on your views of tin whiskers, but i heed the warning of the trampoline effect on that chip set too. I also never said the x clamp method alone is the answer, Ive also never seen my method done or explained by anyone other than me. In the meantime, stop trying to bend rock candy.
BTW, just incase you didnt catch that, I don't replace the x clamps, I modify them along with the way the heat sink is attached.
What I'm doing right now is taking a working console that should have died ages ago and kept it working like new. Well how many more years need to pass by? out of the 26 phat consoles Ive given my full treatment, not one is dead due to rrod. I consider those numbers astronomical considering the products were flawed from the get go.
Here:
http://thebgastore.com/3RedLightsExplained.aspx
Ive also seen lead based bga fail on a few different tv models due to lack of support and heat issues. Supporting the cold solder joints alone does not fix the problem. It needs a reflow and support added. Of course someone who doesnt give a rats ass will not address the latter.
http://thebgastore.com/3RedLightsExplained.aspx
Ive cut out the bottom of my metal case around the 8 xclamp screw holes (big hole) and placed a high cfm fan down there. then of course legs on the 360 to give that bottom fan some air. All 4 fans are running at 12v. It sounds like a jet, but Ive been doing this to boxes for 4 years and not one rrod.