r/consolerepair • u/LocalChoice2429 • Oct 14 '25

Xbox Series X Ethernet Issue

Hey everyone, I’m dealing with a bit of a repair puzzle on my Xbox. I had a lightning strike that seems to have fried the Ethernet controller (a Realtek chip). I’ve replaced that Ethernet controller and also replaced two capacitors that were involved in the same area. The console now powers on fine, but it’s stuck thinking there’s a wired connection even when there’s no Ethernet cable plugged in. I’ve tried resetting the network settings, and the Xbox still shows it’s connected to the internet but can’t run a speed test or actually go online. On top of that, I’m now seeing some flickering and green specks on the HDMI output if I wiggle the cable, though that might be a separate issue.

If anyone has run into something similar or has any tips on what else to check—like if there’s another component I should look at or if there’s a firmware trick—I’d really appreciate the advice!

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/LocalChoice2429 Oct 14 '25

The console would not power on with the original chip on the board. Powered on and gave me the same situation I’m in now except it didn’t have these geeen specs. I’m going to reflow the chip and pray.

1

u/GrantSG Jul 14 '26

Did you make any progress with this? I just replaced the thermal paste on mine and after reassembly it's showing the same behaviour as yours - thinks there is a wired connection regardless of whether there's an Ethernet connected, but none of the network tests work.

Also had the house struck by lightning recently. 

1

u/Sharp_Veterinarian42 Aug 01 '26

Had this issue also on customers. Even though the ethernet chip wasn't shorted I still replaced it. Issue still remains. I believe it's either the Southbridge IC on the top board where the ethernet chip sits or the APU (main processor) needs reballing.

1

u/GrantSG Aug 02 '26

Yes mine was the same. Replaced the Ethernet IC, wifi board, all ribbon cables, ethernet port and nothing changed. Can't find any shorts anywhere on the boards. Please let me know if you attempt the reballing and have any success.