Xbox 360 questions

[telexen]

I'm going to be picking up an Xbox 360 sometime between now and shortly after Christmas. I'm wondering a few things.

I'm thinking I'd like to pick up the Elite version since I believe I'll probably end up using more than the 20gb the Pro/Premium have and I'd really prefer the all black. Is there any evidence that the Elite versions handle cooling better than older versions? Better yet, is there any evidence that any version (with the newer CPU heatsinks) are working OK? I'm sure I'll mod the thing at some point - so I don't want to blow the warranty if it's going to die.

Also, I *think* I've read that the Elite may or may not have the quieter BenQ DVD drives. Is it really hit or miss? Do they have the issue with drives scratching discs solved?

Because of these two big issues I'm wondering if it's best to just wait until after X-mas to better my chances of getting the newest version (and not old leftover stock). I know they plan to release a newer version in August '08 with a 65nm GPU, but I'm not going to wait that long.

Lastly...I know that at this point the games are natively 720p, so is there any advantage to the fact that the system supports 1080p? I mean, are games ever going to be native 1080p, or does just having a 1080p TV connected to it force the game to actually render at a higher resolution? I have a 720p/1080i HDTV now, but I think in the future (well after the Xbox 360 though) the Xbox 360 might make a 1080p TV worth it.

Thanks.

[Blackstar]

I'm going to be picking up an Xbox 360 sometime between now and shortly after Christmas. I'm wondering a few things.

I'm thinking I'd like to pick up the Elite version since I believe I'll probably end up using more than the 20gb the Pro/Premium have and I'd really prefer the all black. Is there any evidence that the Elite versions handle cooling better than older versions?

No.

Better yet, is there any evidence that any version (with the newer CPU heatsinks) are working OK?

No.

I'm sure I'll mod the thing at some point - so I don't want to blow the warranty if it's going to die.

The warranty has been extended to 3 years.

Also, I *think* I've read that the Elite may or may not have the quieter BenQ DVD drives. Is it really hit or miss?

Most recent 360 stock and refurbs have the BenQ drives. The sound difference is negligible.

Do they have the issue with drives scratching discs solved?

No. Don't pick it up or move it while a disc in in the machine. Ever.

Because of these two big issues I'm wondering if it's best to just wait until after X-mas to better my chances of getting the newest version (and not old leftover stock). I know they plan to release a newer version in August '08 with a 65nm GPU, but I'm not going to wait that long.

The first run of these will only have the 65nm chips on the CPU. This will NOT help with the poor cooling on the GPU, which is a majority of the overheating issues. It will still be some time before both chips are 65nm and there is no evidence this will significantly help with the cooling problems.

Lastly...I know that at this point the games are natively 720p, so is there any advantage to the fact that the system supports 1080p?

Only if your TV is a native 1080p HDTV. Images and the menus will look slightly better. All gameplay video is being upscaled to 1080p.

I mean, are games ever going to be native 1080p, or does just having a 1080p TV connected to it force the game to actually render at a higher resolution?

No. All gameplay video is being upscaled to 1080p.

I have a 720p/1080i HDTV now, but I think in the future (well after the Xbox 360 though) the Xbox 360 might make a 1080p TV worth it.

Not for a long time.

Thanks.

Your Welcome.

- Blackstar

[NsOmNiA91130]

Is there any evidence that the Elite versions handle cooling better than older versions? Better yet, is there any evidence that any version (with the newer CPU heatsinks) are working OK?
Put them in a cool, dry place and don't put them on any heat sources. Treat it like a computer. You wouldn't put your computer in a cabinet with no cooling, would you?
I'm sure I'll mod the thing at some point - so I don't want to blow the warranty if it's going to die.
3 years, like Blackstar said. There's some nice cases and heatsink mods out there.

Also, I *think* I've read that the Elite may or may not have the quieter BenQ DVD drives. Is it really hit or miss? Do they have the issue with drives scratching discs solved?
Compared to my launch version, it's considerably quieter.

Because of these two big issues I'm wondering if it's best to just wait until after X-mas to better my chances of getting the newest version (and not old leftover stock). I know they plan to release a newer version in August '08 with a 65nm GPU, but I'm not going to wait that long. You'd be correct about the date (http://www.destructoid.com/new-360-motherboard-hits-08-08-the-future-is-then--48399.phtml). However, like I said. If you take good care of it, it won't die. It's not a PS2 or N64, it actually generates heat.

Lastly...I know that at this point the games are natively 720p, so is there any advantage to the fact that the system supports 1080p? I mean, are games ever going to be native 1080p, or does just having a 1080p TV connected to it force the game to actually render at a higher resolution? I have a 720p/1080i HDTV now, but I think in the future (well after the Xbox 360 though) the Xbox 360 might make a 1080p TV worth it.
If you buy an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player ever, it's worth it. However, the 360 upscales games very nicely, so there is a difference. It also supports 1080p over component, however, few TV's support that, but if they do, it's usually cheaper than a TV with an HDMI port. And there are a few 1080p-native games.

[telexen]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Are there any after market coolers you recommend that won't void the warranty? I've seen a few, but most of the customer reviews I've seen say it did more harm than good.

I suppose I'll probably get one sooner rather than later then...maybe try to hit a pre-Christmas deal. I'd rather not wait if MS isn't going to do anything to fix their problems between now and early next year.

[Wraith]

Are there any after market coolers you recommend that won't void the warranty? I've seen a few, but most of the customer reviews I've seen say it did more harm than good.



I was wondering the same thing. I was considering getting an intercooler ex, the second version, for mine. However I cant stand loud noises, and it sounds like I cant controll the fan speed on it. What are my other options?

[funnyperson1]

I would definitely look for the newer version. The have an actual heatpipe cooler on the GPU, which should go a long way to prevent the GPU overheating that caused the problems.

[telexen]

I thought of another stupid question. I'll probably be moving to a new apartment soon, and I'm 99% sure I'll end up needing to connect the Xbox 360 to my network wirelessly :(

I noticed MS has a page of "compatible" or "Certified" networking devices (routers, bridges, gateways) ... is there a big problem with many bridges being incompatible for some reason? I would figure just about any one would work as long as it could connect to my wireless router anyway.

[AngelfireUk83]

The GPU die shrink will happen next August 08 even thou this is the major problem to the console for heat and some on here have stated this along with others. They still won't sort it out and till that date above which is stupid but the current new premiums come with the CPU shrink, HDMI port & Benq Drive which isn't getting mucg praise.

[FudgeNuggets]

I've got a Buffalo bridge for my consoles connected wirelessly to a LinkSys router and had no problems. The problem is with the 360 wireless dongle. It is overpriced anyway, skip it and get a wireless bridge instead and you'll have no problems. My Buffalo one was only $40 at Worst Buy.

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT use the Intercooler. It will make your unit run hotter.

[Wraith]

I've got a Buffalo bridge for my consoles connected wirelessly to a LinkSys router and had no problems. The problem is with the 360 wireless dongle. It is overpriced anyway, skip it and get a wireless bridge instead and you'll have no problems. My Buffalo one was only $40 at Worst Buy.

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT use the Intercooler. It will make your unit run hotter.

Even the new intercooler version?

[funnyperson1]

Even the new intercooler version?

The design is ineffective. All it is doing is fighting the fans that are already there for airflow. If you screwed a second exhaust fan on the back of your current exhaust fan would your case temps drop?

[FudgeNuggets]

The design is ineffective. All it is doing is fighting the fans that are already there for airflow. If you screwed a second exhaust fan on the back of your current exhaust fan would your case temps drop?

yeah, those things are a sham, if you really want something to help cooling then get a laptop cooling pad.

[squeekyMop]

i know this is a bit off topic but does anyone know if the new zephyr units carry the 65nm ?

[Wraith]

The design is ineffective. All it is doing is fighting the fans that are already there for airflow. If you screwed a second exhaust fan on the back of your current exhaust fan would your case temps drop?

Sure it would, if the fan you screwed on moved twice as much air.

[FudgeNuggets]

i know this is a bit off topic but does anyone know if the new zephyr units carry the 65nm ?

Just the CPU, doesn't help as the GPU is the heat source. It does have an exta sink and pipe on the GPU though.