[SOLVED] How can I keep a launch XBox 360 Alive...?

[aclbandit]

So I just picked up a boxed XBox 360 and 12 CIB games, three of which were limited editions (including Legendary Edition of Halo 3, boxed) for the stupid-cheap total price of $180.

EDIT: And two wireless controllers and two rechargable battery packs...

However, this 360 is a launch model, the one with the 20GB HDD. I know that these, like almost every other model (except, hopefully?, the newest ones) are quite prone to failures like RRoD and e74.

My question is: How can I keep this one alive as long as possible? What coolers are the best to pick up for it, also being sure that any external coolers are usable on newer 360 models for when (if?) if breaks?

Thanks in advance for the help. I'll check the warranty, and if it's out, I'll open it up and fix the x-clamps before they cause more trouble than they save, and also toss on some thermal paste.

[neist]

It's probably out of warranty (pretty sure it is at this point), so I'd just crack it open and do exactly as you would with any PC, throw heat sinks over everything and add a better cpu/gpu fan. Maybe even replace the case fans if they are a standard size. I'm not sure if they do, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone out there makes third-party heat sinks.

I can't really comment on the usefulness of the cooler though. If you have enough disposable income, I'd say it wouldn't hurt to try, but try not to keep expectations high. Basically everything you mentioned is exactly what I'd do.

If you really wanted to be careful and safe, there is an after-market Lian Li Xbox 360 case that probably has better venting.

http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=261&cl_index=1&sc_index=35&ss_index=87&g=spec

All this granted you have enough income to buy it. :P

[aclbandit]

If you really wanted to be careful and safe, there is an after-market Lian Li Xbox 360 case that probably has better venting.

http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=261&cl_index=1&sc_index=35&ss_index=87&g=spec

All this granted you have enough income to buy it. :P

That thing is actually terrifying. Like... wow. Thanks for the suggestion, and the LOL.

I've heard of the Intercooler and the Fan Base. Are either of these worthwhile? Could I use both without causing a tornado inside the casing or something?

[RARusk]

Get a wire mesh letter tray from OfficeMax or similar place, flip it upside down, and sit the X360 on top of that. It keeps the bottom vents from being blocked, which normally happens when you sit it down flush on a desk, and makes a major difference. It helps the thing run cooler without adding additional fans.

[aclbandit]

Get a wire mesh letter tray from OfficeMax or similar place, flip it upside down, and sit the X360 on top of that. It keeps the bottom vents from being blocked, which normally happens when you sit it down flush on a desk, and makes a major difference. It helps the thing run cooler without adding additional fans.

Two things:
1) Whoah, that's awesome and I never thought of it. I'll check it out.
2) I love your signature. Because... awesome. Sad that there's Hot Topic merch these days, though. :(

[unwinddesign]

If you really want to keep it alive, I would suggest (as someone did earlier) opening it up and putting a new heatsink in there, along with some better thermal paste. That's really where a lot of the problems lie with the 360. Just totally crap internal cooling.

The other stuff will probably prolong the life of your system, but eventually it will die. You might be able to save it completely with some DIY mods as listed above. A good heatsink is only like 30 or 40 bucks, and thermal paste is like 5, so it might be a worthy investment if you're handy with computers.

If you've never opened a computer case before and removed a heatsink etc. etc. ignore what I said and get one of the newer generation Nyko Intercoolers (not the old ones...they can fry your system) and keep the system well ventilated with all sides unblocked.

[Chainclaw]

Microsoft will fix a lot of the issues a launch 360 will experience, for free, even out of warranty (or the warranty for these issues has been extended for a few years). The added benefit to this is, you won't get the 360 back you sent in (you don't send in your hard drive with it), so there's a good chance you'll get a better one back. Maybe it'll even have HDMI.

There's also the odd chance of getting a downgrade. One of the people on the 1up Yours podcast mentioned that when they got their 360 back, it was the arcade model, instead of the pro model they sent in (the only difference between the two, when you have your hard drive removed, is the disc tray was white instead of chrome).

[ProgrammingAce]

Don't go near a 360 with an intercooler if you want it to live. Because of the way it gets it's power, it screws with the voltage going into the system.

[aclbandit]

Microsoft will fix a lot of the issues a launch 360 will experience, for free, even out of warranty (or the warranty for these issues has been extended for a few years). The added benefit to this is, you won't get the 360 back you sent in (you don't send in your hard drive with it), so there's a good chance you'll get a better one back. Maybe it'll even have HDMI.

There's also the odd chance of getting a downgrade. One of the people on the 1up Yours podcast mentioned that when they got their 360 back, it was the arcade model, instead of the pro model they sent in (the only difference between the two, when you have your hard drive removed, is the disc tray was white instead of chrome).

You mean I just say "hey, got a launch 360. Make it not suck," and they'll fix it? Wicked, where do I start?

[Monev77]

No. You can sensd it only if you have RRoD.

[icbrkr]

They extended the red-ring warranty to 3 years. If this is a launch machine, at this point, you're outside 3 years by a few months.... They still might honor it though.

[maxlords]

Simple....don't ever turn it on again.

[aclbandit]

Simple....don't ever turn it on again.

Haha, yeah. I've not been a Microsoft fan for many years: I owned a PS3 first, and I use the Linux OS; however, this was a deal I couldn't just pass up. I'd like to keep it alive as long as possible, but if I'm out of warranty now, I'll pop it open and give it a good bit of paste. Perhaps buy the cooling base, since the Intercooler apparently effs with the voltage.

Thanks a bunch guys!

[SegaAges]

Avoid the intercooler.

Anything extra that feeds off of the 360 power = epic fail. They already have problems, no need to make it worse by powering other components off of the 360.

If you want to cool it, get a laptop cooler. What it does, is it sits flat on the bottom of your 360. It should fit pretty well. It has its own power source and does NOT use the 360 power source. This is for if you do not want to open it.

If you do want to open it, well then, mod that bad boy and make your own chassis or buy a desktop chassis.

[Steve W]

If you really wanted to be careful and safe, there is an after-market Lian Li Xbox 360 case that probably has better venting.

http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=261&cl_index=1&sc_index=35&ss_index=87&g=spec

Ahhh, the circle is now complete! Everyone seems to want to compare the 360 to a PC, which it isn't. The original Xbox was more or less a PC, whereas the Xbox 360 is Power PC based. Which makes it more like a Mac. And now with this case design, it makes the 360 look like what it most resembles hardware-wise, a G5 tower. :)

[dendawg]

If you really wanted to be careful and safe, there is an after-market Lian Li Xbox 360 case that probably has better venting.

http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=261&cl_index=1&sc_index=35&ss_index=87&g=spec


Kinda funny how there's no link to actually order the thing. (at least not that I could find.) ROFL

[gepeto]

They have a new and improved intercooler that comes with its own power supply. 3rd revision 24.99 I say no one can find fault with that one. The thing pulls heat out of the system.

http://www.gamedaily.com/gear/2008/11/06/new-intercooler-ts-ships-for-xbox-360-and-ps3/

[Leo_A]

As I recall, drawing power from the 360 was only half the problem with the intercooler. It also affected the internal fans of the 360 by being forced to run much faster than designed due to the increased speed of the airflow circulating inside thanks to the intercooler.

[c0ldb33r]

IMHO, the best things you can do are also the easiest and cheapest.

1) treat it well, if you're moving it or taking it somewhere, be careful with it
2) keep it horizontal - the ends of the machine are vents
3) keep it well ventilated - this includes both the xbox unit itself and also that monstrous power supply. Don't play the xbox while it's sitting on a carpet. Make sure there's space between the xbox unit and other components in your entertainment center (enough room for air to flow freely and abundantly), don't set other systems on top of your xbox. All these things are meant simply to keep the air flowing.
4) try to keep it relatively dust free - compressed air is your friend

[gepeto]

As I recall, drawing power from the 360 was only half the problem with the intercooler. It also affected the internal fans of the 360 by being forced to run much faster than designed due to the increased speed of the airflow circulating inside thanks to the intercooler.

Can someone help me with this. I have seen pc,server and all types of equipment running with fans and extra fans daisy chained fans liquid cooled. What makes the 360 so different? Alot of pc equipment have temp sensors. First it was the draw of power know airflow?

I need some clarity on this. When I the whole plastic melting was brought out I was like cool. I made my own power supply and switch and have been using it ever since. The fact that the heat gets kicked out and it stays cool as ice I find that okay in my book.

I often wondered if the 360 wasn't so unreliable would the intercooler really be a issue? Failure rate was so bad they needed someone to blame.

[RARusk]

" I love your signature. Because... awesome. Sad that there's Hot Topic merch these days, though."

One of the best lines from the book. The only problem I have with the Watchmen shirts they are selling is that they only go up to 2XL and I wear a 3XL (would like a 4XL because I like to wear my clothing loose) and I want one.

While we're on the subject of the upcoming movie, as some of you know, there's been a suit going on between Fox and Warner Brothers over the movie. Well, a judge ruled in favor of Fox not too long ago. This has raised fears of a possible delay or worse. We'll know more around Jan. 20th.

And this rant (http://www.cracked.com/blog/fox-can-eat-several-dicks/) on that subject is good for a few laughs.

[ProgrammingAce]

The intercooler creates another issue inside the 360. Heat sinks work by moving air across them to transfer heat. Notice there aren't any air holes on the front of the 360. So when you put an intercooler on the back, it sucks more air out of the system. Since there's a limited ammount of air coming in, and extra air coming out, congradulations you've just created a vacuum inside your 360. Where there's a vacuum, there's less air. You may in fact be raising the temperature of the heat sinks.

Notice the tiny little holes on the side of the system? They don't let a whole lot of air in. The 360 is designed to operate exactly as it is. The intercooler may actually break a system that may have functioned perfectly otherwise.

[c0ldb33r]

There's a guy that's been working at a local EB Games for years. He swears that Microsoft won't honour warranties for systems that have had an intercooler hooked up to them.

I don't know how they could tell, but I thought I'd just pass this along.

[eugenek]

Also, don't unnecessarily power-cycle the machine. If you're going to be away for 15 minutes, just leave the system on, don't turn it off. The power cycle puts a lot of stress on the high lead solder bumps.

[Poofta!]

Kinda funny how there's no link to actually order the thing. (at least not that I could find.) ROFL

all pc case manufacturers are like this. they do not sell direct. you would have to go to a reseller.

[Nebagram]

Wish I'd found this thread before my launch machine just RROD'd itself. :-( (MS are taking it in though so that's all well and good)

[aclbandit]

Wish I'd found this thread before my launch machine just RROD'd itself. :-( (MS are taking it in though so that's all well and good)

Well, that's good that they'll fix it, and most likely you'll wind up with one of the newer ones with HDMI and actual built-in wireless. I'm gonna try to send mine in when it kicks it, too.

Also, does this mean that mine is the last remaining living launch 360 now? :evil:

Kidding, of course. I think?

[aclbandit]

Also, I looked up info on the intercooler, and according to a lab test, it doesn't actually draw power from the 360 that would negatively affect it.

BTW, does anyone know if I could use BOTH the intercooler AND the underfan? I'm fine with minor modification of the underfan if it doesn't fit (i.e., I can dremel some plastic away if that's all I need to do).

[carlcarlson]

Well, that's good that they'll fix it, and most likely you'll wind up with one of the newer ones with HDMI and actual built-in wireless. I'm gonna try to send mine in when it kicks it, too.

Also, does this mean that mine is the last remaining living launch 360 now? :evil:

Kidding, of course. I think?

Built in wireless? Did I miss something?

And yeah, don't use an Intercooler. Whenever I get a 360 lot with one I just throw it away, they cause nothing but trouble.

[GM80]

Built in wireless? Did I miss something?

No, that's not true. Perhaps he was thinking about the 256MB built-in memory on the Jasper boards.

[PapaStu]

Well, that's good that they'll fix it, and most likely you'll wind up with one of the newer ones with HDMI and actual built-in wireless. I'm gonna try to send mine in when it kicks it, too.




No it doesn't. MS has STACKS of refurb'd Xenon 360's that are being passed out as replacements when your unit dies. My 'fresh' 360 (#3, second replacement sytem) which I got in the beginning of December has no HDMI or a newer board. I asked when talking to the tech, you will not get a new system, you will either get your original unit fixed, or you will get a refurb'd unit, and your refurb'd unit isn't very likely to have a new board in it.

[ProgrammingAce]

Also, I looked up info on the intercooler, and according to a lab test, it doesn't actually draw power from the 360 that would negatively affect it.

BTW, does anyone know if I could use BOTH the intercooler AND the underfan? I'm fine with minor modification of the underfan if it doesn't fit (i.e., I can dremel some plastic away if that's all I need to do).

I don't know how much clearer i can be. If you use an intercooler, you're a moron. Lab tests don't change the laws of physics.

[Skelix]

I can tell you 100% for sure they will not honor any warranties if you use an intercooler.

Also I have received a brand new 360 from them as a replacment, but usually I received refurbished.

As for keeping it alive, flip a coin. Just use it enjoy it and get a new one when it breaks. It will ultimately break on you, usually about the time you say, "wow I can't believe it's still working", or "wow thats cool free DLC they're gonna release soon" or if you brag and tell someone you have a launch one, or "I've never had a problem with the elite."

I think these sayings or thoughts are the real source of the RROD...

[aclbandit]

No, that's not true. Perhaps he was thinking about the 256MB built-in memory on the Jasper boards.

I was talking about the onboard wireless network connectivity that comes in the newer units, but not the older ones.

[ProgrammingAce]

I was talking about the onboard wireless network connectivity that comes in the newer units, but not the older ones.

Unless they slipped something in while i wasn't looking, that's a big goose egg.

I don't know where you bought your 360, but they must have slipped you a Wii or PS3 instead...

[Sabz5150]

Ummm... don't play it?

[c0ldb33r]

I was talking about the onboard wireless network connectivity that comes in the newer units, but not the older ones.
uhhhh what? do you mean for the wireless controllers? because the 360 doesn't have onboard wireless network connectivity.

oh, wait...

I think we've been trolled.

[aclbandit]

uhhhh what? do you mean for the wireless controllers? because the 360 doesn't have onboard wireless network connectivity.

oh, wait...

I think we've been trolled.

That's really weird... I checked Wikipedia, and... you're right. I guess I must have mistaken logging into XBox Live locally on that other 360 with logging in online. Wow, that's kind of silly. My "new" one dropped an obvious error message when I logged in without network connection, and the "old" one (a newer model) didn't, so I had assumed it had connected. That's really weird. Guess I was mistaken?

[shopkins]

No it doesn't. MS has STACKS of refurb'd Xenon 360's that are being passed out as replacements when your unit dies. My 'fresh' 360 (#3, second replacement sytem) which I got in the beginning of December has no HDMI or a newer board. I asked when talking to the tech, you will not get a new system, you will either get your original unit fixed, or you will get a refurb'd unit, and your refurb'd unit isn't very likely to have a new board in it.

That was my experience. I didn't get a new one with HDMI. I checked the manufacturing date on the one that I got back and it was from about the same time or possibly even older than the one I sent them. Considering that I got an E-mail saying my system was fixed a couple hours after I got one saying they received it, I reckoned they just confirmed the RROD and pulled a refurb off the shelf to send to me. And probably refurbed my broken system and have it there waiting to send to some poor sucker when they get around to it.

Does anyone think playing in a colder room would help? My 360 died after a 12-hour Fallout 3 session near the start of winter. I know that's a long time to play it, but it was also a cold day and I had the heat up pretty high.

Oh, and some people don't even seem to know to take advantage of the return policy. I was at Gamestop yesterday and the employee there was pretty much yelling at a kid who came in to buy, from what I gathered, his third 360 in a year. The guy said it was getting to the point where he felt bad about selling them to the kid and was convinced that he must play it all the time. He suggested "go outside" at least once.

[eugenek]

Does anyone think playing in a colder room would help? My 360 died after a 12-hour Fallout 3 session near the start of winter. I know that's a long time to play it, but it was also a cold day and I had the heat up pretty high.


I don't think it will make a huge difference. I feel like there's too much emphasis placed on curbing heat while the system is already on. I mean, it's a factor, no doubt, but once it's on and you already have decent ventilation, I doubt that an ambient room temperature a few degrees higher is anywhere near as damaging as the thermal expansion when you first power the system up. It's like bending a paper clip back and forth--eventually it will break. That was the problem with those defective NVIDIA high lead bumps a couple of years ago and I wouldn't be surprised if it still was.

[ProgrammingAce]

A cold room would actually be worse for the console, it'll put more stress on the joints as they heat up and cool down

[Vectorman0]

There's a guy that's been working at a local EB Games for years. He swears that Microsoft won't honour warranties for systems that have had an intercooler hooked up to them.

I don't know how they could tell...
If the intercooler was used over an extended period of time, I bet there would be dust buildup from incoming air in places that air would not have come in from without the intercooler's suction.

[Chainclaw]

I've heard of people getting arcade units when they sent in pro systems (the returned system did not have the chrome DVD tray), so I wonder if anyone has sent in a unit with HDMI and get a non-HDMI unit in return?

[c0ldb33r]

I've heard of people getting arcade units when they sent in pro systems (the returned system did not have the chrome DVD tray), so I wonder if anyone has sent in a unit with HDMI and get a non-HDMI unit in return?
Or sent in a black elite and get a white arcade/pro.

Man, I'd be pissed.

[aclbandit]

Or sent in a black elite and get a white arcade/pro.

Man, I'd be pissed.

The DVD drive color (since that really is the only difference between the Arcade and the Pro system itself, ignoring included accessories/HDDs that you don't send in anyway) is quite a believable bit of nonsense, but sending you back a white one after someone had spent the extra $100 basically just to have a black one would be simply ass-tastic. Surely they wouldn't do such a thing. I mean, DVD drive color isn't that big of a deal, but the whole console? Surely not.

[carlcarlson]

I just noticed that the box my replacement 360 was sent in actually has a sticker on it that states it is a Pro system with a Zephyr board. I guess they do their best to match the system that was sent in, so it's unlikely you will "trade up".