The latest batch of Xbox 360s could make the console's Red Ring of Death issues a thing of the past, according to journalist and Xbox specialist Dean Takahashi.
The Jasper-based versions of the Xbox 360, which feature a redesigned motherboard with a 65nm version of the graphics chip, have started to hit the market, "and should improve the reliability of the console", says Takahashi.
"We'll see if the systems prove reliable. But logically, they should be a lot better. The graphics chip will likely consume less power than previous versions, allowing it to fit snugly into its motherboard socket. That should lead to fewer system failures due to the graphics chips coming loose."
Among other changes, the new Jasper models are also said to ship with 256 megabytes of internal flash memory, allowing them to run the New Xbox Experience without a hard drive or external memory unit.
Apparently, the console's new design means it's cheaper to manufacture, which is part of the reason Microsoft was able to slash 360 prices back in September.
At present it's going to be difficult to identify whether or not a console's of the Jasper variety without prising it open, but all of the older models will sell out in due course, meaning just the newer ones will be left on the market.
The problem behind the infamous 360 hardware failures, which cost Microsoft over $1 billion in warranty extensions, has never been officially disclosed.
"At present it's going to be difficult to identify whether or not a console's of the Jasper variety without prising it open, but all of the older models will sell out in due course, meaning just the newer ones will be left on the market."
Yes you can. Just look at the power supply unit. If it says 150w it's a Jasper.
You mean 173W, and even that's not a guarantee. Both chips will run on the old 200+W PSU (and I'm using an old PSU with a new CPU so if I was to sell it that's what the buyer would get).
There's a few methods involving the date stamped on the back and stuff, what you can see through the vents etc, but none of them are an absolute, they just mean "more than likely".
You mean 173W, and even that's not a guarantee. Both chips will run on the old 200+W PSU (and I'm using an old PSU with a new CPU so if I was to sell it that's what the buyer would get).
There's a few methods involving the date stamped on the back and stuff, what you can see through the vents etc, but none of them are an absolute, they just mean "more than likely".
It's says 150w in the picture....just going from that.
How do you do that when you're buying an Xbox in the shop? Tell them to open the box?
At this point, stores should only have the new ones in stock. I'm sure I remember MS recalling all of the old ones a while back.
There's also a flap on the box where you can check the manufacture date and lot number on the console without fully opening it.
You want LOT# 0734 or later and manufactured after August 24th 2007 (yes that's how long ago the issue was resolved - I've no idea what this article is about).
As has been stated already, if you come across a 360 with the useage at 150W then your onto a winner (allegedly). Good to see we may have an end to this debacle, though I do give tyhem props for dealing with it how they did. You still have to pay for online gaming though, eh!? MS the robbing bar stewards.
PS. If I didnt hate Animal Crossing already ..... I do now.
How do you do that when you're buying an Xbox in the shop? Tell them to open the box?
At this point, stores should only have the new ones in stock. I'm sure I remember MS recalling all of the old ones a while back.
There's also a flap on the box where you can check the manufacture date and lot number on the console without fully opening it.
You want LOT# 0734 or later and manufactured after August 24th 2007 (yes that's how long ago the issue was resolved - I've no idea what this article is about).
I thought that was when the CPU was shrunk to 65nm. This is the GPU. (I may be wrong however)
leefear1 is right - that change was the implementation of Falcon, which was the introduction of the 65nm CPU, but retaining the 85nm GPU.
My 360 Elite that I bought about a month ago is a Falcon. Also, the power brick is not a cast iron method of knowing whether or not you've got a Jasper: in the early days of Falcon 360s, they were shipping with higher power AC adaptors, as they had plenty of them left over from the previous generation, so it's not beyond the realms of possibility that they're still packing Falcon-era AC adaptors with Jasper consoles.
The next iteration is codenamed Valhalla, IIRC, and combines the CPU and GPU on the same chip, which should them allow to reduce the physical size of the console if they wanted to.
Things get slightly complicated because some those these relate to the motherboard and chipset.
Falcon was a mothboard that fit into a original x360 case. those didn't have a space for HDMI port so they had a slightly different motherboard for that version.
The reduced CPU was called opus and that fit into the falcon motherboard and the board from the elite.
This is a reduced size GPU but doesnt need any motherboard revision so it'll fit into the same motherboard.
The next one (Valhalla or thor or some other norse stuuf) needs major motherboard work because it'll integrate the two (CPU and GPU). Not sure if valhalla is the MB or the new chip.
I bought an arcade 360 today to replace my euro launchday 360 that finally got the RROD last friday. If you check the top of the box, theres a little flap that you can lift up. Once you do that you can see the serial number and above that the manufacture date of the 360. Mine was manufactured on the 1st september 2008. I doubt mine is a jasper one but I'm sure it'll be far more reliable than my launchday one.
I bought an arcade 360 today to replace my euro launchday 360 that finally got the RROD last friday. If you check the top of the box, theres a little flap that you can lift up. Once you do that you can see the serial number and above that the manufacture date of the 360. Mine was manufactured on the 1st september 2008. I doubt mine is a jasper one but I'm sure it'll be far more reliable than my launchday one.
I assume youre going to get your old one repaired. They have a 3yr warranty for RROD don't they?
Have they named 'Jasper' after the comedian Jasper Carrot? I only ask because it seems like MS are having a laugh.
Well there's Mark240473's "I own both machines and therefore am not at all biased" daily 360/Microsoft stab over with..
I'd like to see MS change the appearance of the unit - it would give it a fresh start for the most part, but also assure people in the know (ie. us) that we're buying a machine we'll be happy with.
Personally I couldn't care less which machine I bought at present; they still come with a 3yr warranty. The Jasper may reduce that back to 1yr; I'd rather have a 3yr warranty and a higher chance of failure, than a 1yr warranty and not know.
In 3 years we'll be after the next generation anyway.
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