Thinking About a 360

[Vince]

So I found some money recently (actually just didn't realize I hadn't sold all of a specific stock I owned), and after paying off some bills and such, I'll have a bit of cash left over. To sort of celebrate my recent start to my career in teaching, I'd like to buy myself something nice, so I'm thinking about an Xbox 360. I've searched for some other threads, and got some good feedback, but still have one major question.

How important is buying a separate fan, and if I should buy one, which fan should I buy and where can I get it? It seems that the #1 complaint about the Xbox 360 is its propensity to freeze up due to overheating issues, and I'd rather not have this happen to begin with.

[Vince]

The only reason this is a question, really, is that I noticed that some 360 owners here hadn't bought a fan, and have never had problems with their 360. If I can get away with not buying one, I'd rather not. But I really don't want to have my games start freezing up on me if I'm actually going to buy this system.

[jbmagic]

Last week I took advantage of the best buy deal and bought axbox 360 and NBA 2k7 game. I received a free $30 gift card.

I aslo got the 2 year protection plan from best buy for $40. ANy problems with my new xbox 360 console and Best buy store will replace it for free. So no worry about freezing if that happens.

[John Galt]

I got a 360 as a present several months ago. At first, I had some freezeups with NCAA. Once I placed the 360 and the power supply in a space with more air, I didn't have any more problems. I didn't buy the extra intercooler (although I think it is only like $20, so it isn't too bad).

[spleen1015]

I've only had trouble with 1 game freezing up on me. That was Oblivion. I stopped playing it a while ago. Since then, my 360 went belly-up and I got a new one. When I got the new one, I brought the fan just to be safe. I haven't had any freezing issues with the new one. Of course, I haven't played Oblivion with the new one either.

My thinking is it is probably a rip off, but there has to be some truth to it, so I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I have a friend who has played Oblivion 13 hours straight numerous times with no freezing.

[Raiders Army]

I haven't bought the intercooler and I haven't had any significant problems so far. The only problems I've had were with NCAA and Madden (06 and 07) freezing up. The freezing is only maybe one out of twenty games so it's standable.

I'd spend the money on Quick Charge Kit (it's so much faster and you don't have to use the wired USB cord to charge) or the Datel Transfer Kit. With the Transfer Kit, you'll have to buy a memory card as well but it's worth it for named rosters in NCAA games.

[Eaglesfan27]

I bought the intercooler (I think that is it's name.) However, I played for about 7 months without it and never had a freeze up. I just figured when NCAA and NBA 2k7 came out, I was going to be playing for even longer sessions and it couldn't hurt. I've never had a freeze up.

[Vince]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

[Vince]

Where did you guys buy your intercoolers?

[spleen1015]

I got mine at EB.

[SackAttack]

Last week I took advantage of the best buy deal and bought axbox 360 and NBA 2k7 game. I received a free $30 gift card.

I aslo got the 2 year protection plan from best buy for $40. ANy problems with my new xbox 360 console and Best buy store will replace it for free. So no worry about freezing if that happens.

What I want to know is how jb bought the premium 360 and got away with paying for the core replacement plan.

Or got the $30 gift card buying the core 360, cuz that was only supposed to happen when you bought the premium.

(Premium replacement plan is $50.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Where did you guys buy your intercoolers?

I got mine at Gamestop. It was about 20 dollars which was another reason that I said what the heck and bought it.

[Aylmar]

I had freezing issues with NCAA07, but I bought an Intercooler from Amazon and my problems vanished...

[SackAttack]

So I found some money recently (actually just didn't realize I hadn't sold all of a specific stock I owned), and after paying off some bills and such, I'll have a bit of cash left over. To sort of celebrate my recent start to my career in teaching, I'd like to buy myself something nice, so I'm thinking about an Xbox 360. I've searched for some other threads, and got some good feedback, but still have one major question.

How important is buying a separate fan, and if I should buy one, which fan should I buy and where can I get it? It seems that the #1 complaint about the Xbox 360 is its propensity to freeze up due to overheating issues, and I'd rather not have this happen to begin with.

On a more serious note...

I don't use the intercooler personally, and I've never had a problem with overheating. I have had the system freeze if something happens in a game while I'm fooling around with the Xbox Guide, but that's happened only twice. Once in Uno while trying to change the song I was listening to when my turn came up, and once while sending an Xbox Live buddy a text message as Enchanted Arms was loading.

In both cases, things continued to happen in the background, I simply couldn't close the Xbox Guide without powering off the system, so I'm not sure it counts as a true 'freeze,' and certainly wasn't overheating-related if it does.

The most important thing you can do for your 360 to keep it from overheating is going to be to NOT put either the system or the power brick on carpeting. Put them on a solid surface. Also, there are vents on both sides of the system. While you can use the system horizontally without issues, my advice is to stand it up vertically if you have the room, and give it room to breathe on both sides.

If you've done that and you still want to buy a fan, the Nyko Intercooler is the way to go. Not sure how much it is at other game retailers, but we sell it for $30 at Best Buy (and will match the price if a competitor has it for less and customer service can verify that).

Also, you need to get Xbox Live and MLB 2k6 so my Dodgers can give your Giants a proper welcoming beatdown. :D

[Crapshoot]

Sack,
on a completely unrelated note, what if anything have you heard about KOTOR 3 ? That would probably tip me towards buying a 360, even if it is still down the line (it would be a 360 exclusive, right?). I've heard scary rumors that they completely junked the project, but I figure you may know more.

[SackAttack]

Sack,
on a completely unrelated note, what if anything have you heard about KOTOR 3 ? That would probably tip me towards buying a 360, even if it is still down the line (it would be a 360 exclusive, right?). I've heard scary rumors that they completely junked the project, but I figure you may know more.

Crap, I'm curious myself. The Obsidian KOTOR didn't do so hot, but I blame LucasArts for neutering the game in an effort to get it out for Christmas. If they gave it back to BioWare for a KOTOR 3, you'd have to believe it would be phenomenal.

But no, I haven't heard anything specific with regards to the franchise of late.

[Eaglesfan27]

Crap, I'm curious myself. The Obsidian KOTOR didn't do so hot, but I blame LucasArts for neutering the game in an effort to get it out for Christmas. If they gave it back to BioWare for a KOTOR 3, you'd have to believe it would be phenomenal.

But no, I haven't heard anything specific with regards to the franchise of late.

Having scoured the The Sith Lord Restoration Project boards (as that project nears completion), it appears that there are no plans to do a KOTOR 3 (or if there are, they are being kept very secretively.)

[MizzouRah]

I have a protection plan through Gamestop, so I passed on the intercooler. I did see them today for $20 at Gamestop, so it's a personal choice I suppose.

IMO, this is one item that I would definitly buy the extended warranty for.

[sterlingice]

Each time I saw intercooler in this thread, I kept thinking "interocitor" of, well, really MST3K fame (and not really "This Island Earth" fame)

SI

[LionsFan10]

On a more serious note...

I don't use the intercooler personally, and I've never had a problem with overheating. I have had the system freeze if something happens in a game while I'm fooling around with the Xbox Guide, but that's happened only twice. Once in Uno while trying to change the song I was listening to when my turn came up, and once while sending an Xbox Live buddy a text message as Enchanted Arms was loading.

In both cases, things continued to happen in the background, I simply couldn't close the Xbox Guide without powering off the system, so I'm not sure it counts as a true 'freeze,' and certainly wasn't overheating-related if it does.

The most important thing you can do for your 360 to keep it from overheating is going to be to NOT put either the system or the power brick on carpeting. Put them on a solid surface. Also, there are vents on both sides of the system. While you can use the system horizontally without issues, my advice is to stand it up vertically if you have the room, and give it room to breathe on both sides.

If you've done that and you still want to buy a fan, the Nyko Intercooler is the way to go. Not sure how much it is at other game retailers, but we sell it for $30 at Best Buy (and will match the price if a competitor has it for less and customer service can verify that).

Also, you need to get Xbox Live and MLB 2k6 so my Dodgers can give your Giants a proper welcoming beatdown. :D

This interests me, because I've had a few people tell me NOT to stand the 360 up, that it only causes problems and occasionally, if the Xbox is moved or jarred while running it will scractch your discs. Infact, the guy that sold me my box told me that he stood his up, and his broke down with-in months of purchase (was a launch console), and also told me that the Xbox they had in their kiosk was broken as well. Not that I listen to anybody employed at E.B or GameStop, but I'm just tossing it out there. That being said, I've only had my Xbox for four days now but I really, REALLY do not want to deal with having to worry about sending it to Microsoft and what-not, so I ask, have you stood your console up for the duration that you've had it, and still haven't had any problmes?

The one thing I haven't done is placed the console or the power brick on carpeting, it has always been on a wood surface out in the open with plenty of ventilation. But now I'm worried that having it horizontal is the wrong decision.

Just curious and thought maybe I'd ask.

[jbmagic]

Ok am getting no sound on my xbox 360.

I connected my xbox 360 to my samsung flat screen pc monitor.

I bought the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable and connected it to my monitor. The video looks great on it.

How do I connect the red and white audio cable that on it to my sound card?

[MizzouRah]

Ok am getting no sound on my xbox 360.

I connected my xbox 360 to my samsung flat screen pc monitor.

I bought the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable and connected it to my monitor. The video looks great on it.

How do I connect the red and white audio cable that on it to my sound card?

You have to use the connectors that came with the cable. Plug the red/black wires into one end of the connector and then the male end of that connector goes into a female/female connector and from the other end of that goes your one connector from your speakers - it DOES NOT plug into your sound card.

[jbmagic]

Todd

Thanks so much for your help.

Its working great now.

[Tasan]

Hey just FYI, if you are still wanting a 360 and you have a Fry's around, they are supposed to be running an awesome combo pack this weekend for their company anniversary. A real good price and 3 top games from what I hear.

[SackAttack]

This interests me, because I've had a few people tell me NOT to stand the 360 up, that it only causes problems and occasionally, if the Xbox is moved or jarred while running it will scractch your discs.

I don't fool with my system generally, so that may be the differentiator for me. I use my media remote that came with my 360 to open and close the tray, so I only ever interact directly with the console when changing games.

Infact, the guy that sold me my box told me that he stood his up, and his broke down with-in months of purchase (was a launch console), and also told me that the Xbox they had in their kiosk was broken as well. Not that I listen to anybody employed at E.B or GameStop, but I'm just tossing it out there.

Honestly, I think the kiosk issues are far more related to overheating/enclosure issues than anything to do with standing the system up vertically.

That being said, I've only had my Xbox for four days now but I really, REALLY do not want to deal with having to worry about sending it to Microsoft and what-not, so I ask, have you stood your console up for the duration that you've had it, and still haven't had any problmes?

Had mine since just about a week before the system's public launch, it has been vertical for the duration, and I have never had a problem with it scratching or otherwise damaging my discs. As I say, because I use the remote to open the tray, that may be something I'm able to do that others aren't that mean I don't suffer problems where they otherwise might.

I'll go a step further - I've had my system fall over when I was trying to dislodge my ethernet cable from a snag, while a game was in the tray, and still didn't have any problems.

I don't recommend doing that, obviously, but I think the system is much more durable, even vertical, than people give it credit for.

The one thing I haven't done is placed the console or the power brick on carpeting, it has always been on a wood surface out in the open with plenty of ventilation. But now I'm worried that having it horizontal is the wrong decision.

If you're out in the open, I don't think you'll have a problem with it being horizontal. The bigger problem, IMO, is being horizontal and enclosed, which means not only are you blocking half the vents, but you're restricting airflow through the vents that have access to the open air to begin with.

If it's out in the open and nothing's on carpet, I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

[klayman]

Just to throw it out there...I've had mine for several months, standing verticle since day one, and have not had a single problem with it.

[kingnebwsu]

I'd buy the intercooler as a precaution honestly. I forget what brand it was, but EB/Gamestop/Best Buy have it for $20. You can also use a $5 off coupon that Best Buy has on the back of their gamer coupons.

Also DEFINITELY buy whatever warranty the retailer offers. I won't ever trust any game system again after what happened with people's PS2's/Xbox 360's and what happened with THREE of my Xboxes.

Hope you get the system, man. I just bought NBA 2k7 and I'll also be buying Rainbow Six, Phantasy Star, and Gears of War. Hopefully those all turn out to be triple-A titles.

[Izulde]

I still need to call Microsoft.... I tried setting the power supply on the edge of an open box and that was working for a little while... now it's back to freezing repeatedly.

I just can't win. :brickwall:

[Izulde]

dola,

My third PS2 is also dying, yet I've never had any problems at all with my old XBox.

[jbmagic]

Do you guys leave your game inside the console when you shut the console down?

If not what the proper way to take game out of console when you have the game loaded and are done playing?

[Grammaticus]

Regarding warranties:

It comes with a 6 month warranty from Microsoft. Their online helpdesk staff told me they will let you purchase an extension anytime the xbox is currently under Microsoft warranty. Extensions cost $30 for one year and $60 for two years. Apparently you can keep reupping the warranty and that is not a bad idea as their seems to be a few problems (lots of people I know have returned theirs due to freezing up and/or just dieing).

Mine froze constantly, I sent it back and the refurbished one has worked great with heavy play. I did get the Intercooler as I have my 360 in a boxed in cabinet. It keeps the machine cool, so I am assuming that will add life to the systems in the long run.

[SackAttack]

Do you guys leave your game inside the console when you shut the console down?

Generally, yeah.

If not what the proper way to take game out of console when you have the game loaded and are done playing?

If I'm removing the disc for any reason, I'll typically quit to the dashboard first.

[Raiders Army]

Thanks to this thread, my 360 froze twice in two days playing four games of Madden.

[stevew]

Thanks to this thread, my 360 froze twice in two days playing four games of Madden.

well, at least you were smart and decided to save your game at halftime just in case....right?

Oh yeah :(

[MizzouRah]

I treat my gaming stuff like they are my babies. I lay my 360 down normally, have a towel over the top of it and always have it off when not in use, etc... same with my pc and monitor.

[Bee]

I bought mine from Costco so I wouldn't have to worry about the warranty and stuff.

[MizzouRah]

Get to know your Gamestop manager(s).

[Eaglesfan27]

Generally, yeah.



If I'm removing the disc for any reason, I'll typically quit to the dashboard first.


Interesting. I always thought it was bad to leave disks in the console when it was off, and I've never quit to the dashboard. I just push the button and open up the tray when I'm done playing.


Also, my console has been horizontal for almost a year with no problems.

[LionsFan10]

Bumping this thread to ask a question instead of creating a whole new thread on the subject. I was looking around, trying to figure out how to connect my 360 to a wireless network, and was just wondering if it were even possible without buying that $100 add-on.

I can't hook it up through a wired network because the modem & router is so far away from my room, in my buddies room which is on the first floor. I'd prefer to just go wireless anyway, but $100 seems ridiculous to me.

Is there anyway I can set this up with my current wireless network? I sure hope so.

[RGunner]

ive kept my 360 on the carpet since i got it about a month ago, should i not do that? it has been horizontal not vertical...

[SackAttack]

Interesting. I always thought it was bad to leave disks in the console when it was off, and I've never quit to the dashboard. I just push the button and open up the tray when I'm done playing.

Well, again, I'm not trying to imply that anybody who doesn't do it my way is doing it wrong.

I'm simply saying "Here's how I've done it, and I've had no problems."

Also, my console has been horizontal for almost a year with no problems.

That said, nearly every single returned Xbox 360 I've had at Best Buy has been either horizontally used or on the carpet, with one exception.

I've had a handful get returned that were used both ways.

That's not to say some of those weren't just outright defective, but there's a common denominator there.

[SackAttack]

ive kept my 360 on the carpet since i got it about a month ago, should i not do that? it has been horizontal not vertical...

I wouldn't, personally.

But again, that's just been my observation.

Carpet is generally something people install for one of two reasons:

1) it's cheaper than, say, hardwood flooring

2) to retain heat - that is, they don't want to walk on cold tile floors in the middle of January.

It's that second reason that's behind my recommendation not to use the system on carpet. Particularly not horizontally as the fibers will block the bottom air vents.

If it's working for you that way, great. I don't recommend it, but it's just that - a recommendation.

[SackAttack]

Bumping this thread to ask a question instead of creating a whole new thread on the subject. I was looking around, trying to figure out how to connect my 360 to a wireless network, and was just wondering if it were even possible without buying that $100 add-on.

I can't hook it up through a wired network because the modem & router is so far away from my room, in my buddies room which is on the first floor. I'd prefer to just go wireless anyway, but $100 seems ridiculous to me.

Is there anyway I can set this up with my current wireless network? I sure hope so.

Not without spending in the ballpark of $80-100, unless you can find a cheaper wireless adapter. Even the third-party stuff kicks in at that price range. Linksys, Datel, etc. I've yet to see one new for less than $80.

[Raiders Army]

Not without spending in the ballpark of $80-100, unless you can find a cheaper wireless adapter. Even the third-party stuff kicks in at that price range. Linksys, Datel, etc. I've yet to see one new for less than $80.

I'd also try ebay. When we started our wireless network in July I bought a wireless adapter for my son's Xbox...not 360...the Xbox, and it cost $100. I don't think they'll go down in price anytime soon.

[Grammaticus]

Bumping this thread to ask a question instead of creating a whole new thread on the subject. I was looking around, trying to figure out how to connect my 360 to a wireless network, and was just wondering if it were even possible without buying that $100 add-on.

I can't hook it up through a wired network because the modem & router is so far away from my room, in my buddies room which is on the first floor. I'd prefer to just go wireless anyway, but $100 seems ridiculous to me.

Is there anyway I can set this up with my current wireless network? I sure hope so.

I'm using the microsoft wireless adapter that is marketed for the 360, yes I had to pay $100 for it. But I did talk to other guys on xbox live that said they used a standard 3rd party USB wireless adapter and it worked just fine. So, if you want to go the 3rd party route you should be okay.