Nyko Intercooler 360: Solve overheating issues and increase longevity

[redgopher]

Use coupon code FREESHIPALL for free shipping:
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802205

My EB had a single Nyko Intercooler 360, and I promply snatched it up and attached it to my 360. Their claims of a 10 degrees Fahrenheit drop in internal temperature are not exaggerated at all. In fact, I'd say those are understated. My 360 is no longer warm, in fact, it is a very comfortable, cool temperature. When I put my hand near the intake holes on the 360, it's cold. COLD!

Even better, my 360 was freezing up every day, once a day. I didn't think it was due to overheating because my box wasn't getting that hot, but apparently it was. My 360 sits atop my original Xbox, which has one of those thick plastic skins on it, preventing the 360 from sliding around, but also preventing air from coming in on that side (left side vertical, aka the bottom when horizontal). After attaching the Intercooler 360, I played Oblivion for 2 hours without a single freeze. I am planning on playing for an extended period of time this weekend and I'll let you guys how it turns out.

In the meantime, if you see these at your EB or Gamestop, pick it up ASAP even if you aren't having overheating problems. Not only will it give your console a longer lifespan and prevent issues in the future, but they're only $20 in-store and $30-40 + shipping on eBay.

Speaking of eBay, if you don't have an EB or Gamestop near you, and their websites are sold out or backordered... plop the extra $20 for one on eBay. Well worth paying the premium for a stable system. Microsoft should just permanently mount these to the new systems.

Edit the First: Of course, if you've got checkers on your screen... you'll need a repair as your hardware has been fried by Microsoft's poor engineering/cooling.

Edit the Second: 4/12/2006 -- Sad news to report today... my 360 froze up in Oblivion last night after six solid days of no crashing. I will have to test this further, perhaps my 360 is defective, but I do know that the Intercooler did at least make a significant difference. Now I just need to decide if one crash a week is worth sending my unit in for repair and being without Oblivion for an extended period of time...

Edit the Third: 4/14/2006 -- My 360 crashed again. I am so fucking pissed at Microsoft right now... livid, irate, those words do not even begin to describe how I feel about this ridiculous bullshit. Did they even quality test these consoles? Changed the forum topic to more accurately describe what the Intercooler does.

[Radioactive_Man]

I just bought one too. It does what it's suppose to do. Which is amazing for a 3rd party product.

[$hady]

I'd been wondering if these things actually worked. I almost ordered one a few times but didn't wanna waste the money just in case. Looks like a local store has 1 maybe i'll grab it today. Thanks for the review.

[CheapyD]

Use coupon code FREESHIPALL for free shipping:
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802205

[$hady]

Nice thanks Cheapy I was looking for a free shipping code since I haven't used ebgames since the cag15 and saver codes lol. If my local store doesn't have one I'll buy through this linkage.

BTW they can be had easily on Ebay for $19.99 + $8 shipping if you search intercooler 360 and scroll down to the 30 day listing at the very bottom. Why idiots can't find that and pay up to $50 is beyond me.... lol check out the complete auctions for a laugh after you look at the listing I spoke of...

[Diiz]

Is it loud?

[spoo]

Hmmm thanks for the review, I just might buy one now......but I read this the other day
(http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/04/05/nyko-360-intercooler-cant-take-heat/)

[Diiz]

I wanna pick up a 360 carrying case tomorrow anyway, so I may keep my eye out for one of these...

[redgopher]

Hmmm thanks for the review, I just might buy one now......but I read this the other day
(http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/04/05/nyko-360-intercooler-cant-take-heat/)

I'm thinking he just got a defective part. Easier to return and replace an Intercooler than an entire 360 though... Still, pick one up. Well worth it.

Also, it does run a bit loud.. it *is* adding 3 fans to the system. Though, when playing games, you can't really tell the difference. It's about as loud as the system is when it's running a game DVD.

[apokalipze2]

picking this up. thanks op

[Deadpool]

Tag for thinking about it.

[JebusMcLucifer]

I think I might order one when I get home from work.

[peloquin17]

i havent had a problem with my 360 yet. (knock wood)

maybe i should pick this up.

[redgopher]

i havent had a problem with my 360 yet. (knock wood)

maybe i should pick this up.

At the very least, it's a great preventative. I mean, the thing works so well as to remove the freezing from my 360, it'll definitely prolong the life of your system.

[zewone]

Once I get paid, I'll pick one up. So consider this a TAG, thanks redgopher for the heads up.

[doubledown]

Interesting, but my 360 has a lot of open space around it, so I think it should be ok. Not sure if I want it 3 fans louder also...it's already pretty loud.

[kaw]

"What does dis do?"

"It sucks in air."

"It's definitely sucking."

[ramprider0]

"What does dis do?"

"It sucks in air."

"It's definitely sucking."
I love those commercials!

[Diiz]

I had been considering one already, but after reading this thread and some of the links, I picked one up today at GS. Since the 360 is already pretty loud, this addon doesnt make much of a difference, if any at all.

[grendel19]

Does FREESHIPALL work on ebgames.com? Or conversely, does my ebgames.com account work on gamestop.com?

[$hady]

I called around locally and nobody had any in stock although the online inventory search said they did... I guess it's time to hit up the online if i'm gonna get one.


I saw this reply on that blog about the Intercooler that died, i've seen the concern a couple times now on different sites: "My concern from the start with this product is would it put more stress on the systems fan.. and maybe voiding warranty??"

The Intercooler would make the 360 fans work harder than intended by MS. What effects would this have long term?

[fujishig]

I called around locally and nobody had any in stock although the online inventory search said they did... I guess it's time to hit up the online if i'm gonna get one.


I saw this reply on that blog about the Intercooler that died, i've seen the concern a couple times now on different sites: "My concern from the start with this product is would it put more stress on the systems fan.. and maybe voiding warranty??"

The Intercooler would make the 360 fans work harder than intended by MS. What effects would this have long term?

This would be my concern, too. This is basically either overworking the existing fans, or changing the airflow through the system (I'm not exactly sure how it works0. I'm wary, as problems from using this might not happen until some time has passed, and I'm not sure what kind of QA they did on this. They couldn't have tested long term effects, right?

[Mattte]

Well since the 360 has heated my room on a few occassions I guess I should pick one of these up.

[LinkinPrime]

And how much will the electric bill be after having a mini refrigerator installed for your X360? ;)

[apokalipze2]

After reading previous post I'm having second thoughts now:bomb:

[mmn]

And how much will the electric bill be after having a mini refrigerator installed for your X360? ;)

I doubt anything, since its just using a pass through to power the thing. It might be different if it had its own power supply.

[daphatty]

I just wish I could log into EBGames.com and purchase something. The totally fucked my accounts up and couldn't fix them for me...

[redgopher]

This would be my concern, too. This is basically either overworking the existing fans, or changing the airflow through the system (I'm not exactly sure how it works0. I'm wary, as problems from using this might not happen until some time has passed, and I'm not sure what kind of QA they did on this. They couldn't have tested long term effects, right?

The fans inside the system only run at a set voltage (unless some sort of Cool n' Quiet tech is being used). Anyhow, if the fans in the 360 are spinning faster because of the 360, it's only because more air is moving through thanks to the Intercooler. They aren't going to just stop working because there are more fans on the system.

In fact, I'd say that this would even ease the stress on the fans, but worst case scenario the bearings may wear down faster, in this case you can just open up the system and lube them up. I'd only suggest doing that AFTER your warranty has expired. Fans last a long time, though, so even if you bought an extended warranty thru MS, you shouldn't have to do that until it has long since expired.

[maccabee72]

After searching high and low for one of these for about 2-3 weeks, I finally found one at Fry's Friday night. It connects to the 360 pretty easily, and I still have plenty of space to spare at the back of my entertainment center. The 360 is definitely much cooler to the touch now after long playing sessions. My only gripe is that it makes the already loud noise that comes from the 360 even louder now. I haven't noticed any differences in game play, but I'm hoping it helps extend the life of my 360. I could have cooked eggs on it before I got the intercooler :)

[Spoon_si]

I have the fan stand... Pretty happy with that...

[Purkeynator]

Just noticed it shows out of stock for online ordering. Must be pretty popular.

[coolsteel]

Just noticed it shows out of stock for online ordering. Must be pretty popular.



Seems more like Nyko is having supply problems, i've been searching for it this week and its the same story at every eb/gamestop that the online locator shows having it in stock , they only get sent 1 at a time

[guyver2077]

so any official reviews yet? is this thing worth it?

[redgopher]

Sad news to report today... my 360 froze up in Oblivion last night after six solid days of no crashing. I will have to test this further, perhaps my 360 is defective, but I do know that the Intercooler did at least make a significant difference. Now I just need to decide if one crash a week is worth sending my unit in for repair and being without Oblivion for an extended period of time...

[KaneRobot]

Seems more like Nyko is having supply problems, i've been searching for it this week and its the same story at every eb/gamestop that the online locator shows having it in stock , they only get sent 1 at a time

They likely didn't expect the response they got. MS can't be that happy that these things are so in demand.

They were gone at the EB I go to frequently as well. A friend works there and said the few they had went within hours of putting them out.

Sad news to report today... my 360 froze up in Oblivion last night after six solid days of no crashing. I will have to test this further, perhaps my 360 is defective, but I do know that the Intercooler did at least make a significant difference. Now I just need to decide if one crash a week is worth sending my unit in for repair and being without Oblivion for an extended period of time...

If it was crashing more often before, the Intercooler isn't really fixing the problem, it's just helping you ignore it. I'd definitely send it in.

...and if you can't tear yourself away from a game for a few days, yikes.

[ryanbph]

tagged for later

[mmn]

Sad news to report today... my 360 froze up in Oblivion last night after six solid days of no crashing. I will have to test this further, perhaps my 360 is defective, but I do know that the Intercooler did at least make a significant difference. Now I just need to decide if one crash a week is worth sending my unit in for repair and being without Oblivion for an extended period of time...

I really don't think Oblivion crashing is the cause of overheating. My Oblivion crashes quite frequently, but I simply reboot the 360 and it works fine again. If it were overheating I doubt rebooting it would suddenly cool it down enough to the point it could continue playing for another couple hours. And I have Full Auto and Top Spin 2 as well and neither one of those has crashed on me, not to mention the other games I've played.

Its just the way Oblivion is. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Ma12kez]

Hey guys I was just wondering if this intercooler allows enough space for the wireless networking adapter to fit alongside with it?

Thanks in advance.

[RedvsBlue]

Sad news to report today... my 360 froze up in Oblivion last night after six solid days of no crashing. I will have to test this further, perhaps my 360 is defective, but I do know that the Intercooler did at least make a significant difference. Now I just need to decide if one crash a week is worth sending my unit in for repair and being without Oblivion for an extended period of time...

I still don't understand this. I mean you hear about all this stories of people's system's overheating all the time and such yet I've left mine on for literally 12 hours or more switching between playing games and watching movies with absolutely no problem whatsoever. Its wierd that there can be such drastic differences in the performance of people's 360s.

[Diiz]

Hey guys I was just wondering if this intercooler allows enough space for the wireless networking adapter to fit alongside with it?

Thanks in advance.

http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/nyko_xbox_360_c_in_1.jpg

[cyberlian]

I got mine from gamestop yesterday and I can tell a noticable difference in the temp. of both the system and the game disc itself

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Is there any chance that this will quiet the 360? If so, then I am totally getting one.

[mmn]

Is there any chance that this will quiet the 360? If so, then I am totally getting one.

Please re-read the thread. Thanks.

[CappyCobra]

I really don't think Oblivion crashing is the cause of overheating. My Oblivion crashes quite frequently, but I simply reboot the 360 and it works fine again. If it were overheating I doubt rebooting it would suddenly cool it down enough to the point it could continue playing for another couple hours. And I have Full Auto and Top Spin 2 as well and neither one of those has crashed on me, not to mention the other games I've played.

Its just the way Oblivion is. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Have you tried the defrag trick where you turn the system on and hold the 'A' button until you reach the Bethseda logo screen? It's supposed to delete the fragmented swap file and create a new one. Loading times are signifigantly reduced and should be more stable.

[D4rkN1ght]

god dammit 20$ more i have to spend to get this thing working right!

[LinkinPrime]

Just in case it helps in anyone's decision:

TeamXbox Review 8/10 (http://hardware.teamxbox.com/reviews/xbox-360/58/Nyko-Intercooler-360/p1/)

Pretty good read. I think I'm gonna buy one even though I dont have a problem with it just to be on the safe side.

[GizmoGC]

Picked one up at Game Crazy for $19.99. They had about 6 of these. Works great so far!

[redgopher]

updated OP

[Trakan]

Edit the Third: 4/14/2006 -- My 360 crashed again. I am so fucking pissed at Microsoft right now... livid, irate, those words do not even begin to describe how I feel about this ridiculous bullshit. Did they even quality test these consoles? Changed the forum topic to more accurately describe what the Intercooler does.

Is your 360 locking up when you play Oblivion? Or is it every game? I get lock ups while playing Oblivion, and only Oblivion. I don't know of anyone who hasn't. It's happened about 6-8 times throughout the 50 hours it took me to beat the game.

[FaintDeftone]

I saw one at Circuit City yesterday. I think I'll go back and grab it.

[CheapyD]

Is your 360 locking up when you play Oblivion? Or is it every game? I get lock ups while playing Oblivion, and only Oblivion. I don't know of anyone who hasn't. It's happened about 6-8 times throughout the 50 hours it took me to beat the game.

Oblivion has locked up my shit about 5 times and I am about 30 hours in...

[Ma12kez]

Picked this up at Gamecrazy for $21.54. When I hooked this thing to the back and powered on the 360, it gave me the "red ring of death" (the first time I've ever seen it on my consonle) for about an hour. I waited a couple hours and now it works fine (I didn't re-adjust anything).

Anyone might have any ideas as to why I got the red lights for the first hour or so?

[danny-o]

Picked this up at Gamecrazy for $21.54. When I hooked this thing to the back and powered on the 360, it gave me the "red ring of death" (the first time I've ever seen it on my consonle) for about an hour. I waited a couple hours and now it works fine (I didn't re-adjust anything).

Anyone might have any ideas as to why I got the red lights for the first hour or so?


I got it too...then I realized that you are supposed to have the tv wire unplugged from the system before you install the cooler. I did it the correct way and it fixed the problem. It also does the ring if you turn it on without the tv cord plugged into the console.

[Trakan]

Picked this up at Gamecrazy for $21.54. When I hooked this thing to the back and powered on the 360, it gave me the "red ring of death" (the first time I've ever seen it on my consonle) for about an hour. I waited a couple hours and now it works fine (I didn't re-adjust anything).

Anyone might have any ideas as to why I got the red lights for the first hour or so?

Happened to me too. I just powered the system down and disconnected and then reconnected everything. Worked fine after that, and has ever since.

[CappyCobra]

Got mine yesterday, not ONE lockup or DRE after I installed it. Highly recommended!

[AshesofWake]

Oblivion started locking up like CRAZY last night, i've never had a problem with it til last night. Every other game works perfectly though. Again this morning, it started locking up, I think i need this baby.

[redgopher]

It locks up in Perfect Dark Zero and Oblivion. I had been playing GRAW a lot when I first got the console, but once my unit started crashing I haven't played GRAW since. Either way I'm going to send the unit in for repair.

[Callandor]

Currently instock at gamestop.com!

[daphatty]

It locks up in Perfect Dark Zero and Oblivion. I had been playing GRAW a lot when I first got the console, but once my unit started crashing I haven't played GRAW since. Either way I'm going to send the unit in for repair.

Man that sucks. Looks like the intercooler isn't really helping then. Too bad I bought one at GameCrazy on Easter...

I guess we are all waiting for the inevitable, red lights of doom.

Fucking Microsoft.

[Murcielago77]

how loud is this thing, i might pick one up just in case

[redgopher]

how loud is this thing, i might pick one up just in case

It's almost like having a DVD/game running in the 360.

[CappyCobra]

Not that much more than what you are used to now. Well worth the tradeoff for protecting your $400 investment. I wasn't having serious problems (lockup every once in a while during long sessions) but I bought it as a preventative measure.how loud is this thing, i might pick one up just in case

[$hady]

:cry: Damn that sucks for you OP, these systems seem to be very delicate.

I finally broke down yesterday and bought one from the main guy on Ebay with these since they were out of stock locally and online and bam they can back into stock last night.:lol: I paid 27.99 shipped which isn't that bad when you figure in tax at gamestop and I just tried to see what it would've costed and the free shipping code is coming up invalid so i'm still happy as long as I get what I wanted from the Ebay guy.

[daphatty]

:cry: Damn that sucks for you OP, these systems seem to be very delicate.

I finally broke down yesterday and bought one from the main guy on Ebay with these since they were out of stock locally and online and bam they can back into stock last night.:lol: I paid 27.99 shipped which isn't that bad when you figure in tax at gamestop and I just tried to see what it would've costed and the free shipping code is coming up invalid so i'm still happy as long as I get what I wanted from the Ebay guy.

Did I mention that Game Crazy also has these in stock? In fact, mine had two!

[Zoglog]

sadly I can't say i'm suprised oblivion is locking up for so many people. The elder scroll games always tend to be pretty buggy =/. So far mine hasnt locked but i've only played for 2-3 hours

[Callandor]

I finally broke down yesterday and bought one from the main guy on Ebay with these since they were out of stock locally and online and bam they can back into stock last night.:lol: I paid 27.99 shipped which isn't that bad when you figure in tax at gamestop and I just tried to see what it would've costed and the free shipping code is coming up invalid so i'm still happy as long as I get what I wanted from the Ebay guy.

I ordered one from www.electronicsshowplace.com for $24.51 ($18.01+$6.50s/h) after UPS ground, since Gamestop.com didn't have any this weekend and I didn't wanna check out the stores...

http://electronicsshowplace.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=168&products_id=34024

(The price went up $0.13 since I ordred mine on Sunday)

[LinkinPrime]

Not sure how much shipping is:

http://royalbusiness.com/product_info.php/products_id/22638/scs/1 - $13.91
Edit: 8.29 S&H for me (California) = $22.20


http://www.sjgreatdeals.com/nyk86020.html - $15.05

http://www.computers4sure.com/product.asp?productid=4610282&affid=10000483 - $15.95

[Zoglog]

http://cheapassgamer.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=18764506&search=nyko+intercooler

[toper]

I know why my local gamestops never have any in-stock...because Fry's has them all!!! Just got one from there the other day after seeing around 50 lying around in their aisles (this at the Brokaw store in the SF Bay Area). Just a heads-up for anyone with a Fry's in their area.

[guyver2077]

http://cheapassgamer.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=18764506&search=nyko+intercooler


might as well order from gamestop and use free ship code

21.39 shipped for me

[grendel19]

I know why my local gamestops never have any in-stock...because Fry's has them all!!! Just got one from there the other day after seeing around 50 lying around in their aisles (this at the Brokaw store in the SF Bay Area). Just a heads-up for anyone with a Fry's in their area.

Checked the IL Fry's last weekend and they had 0...

[$hady]

Got mine today and installed it. This thing moves a lot of air so it's a little noisey but who cares I don't play alot of games with the sound off so ya know.....

[Kow]

damn I need to remember to pick one of thes up.

[FaintDeftone]

I found one at CC but didn't buy it. Now that I want one, I can't find one anywhere! GRR.

[pinkkirby]

Checked the IL Fry's last weekend and they had 0...


Grendel19, today 4/22 IL fry's has 2 in stock when I checked. (11 am )

[MaskedPlague]

Ordered one from Ebgames.com. It should be here when my 360 gets back from the shop. I cannot wait!

[Richlough]

Just picked up one today .
It's not as loud as I thought it would be .
I'll try to post a lock-up update here .

Oh yeah , the Pelican one is gay .

[LinkinPrime]

I'm still waiting for Best Buy to carry them so I can use a GGC.

[Richlough]

I'm still waiting for Best Buy to carry them so I can use a GGC.

I haven't seen NYKO products @ BB since the Wormlights .

[Indiana]

I don't own a 360 but I can't understand why I would want to buy this. If the system is overheating due to poor design then MS needs to fix it. I have to imagine that it runs cool enough if the fans are working. Yes the air is hot, but so is the air coming out of my PCs and they are working.

[Trakan]

I don't own a 360 but I can't understand why I would want to buy this. If the system is overheating due to poor design then MS needs to fix it. I have to imagine that it runs cool enough if the fans are working. Yes the air is hot, but so is the air coming out of my PCs and they are working.
People buy new fans for their computers all the time. This is no different. A cooler machine equals better performance.

[CappyCobra]

I don't own a 360 but I can't understand why I would want to buy this. If the system is overheating due to poor design then MS needs to fix it. I have to imagine that it runs cool enough if the fans are working. Yes the air is hot, but so is the air coming out of my PCs and they are working. It's really only the first run systems that overheat. Mine is a 2nd run and it only overheats after like 5-6 hours of play. I got one for mine as a means of preventive maintenance as mine is located in a semi-enclosed area. No offense, but when has a launch (sans Nintendo) not gone without issue? Sony is the king of hardware revisions. MS could have handled the repairs better for some, but all in all, I definatly think this is better designed console than the original Xbox.

[Ebraum]

I don't own a 360 but I can't understand why I would want to buy this. If the system is overheating due to poor design then MS needs to fix it. I have to imagine that it runs cool enough if the fans are working. Yes the air is hot, but so is the air coming out of my PCs and they are working.


I don't own a PS2 so I don't post in that forum.
I think alot of the overheating is due to people's placement of the system, not giving it room to breath.
I haven't had any problem's, but am still considering getting one of these.

[KaneRobot]

Got my intercooler in the mail today. Now I just need a 360 to use it on.


No offense, but when has a launch (sans Nintendo) not gone without issue?

More of this "it's early in the console's life, so it's ok/expected that your 300-400 dollar machine will not work properly" stuff. The fact that you had to qualify it with "sans Nintendo" shows that it's certainly within the realm of possibility for a company to do something right, but getting it out the door takes priority, so fuck quality assurance testing. It's not like Microsoft has fewer resources than Nintendo here...

[apokalipze2]

I just bought this over the weekend. It's loud as fuck but it does what it advertises

[CappyCobra]

Got my intercooler in the mail today. Now I just need a 360 to use it on.




More of this "it's early in the console's life, so it's ok/expected that your 300-400 dollar machine will not work properly" stuff. The fact that you had to qualify it with "sans Nintendo" shows that it's certainly within the realm of possibility for a company to do something right, but getting it out the door takes priority, so fuck quality assurance testing. It's not like Microsoft has fewer resources than Nintendo here... I think it's more to the fact that Nintendo has the highest expertise when it comes to building vg hardware. I think at lot of the failure rate for 360's (at least intially) was how UPS manhandled the boxes they were shipped in. All of the Gamestops in my areas all had some form or another boxes with dented corners. This may explain the fact that the MS techs would have people remove and reattach the HD (or remove it all together). My friend got his at launch and it's been running like a champ (and he plays Obilivon for hours on end). Mine is a 2nd run and I've only had 2 lockups so far (one I believe was attributed to XBL trying to connect when no connection was available) but bear in mind that my system is contained in an entertainment center. The Nyko cooler made a difference though and if I had the system sitting on an open shelf, I think it would fair better.

And as for the 300-400 for a new console deal, it's like any other new electronics. For example, 1st and 2nd Gen plasma screens were notorious for screen burn. Later gens not so much. That new PC you bought? It's already outdated. It's the price of admission to be on the cutting edge. People know damn well they are taking a gamble with first run items. Which is why you buy a PRP to protect your investment (and this is the only time I will wholeheartly advise buying a warranty).

[guyver2077]

just got mine today... easily installed