The General 360 Owners/Buyers FAQ Thread (Updated 1/15/10)

How fast is that, and do you have to pay for cable on top of that? My Comcast service balloned from $40 up to $60. I switched to Verizon's slowest for $25...that's no $10, but it sure as heck beats $60!

With the money I save I can pay for Gamefly AND Netflix, and I don't miss the speed (I mean so what? I can just leave my systems on longer to download stuff. The 360 shuts itself off automatically, and the PS3 can run Folding so it's doing something useful while downloading).

Actually I could get service from Verizon that would be as fast as my cable internet was for like $35, which would still be way cheaper, but I'd much rather save the extra money.
 
Here is a test I did a few months ago, I'd do a newer test but I have downloads going on a few computers.

311063505.png


I'd love to get on Verizon's deal but they don't have it available in my area yet.
 
I picked up a 360 from Target yesterday. Decided that it wasn't worth the risk to save a few bucks. I'm going to get the $60 GC on black friday so it's not too bad. The thing that made this work out for me was that my GS had Wiis in stock. I bought one with my credit and I'm just going to flip it for cost. A wii is as good as real money, so it's worked out perfectly for me.
 
hi,
thanks to the site I just snagged one of the circuit city $99 120 gig hard drives for the 360. I used the migration cable that came with the hard drive to move all the stuff from my 20gig hard drive to the 120 gig drive. Worked perfectly, no issues.
I figure I'll never need that Migration Cable again so I put it on ebay. I had someone leave a message for me on ebay saying that this cable can only be used one time and then microsoft blocks you from ever using that specific cable again? Is this true? That seems crazy. I remember the instructions saying something about, 'you can only use this cable once to transfer your data'. I figured that is because it deletes all the data from your old hard disk.
Am I right? Am I wrong? I don't want to sell a cable to someone on ebay that they can't use.
WTF, surely microsoft doesn't care whether someone else uses this cable? Why would they care? Surely that would be a huge cost to them to put some kind of id chip inside that silly little usb-sata cable?
 
I think you can only transfer your data from a specific 20 gig hard drive once. The cable should be able to be used as much as you want (that is if you need to transfer data from a different 20 gig hard drive to a different 120 gig hard drive).

Yes?
 
I had the same thing happen to me (except I bought it from Target), and got the same e-mail today (same day). I smell something fishy with this eBay character. The Microsoft site hints that you can only use it once, however this post on the XBox forums would suggest otherwise.

On the homefront, access_denied has shown that this is possible through his initiative here. He should be applauded for his altruism.
 
[quote name='smintboy']I had the same thing happen to me (except I bought it from Target), and got the same e-mail today (same day). I smell something fishy with this eBay character. The Microsoft site hints that you can only use it once, however this post on the XBox forums would suggest otherwise.

On the homefront, access_denied has shown that this is possible through his initiative here. He should be applauded for his altruism.[/QUOTE]

Don't applaud me. I'm just helping out the CAG community. Re-paying my debt as a matter of speaking. ;)

And yes, they can be used an unlimited number of times. They can even be used to hook the hard drive up to a PC and browse the files using Xplorer360.
 
hmm, yeah. The only motive that I can think of is that he has a huge stockpile of data migration cables & doesn't want the competition on ebay? That or he just misread the official instuctions.
 
I just got a new Holiday Elite 360, but I'm not sure it is even a Falcon. Here are the details:

XBOX 360 Elite
LOT NO: 0821
TEAM: TMEM
MRF DATE: 2008-05-23
203W

If it is not, should I even worry about it? Thanks in advance! ​
 
I would imagine its a Falcon, since its the new Christmas bundle. Although, last year I do remember quite a few people reporting retailers swapping the new consoles out of the holiday boxes with new ones.

I wouldn't worry about it, I got my 360 last Christmas and it was the old chipset. Not a single problem yet (knock on wood). Remember you're covered for 3 years if you are worried about the RROD.

EDIT: Just noticed its 203 Watts. Pretty sure the new ones were 175W, so you've got the older chipset.
 
the power supply on the box doesn't always match the power supply on the brick. my falcon said 203 on the box, but was 175 on the brick. i got my falcon in december of last year, it just RRoD'ed on me. dammit.
 
This is why I am confused. The power supply is 203W and mine was manufactured 6 months later than yours but it seems like I have the old chipset.
 
Ok. What's the deal with this thread closing nonsense? I don't have a problem with moderators moderating but at least give an explanation so I know what happened. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.
 
203W = 90nm

check the build date on the back of the unit

0-09 or 10-08 or even 8-08 is ok But I would not keep a unit with a 203 watt power brick thats a 2005 launch spec
 
[quote name='booger19a']hi,
thanks to the site I just snagged one of the circuit city $99 120 gig hard drives for the 360. I used the migration cable that came with the hard drive to move all the stuff from my 20gig hard drive to the 120 gig drive. Worked perfectly, no issues.
I figure I'll never need that Migration Cable again so I put it on ebay. I had someone leave a message for me on ebay saying that this cable can only be used one time and then microsoft blocks you from ever using that specific cable again? Is this true? That seems crazy. I remember the instructions saying something about, 'you can only use this cable once to transfer your data'. I figured that is because it deletes all the data from your old hard disk.
Am I right? Am I wrong? I don't want to sell a cable to someone on ebay that they can't use.
WTF, surely microsoft doesn't care whether someone else uses this cable? Why would they care? Surely that would be a huge cost to them to put some kind of id chip inside that silly little usb-sata cable?[/quote]

Was this a special or something? I cant find any info on it...
 
Okay, for someone that will be picking a 360 Pro bundle in a couple of weeks. Is there a certain thing I should look for to avoid getting a system that will would RRoD soon after purchase?
 
[quote name='XUGrad']This is why I am confused. The power supply is 203W and mine was manufactured 6 months later than yours but it seems like I have the old chipset.[/QUOTE]

The power supply doesn't necessarily indicate which model the system is. Falcons can use the 203 watt power supply, and many Falcons shipped with that. Mine did in fact. You'd need to look inside the vents to be sure, but AFAIK if it's 2008, it's a Falcon.

[quote name='tangytangerine']Okay, for someone that will be picking a 360 Pro bundle in a couple of weeks. Is there a certain thing I should look for to avoid getting a system that will would RRoD soon after purchase?[/QUOTE]

Right now, not really. Jasper's going to hit stores at some point, but there have been no confirmed sitings yet. If you get one now (that's new-not this ancient stock in some of these weird deals posted on here), you'll probably get a Falcon, which at least will be much more reliable than the first two models (though there was someone just a few posts back whose Falcon RRoD).
 
[quote name='Wolfpup']Right now, not really. Jasper's going to hit stores at some point, but there have been no confirmed sitings yet. If you get one now (that's new-not this ancient stock in some of these weird deals posted on here), you'll probably get a Falcon, which at least will be much more reliable than the first two models (though there was someone just a few posts back whose Falcon RRoD).[/quote]


Thanks, really looking to get one before christmas. Since playing my PS2 & Xbox is really hard right now when the games are really starting to looked dated. Plus the Kung Fu Panda/Lego Indy bundle with the system will be a gift for a nephew.
 
my core just died..so im ordering the arcade bundle off of amazon.. my question is will the component cable i was using work with the arcade unit? or will i need to order the hmdi cable? thanks in advance
 
All the connection are identical, it just adds a standard HDMI port. The preferred order of connections is HDMI/DVI > VGA > Component > SD connections
 
Hello! I didn't want to start a new thread for this question since it's very basic. As a new 360 owner I know I will need to buy another controller, but I am not sure whether to go with the wired or wireless version. The wireless version uses double AA batteries but is there some sort of rechargeable battery pack that can be bought? I'd hate to waste money on thousands of batteries. Also, is it advised to buy a cooling system for my 360? I have always took extremely good care of my systems and will try my best to take care of the 360. Any help with these question would be appreciated. Thank you!

Kay
 
[quote name='*Kay*']Hello! I didn't want to start a new thread for this question since it's very basic. As a new 360 owner I know I will need to buy another controller, but I am not sure whether to go with the wired or wireless version. The wireless version uses double AA batteries but is there some sort of rechargeable battery pack that can be bought? I'd hate to waste money on thousands of batteries. Also, is it advised to buy a cooling system for my 360? I have always took extremely good care of my systems and will try my best to take care of the 360. Any help with these question would be appreciated. Thank you!

Kay[/quote]

There are rechargeable batteries for the 360 wireless controllers, question is if you want 1st party or 3rd party.

1st party:
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Quic..._9?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227666925&sr=1-9
quick charge kit comes with a rechargebale battery. You can charge 2 at once. I have this one and its a good product

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Blac...1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227666925&sr=1-11
play and charge kit comes with a rechargeable battery and wire where you plug it into the 360's usb port to charge of course. Comes in white and black.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Rech...5?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227666946&sr=1-15
rechargeable battery, self explanatory. Comes in assortment of colors to match color of controller you have.

3rd party:
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Char...0?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227666972&sr=1-50
charge base from nyko. Comes with 2 rechargeable batteries.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Char..._6?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227667018&sr=8-6
another nyko charge base. This was the first one nyko made, people originally had problems with these saying they won't charge, most likely since they have a clear sticker over the connectors which wouldn't let them charge. Comes with 2 rechargeable batteries and also available in white
 
[quote name='*Kay*']Hello! I didn't want to start a new thread for this question since it's very basic. As a new 360 owner I know I will need to buy another controller, but I am not sure whether to go with the wired or wireless version. The wireless version uses double AA batteries but is there some sort of rechargeable battery pack that can be bought? I'd hate to waste money on thousands of batteries. Also, is it advised to buy a cooling system for my 360? I have always took extremely good care of my systems and will try my best to take care of the 360. Any help with these question would be appreciated. Thank you!

Kay[/quote]

Hi, Kay! That's good advice about the charging stations and what not. I have an official charging station, I believe the one that Zero listed at the top, and I really like it. Just one controller. I'd personally imagine you'd want your second controller to also be wireless, but I think it's a matter of individual preference.

As for cooling, I wouldn't bother. However, if you do, please make sure to get an aftermarket cooler that runs off its own power, not one that plugs into the 360's and leeches from it. This can cause all kinds of problems. When I first got my 360, I bought a faulty cooling unit that leeched its power. It was bad situation, and I couldn't figure out why. Well, that was why.

I since have purchased a cooling unit that runs off its own power, but, unfortunately, my 360 does not fit where I want it to with the unit attached. I've been running without a cooler since and it's fine. Just make extremely certain it's in a well-ventilated area and that its onboard vents, on the back and sides, aren't blocked.
 
The Best Buy in Sterling VA has a bunch of Elite Holiday Bundles (includes Kung-Fu Panda and Lego Indy) up front, most of them were built in 2007, but a few are Week 37, Year 2008. Any chance they're Jasper? I seem to remember someone in this thread explaining that Holiday bundles are repackaged Falcons, if that's true, does that apply to the Elites?
 
[quote name='ZerotypeX']There are rechargeable batteries for the 360 wireless controllers, question is if you want 1st party or 3rd party.

1st party:
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Quic..._9?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227666925&sr=1-9
quick charge kit comes with a rechargebale battery. You can charge 2 at once. I have this one and its a good product

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Blac...1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227666925&sr=1-11
play and charge kit comes with a rechargeable battery and wire where you plug it into the 360's usb port to charge of course. Comes in white and black.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Rech...5?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227666946&sr=1-15
rechargeable battery, self explanatory. Comes in assortment of colors to match color of controller you have.

3rd party:
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Char...0?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227666972&sr=1-50
charge base from nyko. Comes with 2 rechargeable batteries.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Char..._6?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1227667018&sr=8-6
another nyko charge base. This was the first one nyko made, people originally had problems with these saying they won't charge, most likely since they have a clear sticker over the connectors which wouldn't let them charge. Comes with 2 rechargeable batteries and also available in white[/quote]

Thanks for those helpful links.

[quote name='Jesse_Dylan']Hi, Kay! That's good advice about the charging stations and what not. I have an official charging station, I believe the one that Zero listed at the top, and I really like it. Just one controller. I'd personally imagine you'd want your second controller to also be wireless, but I think it's a matter of individual preference.

As for cooling, I wouldn't bother. However, if you do, please make sure to get an aftermarket cooler that runs off its own power, not one that plugs into the 360's and leeches from it. This can cause all kinds of problems. When I first got my 360, I bought a faulty cooling unit that leeched its power. It was bad situation, and I couldn't figure out why. Well, that was why.

I since have purchased a cooling unit that runs off its own power, but, unfortunately, my 360 does not fit where I want it to with the unit attached. I've been running without a cooler since and it's fine. Just make extremely certain it's in a well-ventilated area and that its onboard vents, on the back and sides, aren't blocked.[/quote]

Yeah, I think I'm going to hold off on a cooler for now. I plan to display my 360 right where my current PS2 is on top of my media center right next to my TV. The entire thing is open in the air so I don't think it will have any problems with ventilation.

Kay
 
Is there a possibility you can return 360 Rechargeable Batteries? Do they have a warranty? I think mine is dead. I power it up, and then leave for like 2-3 hours, and come back and the controller won't turn on (battery must be dead).
 
[quote name='Jesse_Dylan']Hi, Kay! That's good advice about the charging stations and what not. I have an official charging station, I believe the one that Zero listed at the top, and I really like it. Just one controller. I'd personally imagine you'd want your second controller to also be wireless, but I think it's a matter of individual preference.

As for cooling, I wouldn't bother. However, if you do, please make sure to get an aftermarket cooler that runs off its own power, not one that plugs into the 360's and leeches from it. This can cause all kinds of problems. When I first got my 360, I bought a faulty cooling unit that leeched its power. It was bad situation, and I couldn't figure out why. Well, that was why.

I since have purchased a cooling unit that runs off its own power, but, unfortunately, my 360 does not fit where I want it to with the unit attached. I've been running without a cooler since and it's fine. Just make extremely certain it's in a well-ventilated area and that its onboard vents, on the back and sides, aren't blocked.[/quote]

I'd like to know this as well. I just got my Holiday Elite Bundle in the mail and the manufactured date is 2008-04-01. I know I might be too paranoid about this stuff but is that a good date or an older one? I remember reading somewhere that the new Jasper chips wouldn't be out out until last August/early September...

Kay
 
[quote name='*Kay*']I'd like to know this as well. I just got my Holiday Elite Bundle in the mail and the manufactured date is 2008-04-01. I know I might be too paranoid about this stuff but is that a good date or an older one? I remember reading somewhere that the new Jasper chips wouldn't be out out until last August/early September...

Kay[/QUOTE]

There are no confirmed Jaspers yet. Everyone's getting Falcons. Yours should for sure be a Falcon (which is still worse than normal reliability, but probably twice as reliable if not more than the first two models...ie 16% versus 33-66% from what I've read from analysts).
 
[quote name='Wolfpup']There are no confirmed Jaspers yet. Everyone's getting Falcons. Yours should for sure be a Falcon (which is still worse than normal reliability, but probably twice as reliable if not more than the first two models...ie 16% versus 33-66% from what I've read from analysts).[/quote]

Oh okay, I was under the impression there were confirmed Jasper chips. I think I got a good system and I'm not going to worry about it breaking any time soon. It's in a well ventilated area and I know I'll take care of it and that is the best I can do.

Kay
 
Hey guys, Im trying to diagnose the cause of my e74 error, and I can't quite pinpoint it. Alot of people are saying that its some chip that my AV Cables attach to, but I think that its the Cable itself. The reason I think this is because when I turned on my Xbox with the AV Cables unplugged, the red ring didn't appear(but then again, there weren't any green rings in it's place). Im positive its not the Hard Drive because I still had the red ring when I removed it from my console. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
[quote name='Wolfpup']There are no confirmed Jaspers yet. Everyone's getting Falcons. Yours should for sure be a Falcon (which is still worse than normal reliability, but probably twice as reliable if not more than the first two models...ie 16% versus 33-66% from what I've read from analysts).[/QUOTE]

Actually we just had our first confirmation- Link
 
E74 is general hardware fault. I got it a while back. It isn't your HDD or cable. It is your 360. Call microsoft and tell them you got the RRoD. I did and they fixed it no problem.

If you NEED to game right now the towel trick will give you a few more hours (i did it about 3 times before i finally sent it in) but I suggesst you call now and get the shipping label and ship it off tomorrow.
 
Cool! Thanks Keith! That's the first one I guess.

My sort of girlfriend wants an Xbox, and I've sort of toyed with buying myself a Jasper when I can get one for sure next year, and then giving her my Falcon. (I'd kind of like a larger drive anyway, so...)
 
[quote name='Wolfpup']Cool! Thanks Keith! That's the first one I guess.

My sort of girlfriend wants an Xbox, and I've sort of toyed with buying myself a Jasper when I can get one for sure next year, and then giving her my Falcon. (I'd kind of like a larger drive anyway, so...)[/quote]

Ha! Nothing like a hand-me-down to say, "Hey baby, I enjoy our method of screwing with only a 'sort of' commitment." :)
 
Hee hee :D Well, the thing is I was going to sell it maybe and trade up for a Jasper with a larger drive, but then thought I could pass it on. And...I don't know. I like her a lot (and she plays games!) but there's an issue or sort of two.
 
[quote name='Wolfpup']Hee hee :D Well, the thing is I was going to sell it maybe and trade up for a Jasper with a larger drive, but then thought I could pass it on. And...I don't know. I like her a lot (and she plays games!) but there's an issue or sort of two.[/quote]

I don't want to turn this into a relationship thread, since that's about the last thing folks here want to hear about. :) But yeah, I've found that usually I already "know" about gals ahead of time. Usually the red flags come up (on both ends, not just hers) pretty quickly.

Of course, there is much to be learned from every relationship! I just stopped bothering to agonize over things. Compromise is wonderful and important, but I think we have to trust our instincts. I spent too much time in relationships that I kept hanging on to when I think I knew already that it wasn't working, and the poor girl had to be the one to end it because I wouldn't.

Whatever. Just my little slice. You will do fine. :) Regardless of what you do with your old 'box. :)

(And it is pretty fun to be with a girl who games, that's for sure.)
 
Cool post! Well...actually it seems like we're a pretty darned great match with personality, interests...other interests, but...darn...I probably shouldn't say on here, but there are two issues (besides my own dislike of change :D ) that are maybe issues :whistle2:/
 
[quote name='Wolfpup']Cool post! Well...actually it seems like we're a pretty darned great match with personality, interests...other interests, but...darn...I probably shouldn't say on here, but there are two issues (besides my own dislike of change :D ) that are maybe issues :whistle2:/[/quote]

Haha, this is hilarious. People reading this are going to be like "hmmm..." :) It's not the usual channel for stuff like this, I guess.

I wonder if maybe you're just worrying too much about things? I mean, stuff will either work with her or not, right? Someone told me once not to worry about things I can't control, because they're out of my control anyway. And after that, he told me not to worry about things I CAN control, either, since I can control them. And then he said everything falls into either one of those two categories, either stuff I can control or stuff I can't, so, in the end, there's no need to worry about anything.

I spend too much time in relationships being afraid and worrying when I should just be enjoying life and enjoying the relationship, whether it'll last forever or not.

Again, just my slice. It isn't as if I've mastered any of this, far from it, but sometimes a guy who's fallen off stilts a lot can tell you more about how to walk on stilts than someone who hasn't fallen for years.
 
I jumped on the arcade bundle early this morning from Amazon, so I have a few questions.

Would I be eligible for the Hard Drive upgrade from Microsoft? If not any recommendations? I only need a 20 GB, since I will only use it for exclusives and arcade.

Also I had a 360 last year, if I recover my gamer tag, will I be able to re download past arcade purchases? Thanks!
 
Picked up the Arcade Bundle w/ GH3 game & guitar combo from Wal-Mart. Opened it up and it was not a Jasper! Should I take it back? I am assuming its a Falcon.
 
I am having a problem, my recently sent back xbox 360 (about 3 months maybe) now seems to refuse to read any of my games.

I put a game in and it reads for a second then just give the option to open the tray back up even though there is a game already in there. Seriously? What the fuck?


You know, honestly I am seriously just getting really sick of dealing with this shit.

This is my 3rd xbox in 2 years. I guess all of the sitting in one spot not moving is hurting it worse than I thought.

Maybe I should go buy one of those "no questions exchange" warranties from a store so when things like this happen I can just go exchange it. Its just unacceptable that this thing breaks so often. Just simply unacceptable.
 
I'm thinking of getting a bag/case for bringing my 360 to friends houses, family etc. Does anyone have any suggestions? I need it to be able to hold the system, cords, and 2 controllers.

Also is there any good guitar cases out there that hold two guitars?
 
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