XBox 360 Q - Anyway to pick a quiet one?

[GiLL]

Thinking about picking up a new 360 and my biggest concern is getting one that doesn't sound like a leaf blower. My last one was from early 2006 and before I sold it, it was insanely loud. The cooling fans on the back were bad enough and once the dvd drive started spinning, it was more than I can stand.



Beyond getting a Falcon motherboard version (which, if I understand it, means it has 175W marked on the packaging), is there any telltale signs to keep an eye out for?

I am looking to pick up either an Elite or Pro. Haven't decided yet.


I just want one that doesn't require me to crank the volume of my tv up just to drown out its noise.

 

[loca]

The Newer 360's are almost all BenQ drives which have been reported to be the quietest drives out of all. SO that could be play a factor into your noise reduction. Now if you are willing to open your 360 like I did mine you can mod your fan to a Tailsmoon whisper fan which is quieter and receives more air. Other than that I am not sure. It is just your luck of the draw.

 

[Allnatural]

I've been told that the BenQ drives are the most quiet. That being said, the drive in my 360 (it's a BenQ) is very loud. I can't draw a comparison to other models because this is the only one I've owned. This site can help you find a particular drive.

As for fans, I've heard that the Nidec fans are less noisy (again, I can't draw a comparison). I don't think there's a way to tell what kind will be in your console, so that'll be a crapshoot.

 

[SlimJim0725]

out of the four that i have had (RRoD to current), i have to say that i still have not had a single one that is quiet. i could see how modding it to be quiet and keep it cooler would be nice, but i just bought an elite in jan. to replace myold one that i sold when i got it back from MS and i am not willing to risk the warranty with all the problems i have run into with the system. don't get me wrong, i love my 360, but unless you are getting one that is about to run out of its RRoD warranty, i personally wouldn't risk the mod.