Xbox 360 Advice

[funkx0r]

Hey guys, I'm looking into getting an Xbox 360, most likely the cheaper model, but was wondering if it had hdmi capabilities. I most likely won't play online that much. I just want to know the difference between the core and the premium model. Thanks!

[thebruce44]

I don't have an answer for you, but wanted to chime in to be careful which model you get. I got my brother hdmi cables for Christmas since thats what he asked for. He wasn't too happy xmas morning when he realized he didn't have hdmi out on the back of his 360. From what I have seen, the cables make a big difference too.

[Tailgat0r76]

All new xbox 360's have HDMI out (correct me if I'm wrong)

 

It is a pretty noticeable difference. I was pleasantly surprised.

[jordanmuehl]

Strictly speaking as an outsider, it would be wise to get the Elite. The Elites can't get the "red ring of doom", which elicits a sending back of your Xbox to Microsoft to have them fix it. I have a launch model, and I've already had to send my Xbox back for repair twice -- and it's always been a hassle.

[mothershipconnection]

Look up "xbox 360" on wikipedia and there's a nice side-by-side comparison of the models.

[sgtcluels]

Yeah I think all the new gen stuff has HDMI out, just the version comes with the cable or not. Currently I'm rocking the Component. Not sure if it's worth the swap to HDMI if I'm just on a 720p

[Paul77]

Strictly speaking as an outsider, it would be wise to get the Elite. The Elites can't get the "red ring of doom", which elicits a sending back of your Xbox to Microsoft to have them fix it. I have a launch model, and I've already had to send my Xbox back for repair twice -- and it's always been a hassle.

I'm not sure I'd declare that the elites "can't" get the ring, but are far less likely. That said, most (if not all) the shelf stock - of all the models - was produced after June of last year and therefore should be in the "safe zone" with regards to the ring of doom.

 

[sgtcluels]

They still have DVD rom problems. My first 360 I got around turkey day lasted an entire 5 hours.

[logan82]

Make sure you buy a 360 with HDMI and a hard drive. Most should have a HDMI output now which means they are one of the newer units.

[Schlitz001]

20fry[/b]]

jordanmuehl[/b]]Strictly speaking as an outsider, it would be wise to get the Elite. The Elites can't get the "red ring of doom", which elicits a sending back of your Xbox to Microsoft to have them fix it. I have a launch model, and I've already had to send my Xbox back for repair twice -- and it's always been a hassle.

I'm not sure I'd declare that the elites "can't" get the ring, but are far less likely. That said, most (if not all) the shelf stock - of all the models - was produced after June of last year and therefore should be in the "safe zone" with regards to the ring of doom.

 

 

No Xbox 360's are free from the Red Ring of Death, no matter when they were made, however I do believe that if you take good care of your Xbox the chances of it happening are a lot less likely. I still have the original Xbox that I stood in line for during the November '05 launch and it works fine. Keep it well ventilated and don't move it around to much and you should be alright.

 

Starting in mid September Microsoft began releasing Xbox 360's with a cooler and quiter 65nm "falcon" motherboards. One of the first systems that they put the new motherboard in was the Elite system and this is why everybody thinks that the Elite system is a sure fire avoidance of the RROD. This is false however, because there are Elites in existance with the old motherboard in them.

 

The best way to get a system with the new "falcon" chip is to grab an Xbox 360 and look on the box. If the power supply rating says 175W then the system has got the new chip in it. If it says 203W then it likely has the old motherboard (in rare cases there are 203W powersupplies with the falcon). Also check the date on the back. If it's manufactured recently (11/07 or later) it's likely got a falcon chip.

 

However, as sgtcluels already said the new Xbox's are not bombproof. There have been reports of DVD drive failure and RROD on the falcon 360s as well. But all in all they are a big improvement over the previous models.

 

Also, if you follow the guidelines above, you will get an HDMI output with the system. For some reason the new Premium models won't say on the box that they have HDMI output, but they do.

 

I would get a Premium for $350 and avoid the Elite model unless you want the black color to match your home theater. Otherwise they are more money, for harddrive space that you don't need. You'll love your new Xbox. They do everything. I just played an online game of 4 player UNO while I was waiting for my High Definition movie (Michael Clayton) to finish downloading. Have fun.