Planning on purchasing an Xbox 360

[Andrew D.]

Well I've decided to use my new Credit Card Chase issued to me to purchase an Xbox 360, don't worry I'll pay it off within the 6 month no interest period.. haha. But anyways, my question is what should I be aiming for such as manufactured date or what not? I heard something about a Falcon or something, haha. Oh and are recently built 360's still in danger for the RROD? Thanks for your help once again everyone!

[gkarris]

The ones with the cooler running chipset I don't think are out yet.

[Markleshark]

Just get the newest ones you can find. Microsoft will cover you either way. :)

[davidjearly]

Well I've decided to use my new Credit Card Chase issued to me to purchase an Xbox 360, don't worry I'll pay it off within the 6 month no interest period.. haha. But anyways, my question is what should I be aiming for such as manufactured date or what not? I heard something about a Falcon or something, haha. Oh and are recently built 360's still in danger for the RROD? Thanks for your help once again everyone!

The Falcon is just the latest chipset that has been put inside the xbox 360. It is built on a smaller scale (65nm) and generates less heat in the console, making it run cooler.

As a result, I would prefer to have one of these over the older chipsets but as Markleshark said, you are covered either way by MS. Newer consoles also have a different heatsink than the original which apparently reduces the chances of RROD.

[Andrew D.]

Thanks for your quick replies everyone.. so a question about the Falcon chipset, is there a way to check on the box if it does in fact have the new chipset? Thanks again!

[e²Studios]

Thanks for your quick replies everyone.. so a question about the Falcon chipset, is there a way to check on the box if it does in fact have the new chipset? Thanks again!

You would have to check the serial number on the unit. Also it would have to be an Elite to have that chipset.

Get the extended warranty, its not a matter of IF the unit will break but more a matter of WHEN it will.

Ed

[GFLPraxis]

You would have to check the serial number on the unit. Also it would have to be an Elite to have that chipset.

Get the extended warranty, its not a matter of IF the unit will break but more a matter of WHEN it will.

Ed
Didn't Microsoft give everyone a 3-year warranty to stem the massive PR damage they were taking over the defective unit?

3 years seems plenty...if it fails after that it'll be time for a whole new platform anyway (PS4, XBox 720, etc).

Of course, if you buy an extended warranty in store, it'll save you having to send the unit off to Microsoft for a month (since store warranties let you take in the unit and swap it on the spot usually).

[Andrew D.]

Sounds good, thanks you two. So now another question is at bat; which version should I get? Arcade, Pro, or Elite.. I know this has been butchered already how many times and I apologize, I just want to hear from my beloved MR community! Thanks!

[gkarris]

Sounds good, thanks you two. So now another question is at bat; which version should I get? Arcade, Pro, or Elite.. I know this has been butchered already how many times and I apologize, I just want to hear from my beloved MR community! Thanks!

Premium plus maybe the one with the 2 pack in games, or see if a store is giving something extra like a free controller. $349.

This gets you the hard drive which enables you to use XBox Live Gold and use XBox titles...

[Mackilroy]

Get the extended warranty, its not a matter of IF the unit will break but more a matter of WHEN it will.

Ed

Not true, my first Xbox has been running for two years with no issues. :p

[GFLPraxis]

Not true, my first Xbox has been running for two years with no issues. :p

Will you go to a casino with me?

[gescom]

Knock on wood I have had my 360 since release with not one problem. other than I play it too much!:D

[davidjearly]

You would have to check the serial number on the unit. Also it would have to be an Elite to have that chipset.

Not true. Since late last year the Premium (Pro) XBOX 360 has had the falcon chips incorporated.

Get the extended warranty, its not a matter of IF the unit will break but more a matter of WHEN it will.

Not true. All 360's now have a 3 year warranty attached, so there is no need to get the extended warranty. In addition, some people buying extended warranties have had trouble getting them swapped over to the new machine if it has to be replaced.

Edit: I would go for one of the premium bundles if buying new.

[Mike Teezie]

If you don't need the storage of the Elite, get the Premium. Look for one with HDMI - the box should have modern game ads on it.

My 360 red ringed a few weeks ago. The warranty process has been painless. My box should be here Friday, after taking only 24 hours to be replaced.

[Mackilroy]

Will you go to a casino with me?

As long as we're spending your money.

[Andrew D.]

Thanks for your help everyone, now I'm gearing up a new question probably on another part of MR because it kinda doesn't pertain to this area. Cheers once again!

Here is the new thread. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=416773)

[EvryDayImShufln]

Look on the sticker with the bar code. 175W (watts) means a Falcon chipset. It runs cooler and uses less electricity in the process. 203W means that you have the old chipset which is doomed to fail.

I picked up a 175W Xbox 360 pro recently. I think only those with HDMI ports have a chance at being falcon, and those without do not. Anyway, look for 175W!

[sm0]

Note it is possible to have a Falcon ship with a 203w power brick.

http://forum.teamxbox.com/showthread.php?t=552406

[Andrew D.]

Ok here is my new dilemma! I can't find a Xbox 360 Pro package at any Best Buy near me! Should I just pull the trigger at a different location or should I wait for Best Buy to restock. I like their warranty a lot since they have a good product replacement plan.

My question also is does Game Stop have a product replacement plan still or no? Oh well, comon Best Buy get some new ones in and I mean new as in with the new chipset and stuff, haha. Thanks again MR crew!

[Steve519]

you could pay the little premium and upgrade to the elite, it comes with a 120gb hdd compared to the 20gb. One reason why you might wanna do this is because if you decide to do that later on its an extra 179.99 down the road

[Andrew D.]

Does anybody know why the Best Buy here where I live don't have any 360's available? Does that mean Microsoft is upgrading the system and will be releasing better ones or something? Anybody know?

[JackAxe]

That's a given that MS will be coming out with a newer one, they've already shown that trend.

The BBs in my area have piles of them in stock. You should request that the BB in your area have one shipped.

<]=)

[Steve519]

Does anybody know why the Best Buy here where I live don't have any 360's available? Does that mean Microsoft is upgrading the system and will be releasing better ones or something? Anybody know?

they are always upgrading the board in side the xbox, but as far as announcing any with new features, no they are not.

[JackAxe]

The elite shipped with HDMI, I would call that a new feature. :o

<]=)

[tjcampbell]

Love mine especially now that it plays avi's!!!!!! :cool: