Original 360 Premium Pack Versus New Pro Pack

[dames]

  gregj23 said:

FWIW ... getting back to the original subject matter ... now having owned and operated both a standard and a Pro Pack HDMI'd version of the console ... I think the difference in noise levels is minimal

The noise levels really depend on what DVD drive you have in the console. The newest batches seem to be coming with BenQ drives (lot738+, MFG: 2007-09-24+, TEAM: CSON), although there are still many consoles floating about (even those with HDMI) that contain Hitachi drives that are significantly nosier during operation. You should find out what drive you have in your console and document it here. Once the sample size gets large enough a site like that could make it very easy to establish MS's manufacturing patterns.

[gregj231503560008]

  inm8 said:

The noise levels really depend on what DVD drive you have in the console. The newest batches seem to be coming with BenQ drives (lot738+, MFG: 2007-09-24+, TEAM: CSON), although there are still many consoles floating about (even those with HDMI) that contain Hitachi drives that are significantly nosier during operation. You should find out what drive you have in your console and document it here. Once the sample size gets large enough a site like that could make it very easy to establish MS's manufacturing patterns.

I have the BenQ drive.

[Guest]

  gregj23 said:

I think the difference in noise levels is minimal.

I disagree. While I dont think the noice reduction is justifable in re-purchasing a 360, I have found the dB drop-off to be VERY noticeable, and mine sits above an entertainment unit.

[gregj231503560008]

  MarkH said:

I disagree. While I dont think the noice reduction is justifable in re-purchasing a 360, I have found the dB drop-off to be VERY noticeable, and mine sits above an entertainment unit.

Perhaps there's another factor in play here - as I said, mine is noticeably cooler but not much quieter, has the BenQ drive and was manufactured at the end of September. Not really a problem because I'll only ever use the unit for gaming ...

[varvs]

Does anyone know the current trade in value on a 360 premium? Thinking of upgrading to HDMI.

[dames]

  varvs said:

Does anyone know the current trade in value on a 360 premium? Thinking of upgrading to HDMI.

I don't know the trade in value, but I bet you could sell it on ebay for around $450 or so. People seem to pay ridiculous amounts for products on ebay these days...

[varvs]

Yes but ebay takes time, costs money. I figure if you can trade in a PS2 and 10 games to get the new bundle for $200, a 360 and some other dribs and drabs (6 PS2 games, 2 wii games, 2 360 games) should be enough to break for a straight swap.

[rossk]

  varvs said:

Does anyone know the current trade in value on a 360 premium? Thinking of upgrading to HDMI.

I wanted HDMI, mainly for the conveniance, as it was making a mess of the system, with my HDMI sync'd reciever and TV.

I went down to my local EB to see what I could do.

I had:

old Xbox 360 premium pack, HDTV cable, remote, network cable, wireless controller + 20gb HDD that i wanted to keep

I wanted:

new 360 arcade, which as HDMI support, one wireless controller. $399

They Offered:

$200 for old xbox complete

OR

$150 for old xbox without HDD (core version)

I came up with:

I get:

Arcarde Pack. Keeping my HDD, remote, network cable, HDTV cable from old pack

They get:

Old Xbox, standard cable from the arcade pack, HDD cover from aracade pack.

They Agreed. I also traded in 4 games, and it cost me $105 total incl ORC(not really I had to get a HDMI cable)

So essentailly I swapped my old non HDMI box for a new one, for $105 + 4 games that i was finished with.

I kept all my old stuff, so its like nothing ever happened, other than now, it is much easier to switch to

xbox channel.

Notes:

They didn't agree straight away, and it was just about called off, when i wanted to swap cables.

New xbox is much quieter than old one.

I dont have the chrome CD draw anymore (devastated!)

I dont know if it is me, but graphics just dont seem as great as they used to be, I have tried going back to component cables to see the difference and it is neglible. the menus just seem less smooth, and the grass in forza 2 has dots on it in the distance, which i had never noticed before. And some edges on cars, aren't smooth, but jagged. At normal veiwing distances however, they are not noticable

[AndrewW]

  rossk said:

I dont know if it is me, but graphics just dont seem as great as they used to be, I have tried going back to component cables to see the difference and it is neglible. the menus just seem less smooth, and the grass in forza 2 has dots on it in the distance, which i had never noticed before. And some edges on cars, aren't smooth, but jagged. At normal veiwing distances however, they are not noticable

stupid question, but have you connected to the net for the latest firmware ?

this sounds like the issue from ages ago where a firmware updated "turned off" the anti-aliasing in the console.

[MC DUI]

  rossk said:

I wanted HDMI, mainly for the conveniance, as it was making a mess of the system, with my HDMI sync'd reciever and TV.

I went down to my local EB to see what I could do.

I had:

old Xbox 360 premium pack, HDTV cable, remote, network cable, wireless controller + 20gb HDD that i wanted to keep

I wanted:

new 360 arcade, which as HDMI support, one wireless controller. $399

They Offered:

$200 for old xbox complete

OR

$150 for old xbox without HDD (core version)

I came up with:

I get:

Arcarde Pack. Keeping my HDD, remote, network cable, HDTV cable from old pack

They get:

Old Xbox, standard cable from the arcade pack, HDD cover from aracade pack.

They Agreed. I also traded in 4 games, and it cost me $105 total incl ORC(not really I had to get a HDMI cable)

So essentailly I swapped my old non HDMI box for a new one, for $105 + 4 games that i was finished with.

I kept all my old stuff, so its like nothing ever happened, other than now, it is much easier to switch to

xbox channel.

Notes:

They didn't agree straight away, and it was just about called off, when i wanted to swap cables.

New xbox is much quieter than old one.

I dont have the chrome CD draw anymore (devastated!)

I dont know if it is me, but graphics just dont seem as great as they used to be, I have tried going back to component cables to see the difference and it is neglible. the menus just seem less smooth, and the grass in forza 2 has dots on it in the distance, which i had never noticed before. And some edges on cars, aren't smooth, but jagged. At normal veiwing distances however, they are not noticable

There is one issue to consider when you do something like this, all your downloadable content will now no longer work on your new console unless you are signed into XboxLIVE as it is tied to the console you originally download it with, this may not be a big issue for you but for others it could be a massive deal.

[Guest]

  rossk said:

I dont know if it is me, but graphics just dont seem as great as they used to be, I have tried going back to component cables to see the difference and it is neglible. the menus just seem less smooth, and the grass in forza 2 has dots on it in the distance, which i had never noticed before. And some edges on cars, aren't smooth, but jagged. At normal veiwing distances however, they are not noticable

It may be that the component input on your display is configured better than the HDMI input. Since I changed over to HDMI 360, I would say the improvements have been slight, but definately veering towards better, not worse. YMMV.

[varvs]

does anyone know if EB/Game are price matching the bigw deal? it would help me in my endeavours to upgrade at not extra cost

EDIT: metroid, metal slug, crack down, dead rising, burnout 1,3,5, transformers, MGS2 x 2 and a 360 got me a straight swap over for a HDMI xmas bundle.

also took up game on their 2yr ext. warranty that will replace the console if it fails after the MS warranty and bought the HDMI optical audio dongle.

And yes, its much quieter

Edited November 22, 2007 by varvs

[glw]

  inm8 said:

The noise levels really depend on what DVD drive you have in the console. The newest batches seem to be coming with BenQ drives (lot738+, MFG: 2007-09-24+, TEAM: CSON), although there are still many consoles floating about (even those with HDMI) that contain Hitachi drives that are significantly nosier during operation. You should find out what drive you have in your console and document it here. Once the sample size gets large enough a site like that could make it very easy to establish MS's manufacturing patterns.

Just bought the DSE Holiday Bundle last night ($529). As much as I would like to know which drive it's got, I wont be able to tell until I hand it over to my son for his birthday in just over a week. Then it can be powered up and open the drive. After all he should be the one who unpacks it!!

The rest I can report on: Lot 738, MFG: 2007-09-25, TEAM: CSON.

Peering through the plastic and vent holes with a strong fiber optic light source I can see a copper pipe in the middle so NOT a falcon board. I'll update the database when I see what drive it has.

Over the next week I'll keep an eye on what Lot numbers are in the shops and if a later one comes in I'll do a "change of mind return at DSE". Looking at the database, this unit has the latest MFG date for an Australian Premium. I can't see any evidence that anyone with a Premium (Pro) console in Australia has a falcon yet.

[varvs]

I have the exact same build details as you, and i have the benQ drive.

[Raja]

Just to add my 2c, the new drive installed in my repaired 360 is the benQ (replaced the original Samsung drive), and it's definately a quieter drive.

[Johnmw1]

  varvs said:

does anyone know if EB/Game are price matching the bigw deal? it would help me in my endeavours to upgrade at not extra cost

EDIT: metroid, metal slug, crack down, dead rising, burnout 1,3,5, transformers, MGS2 x 2 and a 360 got me a straight swap over for a HDMI xmas bundle.

also took up game on their 2yr ext. warranty that will replace the console if it fails after the MS warranty and bought the HDMI optical audio dongle.

And yes, its much quieter

I was in EB yesterday and asked that exact question, and yes they will price match BigW. I then said to him I can get staff discount at BigW (5%) and his reply was I will give you staff discount also but his was 10%, this would make it about $448, should I or shouldn't I?

I was also in DJs today and asked them the same thing, they were not even aware that there is the new pro version with HDMI. They had a look at BigW brochure and then looked up to see what stock they had. On display they had the older version minus HDMI, but in the warehouse they had seven new ones in stock. The sales guy bought one for himself immediately less his staff discount, so yes DJs will price match also.

John

[rossk]

  AndrewW said:

stupid question, but have you connected to the net for the latest firmware ?

this sounds like the issue from ages ago where a firmware updated "turned off" the anti-aliasing in the console.

I have connected it to the internet, but cant remember if i did an update or not. What was the old issue, did the update make it worse?

Will the latest update fix it? Even the dashboard, doesnt look as good.

  MC DUI said:

There is one issue to consider when you do something like this, all your downloadable content will now no longer work on your new console unless you are signed into XboxLIVE as it is tied to the console you originally download it with, this may not be a big issue for you but for others it could be a massive deal.

I dont have downloaded content so it was no issue for me, but i didnt know it was tied to console, should be tied to HDD.

  MarkH said:

It may be that the component input on your display is configured better than the HDMI input. Since I changed over to HDMI 360, I would say the improvements have been slight, but definately veering towards better, not worse. YMMV.

My display is Sony X3100 series, I have PS3 via HDMI also, and it is simply magic, so I dont think the display is the issue.

[varvs]

  Johnmw1 said:

I was in EB yesterday and asked that exact question, and yes they will price match BigW. I then said to him I can get staff discount at BigW (5%) and his reply was I will give you staff discount also but his was 10%, this would make it about $448, should I or shouldn't I?

I was also in DJs today and asked them the same thing, they were not even aware that there is the new pro version with HDMI. They had a look at BigW brochure and then looked up to see what stock they had. On display they had the older version minus HDMI, but in the warehouse they had seven new ones in stock. The sales guy bought one for himself immediately less his staff discount, so yes DJs will price match also.

John

I got mine from game, they are advertising the same price as bigW. I also picked up the MS audio dongle for optical out and GAME have their own instore extended warranty which they sold me for $70. if it fails after the initial 1yr warranty, they will replace with a brand newwy. Couldnt really pass that offer.

[dames]

  varvs said:

I also picked up the MS audio dongle for optical out

If you don't mind me asking, how much did the audio dongle set you back?

[varvs]

an Extortionate $60. comes with an MS branded HDMI cable too, but doesnt quite make up for the fact that ive always had the ability to use optical audio until i decide to upgrade my console.

if youre handy with a dremel save your money and just modify the standard AV cable to fit while a HDMI cable is in there.

[Guest]

Just out of curiousity but does this additional dongle support analogue audio out as well?

[dames]

  MarkH said:

Just out of curiousity but does this additional dongle support analogue audio out as well?

Yes, but it only has outputs for the L & R channel: http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/hdmi-xbo...ter-what-to-do/

[Guest]

  inm8 said:

Yes, but it only has outputs for the L & R channel: http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/hdmi-xbo...ter-what-to-do/

Thats fine!