Posts tagged Xbox 360

Xbox360 Disc Read Errors

Well, as I posted several months ago, I successfully repaired the graphics overheating problem on my green Halo3 special edition Xbox360 (and several others since then). I’m happy to report that it is still going strong. Some have asked for a list of parts I used and a writeup on the procedure. As I never found time, it is now months later, and the NEW Xbox has been released, I may not get around to it. I do have the pictures but I’m just short on time. I will try to come up with a list of parts though. Believe me, after fixing several Xbox RROD overheating problems it is clear that the right parts are very important.

Anyway, as I stated in the previous Xbox post, the DVD drive started giving problems soon after the overheating (extremely frustrating to make it recognize a disc). Well, these problems soon escalated to the point of ridiculous Disc Read Errors. Most of the time the drive would not even recognize that any media existed when placed in the drive. Keep in mind you COULD get it to recognize a disc (game and movie) but it was a real pain. For instance, to get a disc to play this was my normal procedure:

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Xbox 360 Video Card Fried

Well, I suppose I jinxed myself with my regular bragging of how I’ve never had problems with my 360. To be honest, it has been great; very reliable up to this point. However, tonight, I turned it on…everything worked fine…I connected to my media server….started playing a video and about 20 seconds into the video most of the image turned green. I mean, it was still working because I could see things moving and when I stopped the video I could still move around the dashboard it’s just that everything was green now. So, I decided to reboot the box…….BAD decision….As of now, I have an Xbox360 that seems to be working fine (NO rrod and I can hear sound and it connects to live and all) just NO video. Yes, it seems that my video card is fried. And yes, my warranty expired 3 months ago. I’ve only found one report of someone having this same problem and they said that when Microsoft fixed it and sent it back, their DVD drive failed less than a month later. Since, I’ve already noticed my DVD drive making noise I’m confident something similar would happen to me. So, I’m throwing in the towel and getting a new one (I’ll mess around with fixing this one when I have time in the future).

To be fair, I have worked it a little hard this past week or so. I’ve watched about 6 full seasons of one of my TV shows (streamed from my media server) so it hasn’t really had much time to rest.

So, it looks like I will be buying the Xbox360 Super Elite tomorrow with the 250GB hdd and the new Splinter Cell Convictions.

A new set of tires mounted and balanced and a new Xbox in the same day. How depressing…

Note: I will probably be popping open my Halo Edition Xbox360 that just died at some point to see what I can do about it (or at least mess around with it).

Racing Setups for the Xbox360

There are several wheels out there (mostly for the PS3 and PC) but not so many for the 360 (why is MS not letting Logitech make the G27 not for the Xbox?). But there are a few from the cheap (Madcatz) to the mid-range (MS wheel, Logitech DriveFX) to the enthusiast inspired (Fanatec).

Fanatec makes the best looking wheel, shifter, and pedal setup for the 360 (also works on the PC and PS3 so might be worth some thought). It’s fairly expensive but for the serious racing game enthusiast can you really argue? The wheel looks terrific, the manual shifter (although probably not supported as of yet in any game) looks awesome, and the pedals (all metal) provide functionality that isn’t even supported yet in games (ABS feedback when braking). Also there is actually a clutch pedal for manual driving! You should really check this one out!
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Here are some of Fanatec’s other wheels…
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They also make a pretty good looking mount for the wheels and pedals (works with the MS wheel with an adapter)
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Link 2
I will probably get one of these stands, when I decide which wheel I want (I have no room for the cockpit).

Maybe we can get a review of Forza3 from some of the Pic-E-Bank members out there. I know at least 2 that have it… :)

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Forza 3 Reviewed by IGN

“Simply put, Forza 3 is one of the best racers ever made.”—–IGN

Finally a detailed review of one of the most anticipated future titles on Xbox 360. I’m not completely sure how I’m going to like some of the features like the “auto-braking” and the “rewind” button. Seems like they are going to have to cripple these for multiplayer or there won’t be any fair races. Oh well, regardless, I know I’m taking it for a spin, how about you?

After the release, I’m sure several of us will be posting a review of it. Look forward to it.

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Xbox 360 Repair

Well, my first attempt at repairing the dreaded 3 RROD on the 360 has gone well. It took about an hour and a half since it was my first time taking one apart. Anytime I try something like this for the first time I like to be careful until I see exactly how everything is connected.

Anyhow, I’ve decided to repair anyone’s 360 that is having problems for $50 (this will include any supplies I need for the repair). I’m thinking about offering this as a service and if I can’t fix it (for whatever reason) then I will not charge. What do you think?

I will make a list of the parts I used for the repair in the forum attached to this post. I’ll also be happy to detail how it was done if anyone feels they can do this themselves. I do, however, encourage you to think twice about doing it yourself unless you are comfortable with taking electronics such as this apart. I’ve been taking Xboxs and electronics such as this apart for a long time, so I’m comfortable at this point.

Any questions about this repair service, just contact PM me or post in the forum attached to this post.

Absolut3

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