360 hardware questions

I recently ordered an xbox 360 elite from amazon, what are the failure rates of the console?

also, is the console really loud?

I think the failure rate on new 360s is much lower. I have nothing to back that up of course.

As to loudness, I bought a new 360 in September and it is much quieter than my launch 360. My launch 360 is long gone, but the one they sent me back after repair is quiet as well.