Thinking about getting a 360. Do I have anything to worry about?

It seems like MS did a really poor job of building the console. It'll likely break down on you. After the 3 year RRoD warranty, it'll most definately break on you sooner or later and you'll have to pay MS for repairs. What sucks even more is that once you get a different 360, you have to be online in order to run the content you downloaded on your previous console - or so I hear.

I bought a 360 a couple of months ago, but returned it to buy a new one. The games and online service are good, but you'll just have to except that the quality of the console is poor and that it WILL break down on you sooner than later.

Overheating isn't much of a problem to me, because my 360 is always well ventilated, and the fact that I have an airconditioner helps quite a bit. Another thing is, I take care of it.Cerberus_Legion

Does anyone know if the new 65nm CPUs will help solve the problem of the RROD?woogity

Even if they fix the RROD, it was just the cherry (sorta looks like one:)) on top of all my other problems. When I couldn't download content I paid for on XBL, they actually told me that they don't troubleshoot internet issues (it was a 360 issue, my computers were connected just fine) and that I should call my ISP and ask for more bandwidth, probably the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. Their disc scratching "fix" didn't work, and the thing still constantly freezes before it's had time to overheat. I'm also not a big fan of paying $30 here and there on accesories that should've been included with the console in the first place like rechargeable batteries or a VGA/DVI port.

I love when people think their actions did anything to prevent their system from breaking. You got lucky, period. Most people with broken systems did everything they could to avoid it, like you. I live in a city that rarely gets above 70F and my launch 360 heated the entire room.pinionxl

Hmm.. perhaps I am lucky.. However, I do try my best to keep it well ventilated, and I suppose that, along with my luck, has something to do with my 360 surviving this long. I've already sworn that if my 360 ever does break down, I'll replace it with an Elite instead of sending it to Microsoft. I don't have a hard drive, and I don't want any of Microsoft's refurbished systems or whatnot. Whatever happens to it, happens. I'll still have the software, so it won't be a total loss. But yes, you can call me lucky, I guess..

Does anyone know if the new 65nm CPUs will help solve the problem of the RROD?woogity

It will, but unfortunately you'll have to wait for that to come out.

And its a good idea to wait, since you've already not gotten a 360.

I've been thinking about getting a 360, but I'm a little concerned with the huge amount of problems people are having with their's.  Everyone I know who has one has had it break.  As I browse through here, it seems like it's no different.  I really don't want to spend all that money and deal with the hassle of multiple units breaking on me....but I really want to play games like Oblivion and Bioshock.  I bought a Wii early this year, but there really haven't been that many worthwhile games.  Can you guys give some feedback on your experiences with the 360?woogity

Well, here's how it works.. If you buy a 360 the chances on breaking are unpredictable.
If it breaks from the three flashing red lights as nicknamed "RROD" Microsoft will repair it for you for free until July 5th 2010.
Any other issues, such as a broken controller, disk tray issues you will have to pay for it to get it fixed by Microsoft.
Last of all, if you experience any other wierd issues such as one flashing red lights etc. There are always guides online for it to get it fixed without paying for it.

Note: Always read the manual instructions for best tips and preventing some issues.

So if I want to find a 360 with a Falcon motherboard will I be able to tell from the packaging?woogity

No one knows yet because I don't think they've been released. My newest 360 had a sticker on the side of the box that says 'Zephyr' so maybe the Falcon will have a 'Falcon' sticker on the box?

The only thing to worrie about is Microsoft releasing a new modle 2 months after you buy one.shockwave04

Heh, I suppose that's also true. This generation of gaming has been both expensive and kinda irritating, because of all the new SKUs being released, one after another, further confusing future consumers in regards to the companies' reliability. It really is a battle between patience and anticipation.

I've had two die on me so far and don't regret the purchase at all. So you can't play for a few weeks -- it's still by far the best console this generation.pinionxl

QFT... I hate to say it, but despite it's horrid reliability, I wouldn't go without one.

My advice is to buy the thing at Best Buy and get the replacement plan. It's a bit extra, but it beats dealing with MS Tech Support over in Redmond, India.

The only thing to worrie about is Microsoft releasing a new modle 2 months after you buy one.shockwave04

I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds this rather annoying. In the 360's short life span, there are already about 5 versions... The Premium, The Core, The Elite, The Premium (w/ HDMI Port... which defeats the purpose of getting an Elite), and the Arcade. What the hell, Microsoft?

You havn't much to woory about, only The RROD but that is now a Minor Issue, the only thing you have to worry about it what games you want :D:

I've been thinking about getting a 360, but I'm a little concerned with the huge amount of problems people are having with their's. Everyone I know who has one has had it break. As I browse through here, it seems like it's no different. I really don't want to spend all that money and deal with the hassle of multiple units breaking on me....but I really want to play games like Oblivion and Bioshock. I bought a Wii early this year, but there really haven't been that many worthwhile games. Can you guys give some feedback on your experiences with the 360?woogity

I just bought my first 360 this past weekend. I too had the exact same fears you have.

I can tell you right now, the console runs HOT and builds up alot of heat. You have to keep the console in a cool, open area. Don't put it in a TV cabinet on a shelf with a door and no opening in the back.

I did this when I first got it on Satruday and after an hour I stuck my hand next to the 360 in the cabinet where it was at - the cabinet space I had it in was very warm. That thing will heat your whole room better then a Radiator would.

I've since moved my 360 outside the cabinet, on a top shelf with a fully opened front area and I drilled holes in the back of the cabinet. There's much less heat on that shelf and whatever heat the 360 blows out just goes out into the room, rather then being trapped around the consoel itself.

I also keep the 360 laying flat - the CPU and GPU heat sinks vent out of the Right Side of the console, when you lay it flat facing you. (if you stand the 360 up vertically, then you're sitting the console on it's primary heat vent and not only does that make it hotter, but heat RISES up into the rest of the console causing all sorts of problems)

I don't know who the idiots were that designed the 360 to stand up vertically, which completely BLOCKS the primary heat vents, but they should be fired.

Anyone who stands their 360 up vertically is asking for trouble.

I'm 2-days into my new console - so far, no lights or freezes or anything.

/fingers crossed

Is anyone else sick of these threads?Nercay