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New Xbox 360 chip to end Red Rings problem?

August 15, 2007 in News comments 15

Outside of losing Halo's console exclusivity to Sony (hahaha) the Red Ring of Death is what Xbox 360 fans fear the most in life. Well, despite reports that instances of the dreaded RRoD are on the rise, a new 90nm chip in Microsoft's machine may be the key to cooler, more reliable units of the 360. Shame it took $1 billion in repairs before its arrival, eh?

Purchasing a Microsoft Xbox 360 without the risk of breakdown? Surely not! Yep, it could soon be a reality. Reports suggest that thanks to a deal with a Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing company (imaginatively named the Taiwan Semiconductor Company), a new 90nm chip that's been in production since early 2006 and is now being slotted into new machines and could bring Xbox 360 gaming woes to an end.
mistermostyn via gamersquad.com »
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Most recently commented on by on Aug 16, 2007

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  • 0
    JJBDude Aug 15, 07
    I'll keep my fingers crossed that this does fix the problem, it gets on my nerves so much knowing that my beloved console crashes so much for people. I can't help but be doubtful about this chip though.
  • 0
    Strayfire Aug 15, 07
    Eh, aren't the 65nm Falcons being shipped out later this year?
    • 0
      Supernouva Aug 15, 07
      I think they're already out, which is why the X360 got a price cut. Also, doesn't it also come with an extra heatsink now as well?
  • 0
    TurMoiL911 Aug 15, 07
    As long as it keeps the RRoD from happening, I'm happy. Did Microsoft say anything about using these new chips in older 360's getting repaired by them ?
  • 0
    Revenger of Wastelan Aug 15, 07
    If this happens together with that Australian price drop, then i will probably get an Xbox, though i want PS3 too.
  • 0
    dmf_dynasty Aug 16, 07
    If Microsoft hadn't rushed the 360 out a year early, they might have been able to ramp up production times on this and stick it in just in time for the release of the other consoles. This thing's been in production since before the console came out and all.
  • 0
    Evanster Aug 16, 07
    If Microsoft can pick this up and Halo 3 pwns then they will (or might) make up the $1 billion difference caused by the faulty XBOX consoles.
  • 0
    Subtle Demise Aug 16, 07
    Wow it's a good time to be in the market for a 360 then. I was weary about buying one, because I didn't want it to crash and burn like so many others, but now I have one less thing to worry about when it comes time to make my purchase.
  • 0
    Final Blade Aug 16, 07
    Um i just thought of something, i know they say the new heatsinks will solve the RRoD problem, but since there not release yet were not sure if they will.

    Supernouva no there not here yet, they lower the price due to cheaper materials and Manufacturing like sony's PS3.
  • 0
    Pyrazor Aug 16, 07
    Yeah, 360s currently have 90nm chips and have recently added heatsinks. This is the same set up used in the Elite and HDMI Premium and is codenamed Zephyr.

    What's ACTUALLY happening is their manufacturing 65nm chips to cut down the overheating and their own production costs. This new set up will be codenamed Falcon. It's rumored to be a soft release so I'll guess around Halo 3.
    • 0
      Final Blade Aug 16, 07
      A soft release? This may sound stupid, but what does that mean.
      • 0
        Strayfire Aug 16, 07
        A soft release is when they just put it out on shelves without any marketing or publicity or other real notification.
  • 0
    Bale Fire* Aug 16, 07
    soft means gradual right?

    Anyway wasn't there a story about the new Xbox's 360 not using the falcon setup?
    • 0
      Final Blade Aug 16, 07
      Dunno, but still none answered my question b4.
  • 0
    Inuyasha19 Aug 16, 07
    I should hope they finally help the problem. Overheating has been an issue since the first XBox.

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