http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=13249

Xbox 360 crashes may be caused by PSUs overheating
Ellie Gibson 09:22 28/11/2005

Microsoft denies that there are any "systemic issues" with console units

As reports of Xbox 360 units crashing or freezing continue to emerge from North America, some console owners are claiming to have found the cause of the problem - and its solution.

Apparently many Xbox 360 owners are attempting to hide the console's large power supply unit out of sight, and placing it in areas where there is not enough ventilation as a result.

Just as when a PC crashes if it gets too hot and there's a risk of fire, the Xbox 360's PSU is said to then shut down - which means console owners should be leaving plenty of space around the power pack so that air can circulate and the two built-in fans can perform properly.

One Xbox 360 owner found a particularly inventive solution to the problem - as detailed on the GameSpot forum.

The poster, "goldeneyemaster", claims his Xbox 360 was crashing "like once every 20 minutes," so he suspended it in the air with a bit of string - which solved the problem. He also found that perching the PSU on a box worked just as well: "I left the console on for seven hours without crashing (I finally decided to turn it off)."

Microsoft declined to comment on whether the PSU is causing the crashes, with a spokesperson simply telling our sister site Eurogamer: "Because Xbox 360 has three powerful processing cores, customers may notice that it runs a bit warmer than other game consoles, but this heat output is well within the acceptable and safe range for a CE device of this type and has passed all applicable safety certifications.

"There is no systemic issue with Xbox 360. Each incident is unique and these customer enquiries are being handled on a case-by-case basis."


Chris

If the crashing is being caused by poor circulation, a viable solution may be using feet for the bottom of the PSU similar to those that some speaker stands use. They're usually and inch or two long and dig into the carpet. If they were a little longer, they'd be able to elevate the PSU off of the ground.

$400++ to have the suspend the system in the air with string?

Maybe I should be glad my pre-order got canned. I think i'll just wait now until Halo 3 comes out before buring one.

I'm curious how people are storing these PCU? I have mine behind my entertainment rack. It's sorta exposed, but not really that noticeable. No issues yet.

^^not the system, the PSU^^ and so long as you arent stuffing the PSU underneath your entertainment center you shouldn't run into problems.

The PSU has ventilation holes on it... you just have to make sure they're exposed. Hanging it from a string is a bit extreme.

The problems, more then likely, are a result of some components with the power supply being out of spec. (They are not within design tolerences alotted) It is not a system wide problem.

In my humble opinion, the system should have been designed better to account for these irregularities, or better components should have been used.

The good news is that now that it is apparent, MS can hopefully takes steps to correct it in the future.

Anybody recieve their Best Buy bundles?
I expect mine today.
Any success in returning part of the bundle?
I'm debating whether or not to return Madden.

HA! Maybe they should include String in with the premium box?

That'll just increase the price!

Chris

I got mine on the 23rd. I exchanged the extra controller and Madden in-store today -- no hassle whatsoever. Just make sure to bring the packing slips and stuff.

Of course I'm a sucker and kept Madden (got my Xbox last night).
I don't see another game that I'm that interested in right now.
The only thing left to deliver is my extra controller, which I'll keep also.

So far, I'm very impressed with the little white box.

Ah, but you still eat the shipping, right? I'm contemplating just keeping the extra controller when it comes (I couldn't wait, so it'll be my third) and Madden.

Yes, which is a drag, but I chalked it up as a guaranteed-to-get-one-and-didn't-have-to-wait-in-line tax, so it's not that bad.

So, I cannot seem to find this anywhere? Has anyone had ANY problems with King Kong and the sound? I asked in the reviews thread, but no one has answered me. Basically, the sound gets SO LOUD and distorted that I thought I blew my speakers. It was horrendous and made the game unplayable. I resttarted the game and it was better, but it went back to being horrendous. Anyone?

DJ,
The only thing I could think of trying (I don't have Kong, may rent it) is changing your digital audio to analog, trying it, changing it back, etc.
There is a 5.1 setting under digital audio you may want to make sure is checked.

I noticed in Madden, I could barely hear the radio announcer but Madden (on Ask Madden) was clear.

I don't have Kong but I was having audio issues with Halo 2 the other night. It would randomly drop out while I was on LIVE. Never had a problem with it on the regular Xbox. I haven't tried it since but I figured I would chalk it up to the BC issue.

So how much of a priority are game publishers (or Microsoft) going to put on making sure that newer Xbox titles are compatible? I've been holding off playing some recent games like X-men Legends 2 and Star Wars Battlefront 2 because I don't want to have to start over... and I'll probably hold off buying the new Prince of Persia for the same reason.

I received my best buy bundle today. I went to their store to exchangethe Football game for a NBA2k6. Was told that they cannot do a straight exchange, but will cancel the order for the football game, and separately process purchase of 2k6, as best buy.com has a different system. THis actually works out better, since I can then apply bestbuy's $5 off couple for 2k6! So saved me 5 bucks and tax on this. Good deal! Went out and bought Call of Duty as well. So far, loving my 360, except that I'm having problems with connecting my Media Center with 360, and microsoft cannot resolve it so far. Will be a little patient till they fix they one out, hopefully sooner than later.

If you haven't already, you might try a google search using your router mfr name and xbox.

And have you tried connecting the XBox directly to your cable or dsl modem instead of using a router? (I'm assuming you are using a router of course.)

Well, I tried it again last night and it worked flawlessly....so, it must have been a glitch, maybe it was just that part of the game. Anyways, decent game...glad I rented it though. I'm about 34% into the game, but will return it tomorrow.

Thanks Blade, but I'm actually directly connected to the router. I don't have problems with Xbox Live. Problem is just with media center and 360. I was able to download media center extender, but once you've indicated the media center setup key, i get a message indicating that it is unable to contact 360. Temporarily removed firewalls and spyware, but still no luck. I actually called microsoft and they are unable to resolve this yet, so was hoping someone else has a creative solution to this problem.

You'd think that new titles would be top priority for BC. I mean, most 360 gamers have packed up or traded away their original Xbox, but would still buy new Xbox games during the winter when there's nothing really coming out for the 360.

I picked up Half-Life 2 for this very reason. Had it not been backwards compatible I wouldn't have bothered.

Yeah, I wonder how BC will be for new releases also. I have a few pre-ordered through GAmeRush, but they let me cancel them and swap for 360 for $10 more...but there are still some interesting XBOX games on the horizon. Bully, Black and a few others.

I still have Half-Life 2 sitting there unplayed....I never had the desire with my 360 games taking over.

I have Gauntlet Seven Sorrows on preorder and have been wondering the same thing