XBOX 360 extra hardware?

[tommy]

In addition to my Nintendo Wii console, i will also be getting an XBOX 360. Has anyone tried this Xbox intercooler addon? I read a few things that said the intercooler seems to have caused the Xbox to not function correctly and crash at times? I have also read that the intercooler DOES work fine and IS a good product to buy to cut down on heat.

I can't help but think if the Xbox 360 needed more cooling microsoft would have provided it themselves and not had a third party make this product, is it needed and does it help any?

[AlanS17]

For what it's worth, I've got an XBOX360 that gets left online more often than not. It doesn't have any heating issues.

[rdowdy95]

I have still got my launch day Xbox 360.  I've only had the red lights of death one time.  I don't know if it was the intercooler or not.  I had the system for like 7 months then my wife got the intercooler. 

It does seem to blow more of the hot air out of the system.  However I am on my second intercooler right now.  The first one I had I think something happened to it.  It started making a grinding sound.  I would turn it off/on and it would go away.  One day it kept making the noise though so I went out and got a new one. 

The new one works great.  If you have it in a TV cab like me you will want one.  If it has plenty of ventilation I think you would be fine without it.  The top of my 360 used to be hot.  Now it is cool because the hot air is blown out the back!

[AlanS17]

I should mention that I keep my XBOX360 on a countertop with open air around it.

[SirPoonga]

My 360 has a mfg date of Dec 14, 2005.  I do not have the intercooler.  I have heard the first revisions of the intercolor caused problems but have been fixed in latest versions.

Personally, I'd wait until the 360 is out of warranty I'd mod it to be cooler.  There's two things (well, three if you include expensive watercooling) that you can do.  Get the talisman replacement fan and/or an extra fan by hacking into a 12v source.  Also one could redirect the airflow over the heatsinks.
http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/mods/360-12V-fan-Mod.htm
http://www.foundmy.com/oscom/product_info.php?cPath=38_49&products_id=178

You could even get this kit which has a temp gauge too.
http://www.foundmy.com/oscom/product_info.php?products_id=191

However, I don't think you have to worry.  I am going to put the quieter fans in there just to have quieter fans.  As for over-heating I think that was just a problem in a small percentage of the launch units.  What sucks is Microsoft could have made it quieter and cooler.  I think they could have had better heatsinks tool.

You will know if you are over heating if the video starts to get pixilated.

Keep the power supply away from it.  The only time I had my 360 overheat was because the power spply was right next to it adding to the heat.  I've had the red ring once because of lightning.

[AlanS17]

I've seen a fan unit that somehow clips onto the back. That's a cooling option that won't void a warranty.

[ChadTower]

A cold beer on top of it will solve everything. 

[SirPoonga]

I've seen a fan unit that somehow clips onto the back. That's a cooling option that won't void a warranty.

That's what he is talking about, the intercooler goes on the outside.    However, because of where it is I don't see the benefit.  It goes over the existing fans.  If you double up fans does that help anything?

[lcddream]

http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=11848

[DYNAGOD]

i cut a big gaping 6"x6" hole out of the top of mine with a dremmel tool.

[G@M3FR3@K]

i cut a big gaping 6"x6" hole out of the top of mine with a dremmel tool.

I bet that's real attractive!