3rd death of a 360

[bovine]

I guess I just get a RRoD every year. First I though it was just some bad programming in Farcry 2 that had it freezing up on me every hour or so, but alas that appears to not be the case. My wireless controllers now won't sync with the system, so I'm using a wired one until this machine finally dies. It's pretty annoying since I still have a list of games I still need to play through, but at least I'll have persona 4 to keep me busy whenever this godforsaken machine dies. It played through dead space with no issues, but when playing Fable 2 (couldn't even get through to prologue without it freezing), or farcry, the problems with freezing are apparent.

I'll keep you posted on what other features of the system die out as this thing keeps on trucking.

[Tessian]

damn man, hadn't you just replaced your 360 with the RROD issue only a few months ago?

[bovine]

yes, this summer when rock band 2 came out

[Blotus]

Sorry to hear it. Hopefully we can get a good game of Horde before it dies.

I will play Wipeout and LBP with you during your 360 downtime. I will not, however, pay $50 for a headset.

[SineSwiper]

RRODs still exist? Don't they just give out Elites for free?

[Tessian]

RRODs still exist? Don't they just give out Elites for free?

Where the hell did you hear that? No they don't give you a new system, let alone a DIFFERENT system, they simply fix yours. It also sounds like poor Bovine has a different issue than the extended warranty fix

[Blotus]

You're both wrong. Sine, I think you're under the impression that Elites do not RROD. This is incorrect, and they can. The fact that your has not just means you're lucky.
And Tess, Microsoft frequently does give you a different system. To expedite the process they'll just send you a refurbished unit.

[Imakeholesinu]

To expedite the process they'll just send you a refurbished unit.

Which means it has been wrapped in a pillow and duct tape until it melts back together again.

[bovine]

I am always very careful and protective of my electronic equipment, but I decided to try the "towel trick" on my 360 to see what would happen. At best it would get it back to 100% again (if temporarily), and at worse it would give it the actual RRoD (or burn down my apartment building). So I tried it and my wireless controller functionality has been restored! Yahoo! Now taht I've beaten Farcry 2, I'll not test that one out, but I'll keep going on fable 2 and see if it still constantly crashes.

UPDATE

nevermind, after cooling the system down and trying to power it up with the wireless controller... it powers up, but does not detect the controller that has powered it up. Weird, hey? It worked when the system was just out of the towels, but after the cool-down it was not having any of it. Back under the towels you go for another 20 minutes!

[Louis]

In most cases Microsoft does in fact send a brand new system (not refurbished). I bought my 360 off an acquaintance that had received a brand new one rather than Microsoft fixing the old one. He had already just bought a replacement and I bought the new one Microsoft sent for like $200. It didn't come with a HD, but I believe I picked up a 20GB refurb from Gamestop for like $50. This was like 18 months ago before the recent price drops. One of these days I might actually start playing it. If I had a new TV, I might actually play it. My TV is like a 20" CRT My computer monitor is bigger! I have the PS3 hooked up to the 62" DLP and I don't feel like fighting with "Bubba" over playing my 360 when he wants to play the PS3.

Bubba is my big little brother. He's got 100 pounds on me He's becoming a career student at this point. One of these days he's got to get a job!

[Kupek]

In most cases Microsoft does in fact send a brand new system (not refurbished).

Do you mean "I know some people who got a new system", "Most of the people I know who sent in a 360 got a new one" or "I read stats somewhere that stated most people receive a new one"?

[bovine]

the last I got were refurbs

[Zeus]

This is your third time, make sure you ask for some good compensation. And don't settle for the basic PGR3, PDZ, or Kameo shit, you've just moved up a level.

[Louis]

In most cases Microsoft does in fact send a brand new system (not refurbished).

Do you mean "I know some people who got a new system", "Most of the people I know who sent in a 360 got a new one" or "I read stats somewhere that stated most people receive a new one"?

Not a scientific study by any means. Just what I have heard from most people with broken 360s covered under the manufacturer warranty.

[Tessian]

No Louis, they do NOT fix the RROD issue by giving out new systems. You get the same system, same serial number, same dents (if any), same everything. I've heard of a few cases where they also replaced ailing DVD drives, but that's it.

Seriously, what do you think is cheaper-- spend 1 hour to crack open a system and replace the heatsink, or throw it out and send everyone a new $400 system? Use some common sense man

[Zeus]

Although it's quite simple to simply put another refurbished system in a box and send it back to the customer, in order to determine how much warranty you have left, particularly for those of us who purchased an extended warranty, they have to send you back the same system with the same serial number

[Blotus]

You get the same system, same serial number, same dents (if any), same everything.

As I've already stated, they WILL send you a refurb. How do I know? Because I've been sent two. Included with the systems when I've gotten them back were printed notes saying something to the effect of "this system has a different serial number than your original".

Not to say this happens every time, but it does. I'm reminded of the guy who sent in his Xbox signed by various developers and industry folk, and the repair center wiped all the signatures off and sent it back to him.

Now as for NEW systems being sent out, well, how could you know? It's not like the systems come shrink wrapped or the manufacture date on the system says 'YESTERDAY!' Both replacements I received were manufactured around the same time as my originals and were spotless.

hey have to send you back the same system with the same serial number

See above.

[Imakeholesinu]

In most cases Microsoft does in fact send a brand new system (not refurbished). I bought my 360 off an acquaintance that had received a brand new one rather than Microsoft fixing the old one. He had already just bought a replacement and I bought the new one Microsoft sent for like $200. It didn't come with a HD, but I believe I picked up a 20GB refurb from Gamestop for like $50. This was like 18 months ago before the recent price drops. One of these days I might actually start playing it. If I had a new TV, I might actually play it. My TV is like a 20" CRT My computer monitor is bigger! I have the PS3 hooked up to the 62" DLP and I don't feel like fighting with "Bubba" over playing my 360 when he wants to play the PS3.

Bubba is my big little brother. He's got 100 pounds on me He's becoming a career student at this point. One of these days he's got to get a job!

PS3 > Sliced Bread > Poop > 360.

How come the PS3 doesn't get headlines for rampant problems? Oh wait because it is built to last 10 years.

[Tessian]

How come the PS3 doesn't get headlines for rampant problems? Oh wait because it is built to last 10 years.

Remind me Barret, what's PS3's market share again?

PA made the best analysis-- Microsoft is a software company, Sony is a hardware company. The Xbox has great software, the PS3 has great hardware... and they opposites of both suck ass in comparison. IMO shitty hardware is easier to fix because it's more obvious it's broken... shitty software (HOME) you're stuck with for a long time.

[Lox]

PS3 > Sliced Bread > Poop > 360.

How come the PS3 doesn't get headlines for rampant problems? Oh wait because it is built to last 10 years.

Well, Sony got a lot of practice learning what not to do with the crappy PS2 hardware. Every one of my friends had to buy a 2nd (or 3rd) PS2 because theirs crapped out after a few years. I am still nervous that my PS3 will crap out after 3-4 years, too. We really don't know if the PS3 is that good. All we do know is that the Xbox has issues, but at least they are standing behind the problems and fixing them. That was never true with the PS2.

[Kupek]

How come the PS3 doesn't get headlines for rampant problems? Oh wait because it is built to last 10 years.

Seriously, blatant console-war flames? Are we in middle school again?

As others have pointed out, the fastest thing to do is to send a refurb the moment they receive your 360, which when it's done and fixed, becomes someone else's refurb.

[Blotus]

Well, Sony got a lot of practice learning what not to do with the crappy PS2 hardware.

And crappy PS1 hardware. I know I'm not the only one here that hard to turn my Playstation on it's side or upside down in order for it to work properly.

Seriously, blatant console-war flames? Are we in middle school again?

I'm sure Barret's just trying to bait somebody in good fun. And hey, it worked!

[Zeus]

I had the same serial number back when I sent mine in. It probably depends on a) what the issue is and b) where you are in relation to a full repair centre.

[Lox]

And crappy PS1 hardware. I know I'm not the only one here that hard to turn my Playstation on it's side or upside down in order for it to work properly.

Hopefully, the third time's the charm. I would hate to have to open up my PS3 like I did my PS2. If the pattern holds true, the Xbox 720 will be great. haha

[SineSwiper]

PA made the best analysis-- Microsoft is a software company, Sony is a hardware company. The Xbox has great software, the PS3 has great hardware... and they opposites of both suck ass in comparison. IMO shitty hardware is easier to fix because it's more obvious it's broken... shitty software (HOME) you're stuck with for a long time.

Without developers, a console has no games. Without games, a console is useless.

So, yeah, I'd rather have a 360, thank you. After all, the Gameboy lasted at least 10 years with that black and green piece of shit, and Nintendo still has the monopoly on portable game systems.

[Louis]

No Louis, they do NOT fix the RROD issue by giving out new systems. You get the same system, same serial number, same dents (if any), same everything. I've heard of a few cases where they also replaced ailing DVD drives, but that's it.

You're logic is sound but unfortunately, you are wrong. They do send new systems out for the RROD issue. Maybe my friends have just been lucky. Like I said, I have one of them.

And to clarify, they sent him a new "Core" system with no peripherals or cords. Just a bare "Core" system in a regular box. I'm sure they probably refurbed they old system and sold it to GameStop or another retailer. Or gave a refurb to someone else. I think it all depends on what it going on at the time. Like I said, this was 18 or so months ago.

Seriously, what do you think is cheaper-- spend 1 hour to crack open a system and replace the heatsink, or throw it out and send everyone a new $400 system? Use some common sense man.

And Tessian, how are you going to tell me I'm wrong when I have one? Did you not read my entire post?

[Imakeholesinu]

How come the PS3 doesn't get headlines for rampant problems? Oh wait because it is built to last 10 years.

Remind me Barret, what's PS3's market share again?

PA made the best analysis-- Microsoft is a software company, Sony is a hardware company. The Xbox has great software, the PS3 has great hardware... and they opposites of both suck ass in comparison. IMO shitty hardware is easier to fix because it's more obvious it's broken... shitty software (HOME) you're stuck with for a long time.

Superior software or innovation won't always cut it in this market (IE Dreamcast).

[SineSwiper]

Seriously, what do you think is cheaper-- spend 1 hour to crack open a system and replace the heatsink, or throw it out and send everyone a new $400 system? Use some common sense man

How about sending a new $400 system, and then replacing the heatsink later? I used to work in a laptop repair center. Nothing is a five minute operation.

[SineSwiper]

Finally got my RROD. Also, this. They probably now replace the AISC with the new one to avoid future problems. Seeing as this may have been a recent development, it's possible that RMAs before then were just a "patch up and pray" job.

Need to print up my label and ship it out.

[Mental]

I would potentially suggest treating the next one with more care, if you can. Don't leave it on forever, put it in a dust-clogged or temperature-extreme environment, etc.

[bovine]

Finally got my RROD. Also, this. They probably now replace the AISC with the new one to avoid future problems. Seeing as this may have been a recent development, it's possible that RMAs before then were just a "patch up and pray" job.

Need to print up my label and ship it out.

were there any symptoms leading up to this? freezing, graphical issues, or anything like that?

[SineSwiper]

Yeah, played Fallout 3 for about 45 minutes until it froze and locked up. Then played for 5 minutes. Then for 1 minute. Then even the logo bootup had locked up. After than, I stopped using it until the morning after, and it would immediately RROD. Never came back afterwords; just would always RROD.

Of course, it doesn't help that I put it in my car the day before. I guess something got knocked loose, but I hear that the heatsink assembly (even on the Elite) is pretty flimsy, so I still blame MS for not making it transportable enough. (A PC would have no problems.) I'm sure I could fix it myself, but I still have a 3-year warranty for RRODs, so I might as well go through the process.

How long did the RMA take?

[Tessian]

RMA takes about 2-3 weeks from when you send it off. It goes down to a Texas center to get "repaired" then eventually sent back to you.

If it helps you also get a free 1 month card for XBL for the lost time.

[Mental]

I have a sudden urge to see how many 360s this board has sacrificed to the red-ringed God.

I've got one to tally here, from the year before last - Microsoft was very cool about the whole thing though.

[Eric]

Honestly, if I can't throw my system down a flight of stairs and still have it work without any issues the company that made it fails.

[Tessian]

Honestly, if I can't throw my system down a flight of stairs and still have it work without any issues the company that made it fails.

er... why?

I don't think my computer or laptop would even work after that... I would fully expect some decent damage from any electronic if I tossed it down a flight of steps. Console, computer, TV, speakers, etc. A cell phone I'd expect to but even most of them would come out of this damaged.

I expect my electronics to last a pretty long time, but only with proper care. I don't see "surviving being tossed down a flight of steps" being a reasonable expectation for most electronics.

[Eric]

Honestly, if I can't throw my system down a flight of stairs and still have it work without any issues the company that made it fails.

er... why?

I don't think my computer or laptop would even work after that... I would fully expect some decent damage from any electronic if I tossed it down a flight of steps. Console, computer, TV, speakers, etc. A cell phone I'd expect to but even most of them would come out of this damaged.

I expect my electronics to last a pretty long time, but only with proper care. I don't see "surviving being tossed down a flight of steps" being a reasonable expectation for most electronics.

Stop talking to me like you thought I was being serious!

[Tessian]

uh... yeah.. hahaha.. that's it, all sarcasm... Fooled you?

[Chris]

so mad. my ps2 broke down on me today. I was playin p4 it froze reset now it won't read anything.....so sad....I wanted to play persona

[Zeus]

Honestly, if I can't throw my system down a flight of stairs and still have it work without any issues the company that made it fails.

My cousin's daughter and I were playin' the Cube and the thing fell down about 2 1/2 feet off of a shelf onto a hardwood floor and it didn't even skip a beat. It actually didn't stop playing until I picked it up a few minutes later to put it back. Then the game skipped and we had to reset.

[Blotus]

so mad. my ps2 broke down on me today. I was playin p4 it froze reset now it won't read anything.....so sad....I wanted to play persona

Sorry to hear. Was it a slim or a fat model?

[Chris]

so mad. my ps2 broke down on me today. I was playin p4 it froze reset now it won't read anything.....so sad....I wanted to play persona

Sorry to hear. Was it a slim or a fat model?

slim

[Blotus]

Damn, that's the first I've heard of a slim dying. At least you can pick up a PS2 on the cheap now. Hope you get back to your Persona soon. I'm only about 15 hours in and loving/hating it.

[Chris]

Damn, that's the first I've heard of a slim dying. At least you can pick up a PS2 on the cheap now. Hope you get back to your Persona soon. I'm only about 15 hours in and loving/hating it.

I was deep in and was loving it. such a different method of story progression this time around. it's quite good

[Blotus]

I ordered 3:FES and Odin Sphere off Amazon the other day and picked up Shadow of the Colossus (again) yesterday. I've bought FOUR PS2 games in the last two weeks.

[bovine]

After playing Persona 3:FES, 4 is pretty much a dream. It's easy to get back into the day schedule, and enjoying the new characters and nuances to the battle system is like icing on the cake. They could keep making this game with subtle tweaks to the mechanics and I would play it forever.

[Chris]

After playing Persona 3:FES, 4 is pretty much a dream. It's easy to get back into the day schedule, and enjoying the new characters and nuances to the battle system is like icing on the cake. They could keep making this game with subtle tweaks to the mechanics and I would play it forever.

exactly. four has some interesting new mechanics and while the story isn't as brilliant as 3 it's a great damn game. the new battle tweaks are great. it's what keeps me hanging ut with my party members for all the bonuses and other stuff. I love the follow up attacks. especially Chie. bang zoom to the moon motherfucker.

[Blotus]

It's a single-player MMO!

I wish some of the music would get out of my head while I'm at work though.

[Flip]

I ordered 3:FES and Odin Sphere off Amazon the other day and picked up Shadow of the Colossus (again) yesterday. I've bought FOUR PS2 games in the last two weeks.

Ive been replaying SotC for the first time this past week and still really like it. Running around and doing some of the side optional stuff is pretty fun, too.

[Chris]

had to buy a new goddamned ps2 tday. I love that EB doesn't check things though. returned my old one there afterwards and bought a pizza for tonights awesome movie watching of SHARK ATTACK 3 - MEGALODON!

yep, I just got money for a broken playstation. Hellz yeah Bitches