Xbox 360 slim for fall 2009?

[Zeus]

According to The Taiwan Economic News, the first 65 nm GPUs for Xbox 360 are leaving production lines. Xbox 360's using the 65 nm technology are expected to ship this August. Also there are rumors that a "mid-cycle refresh of the Xbox 360" should come in the fall of 2009. The Xbox 540, as it is being called, will use the Valhalla chip. The Vahalla chip is believed to be of a "system-on-a-chip design" allowing the console to fit into a slim case.


The Xbox 360 is scheduled to ship in an "all 65 nm" package (Jasper platform) this August. Consumers won’t notice the refresh, unless Microsoft decides to put a Blu-ray drive into the Xbox 360. We were not able to receive a confirmation either way, and we keep digging to find out if the Asustek subsidiary Pegatron will manufacture regular Xbox 360’s or units with an integrated Blu-ray drive. In any case, Celestica, Pegatron and Wistron will have a busy summer cranking out millions of refreshed Xbox 360 consoles.

A more dramatic and perhaps visible change will happen next year: TSMC plans to begin producing the Valhalla chip, which will be the foundation of the mid-cycle refresh of the Xbox 360, thus called ‘Xbox 2.5’ or simply ‘Xbox 540’ (360+180), in fall of 2009. We learned that this new chip is apparently much more than a die-shrink and end up as a system-on-a-chip design. This change is likely to enable to redesign the Xbox 360 casing and go towards a slim-design, much like what Sony did with the Gen1 and Gen2 PS2. We believe that TSMC will use a 45 nm process for this Multi-Chip-Module package (CPU+GPU+eDRAM).

There are also some interesting pieces of information that Microsoft is shopping for a more efficient cooling solution – efficient in more ways than just one: Several people close to the cooling industry told us that Microsoft approached them and asked for better and cheaper cooling than what is used in the Xbox 360 right now. Some may claim that the current Xbox 360 cooler design is already as cheap as it gets, but we have no doubts that Microsoft will find a way to drop the cost once again.


News Source: <a href="http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/37376/135/" target=_blank">tgdaily</a>

[XxBigP123xX]

Wouldn't be that shocked.

[Blazeking]

I feel that sensation that happened when I had the first Xbox again.
The result of that sensation was the 360. The first Xbox was later referenced 180. 180+180=360

For MS' sake, I hope this one is false.

[lokii]

the xbox 360 has an external psu so it should be a certainty that a smaller unit will arrive in the future.

Just hope they can keep it cool.

[pCeSlAyEr]

I feel that sensation that happened when I had the first Xbox again.
The result of that sensation was the 360. The first Xbox was later referenced 180. 180+180=360

For MS' sake, I hope this one is false.

why's that?

I'd buy a cheaper, smaller and quieter 360...

[mashti]

i think this time microsoft should ask someone like toshiba to make the xbox 540.

[whackawookie]

im no fan of slimmer systems hell i purposely keep repairing my ps2 just so i dont have to invest in that tiny bastard but i guess there are alot of people looking forward to a smaller/cheaper system. if thats what the people want then its a nice gesture

[danight]

well it would make sense. They would need a new cooling system if they shrink the size of the case. Smaller case is gonna trap more heat. So to do 1 they would have to do the other.

They want better cooling, they should just get the fans you can add to the back. makes it sound like a jet, but works great. I have them on my elite and prem. system and both stay cool and can run non stop without getting hot.

But without those fans and a smaller case would be a disaster waiting to happen. I dont see that working. I think its more a design change to try and eliminate the over heating rrod issue. Eliminate the issue and save money from repairs.

I personally hate the slim crap. yes the ps2 looks cool, but i dont see buying a system just to shave a inch or 2 off the size. If you go slim you should shoot for portable. If sony wasnt so retarded on trying to push their own formats on the world, they could rip the umd drive that people hate out the psp and shave alot of the size since umd drive takes up half the psp. Go mem cards and it would be sweet having a psp so that thin.

But going slim is like a fad.... oh this year is 1 inch smaller, then next year its another inch smaller in a different color or some darth vader sticker on it.

[DX1020]

why's that?

I'd buy a cheaper, smaller and quieter 360...

Well I don't know about you but (probably going to get allot of fanboys panties in a knot) I think the thing would blow up XD

[Blazeking]

why's that?

I'd buy a cheaper, smaller and quieter 360...

Because then they can make 2 different types of THOSE SKU's.
One with a DVD drive, one with a Blu-Ray drive (the new premium).
Marketing wise, they would be able to afford to do it. The slimmer Xbox will be cheaper to produce, and the prices will be dropped agian for the older models.

Something like the "Elite" all over again.

[f0ns02003]

Slimmer unit = no dvd pc-player (let me explain.. a dvd reader as the one u have on a PC).
No "standalone" dvd unit = no sata standard connector.
No sata standard connector != simple way to flash it.

[Xenontc]

Why not build the slim 360 inside the standard 360 housing, and use the rest of the space for cooling?

[mashti]

im no fan of slimmer systems hell i purposely keep repairing my ps2 just so i dont have to invest in that tiny bastard

i guess SOONER or later you will have to buy the slim xbox360 because there is no repair what so ever for your xbox 360 once you see the sexy red ring flashing in your face. :p:D

[mashti]

xbox360 going slim means double trouble no doubt about it if designed by xbox team.i think microsoft should invest in making the current crap hardware more reliable + cut its bloody noise down & maybe a built in wireless !!

[kcvfr400]

All I would like is a quieter cooling system as the fan noise is not fit for purpose to me to play games or doing anything with it in the evenings when I need to have the tv sound at a reasonable level (I have 3 young kids) and do not want to hear fans whizzing around.

Though would welcome a smaller size overall and a redesign of the current ugly box shape its the cooling that counts more.

[MadMax31]

i guess SOONER or later you will have to buy the slim xbox360 because there is no repair what so ever for your xbox 360 once you see the sexy red ring flashing in your face. :p:D

Ha.. the comment that stupid fanboys always say, along with the usual the PS3 has no games... :D

[panyan1991]

why's that?

I'd buy a cheaper, smaller and quieter 360...

but what is it overheats even more?

[mashti]

Ha.. the comment that stupid fanboys always say, along with the usual the PS3 has no games... :D

its a fact you silly xbot.once the xbox360 flashes the ring of death (which it will) then entire motherboard must be replaced & when this happens & the xbox 360 is no longer in production then the only option left is to go for the slim one.:rolleyes:

[GazP]

Slimmer=Cheaper=More sales.

plus

Slimmer=Redesign=No more RROD=More sales.

Win Win situation for MS. Not forgetting the new controller that *might* be coming out soon. Looks like they are going for the Wii market.

[danight]

its a fact you silly xbot.once the xbox360 flashes the ring of death (which it will) then entire motherboard must be replaced & when this happens & the xbox 360 is no longer in production then the only option left is to go for the slim one.:rolleyes:

Not every red ring is a mother board issue. You can get red rings from just not having the video cable pushed in. Then put in the cable and its green again... Oh well another ps3 fanboy another rrod topic. :rolleyes:

[WTFudge]

its a fact you silly xbot.once the xbox360 flashes the ring of death (which it will) then entire motherboard must be replaced & when this happens & the xbox 360 is no longer in production then the only option left is to go for the slim one.:rolleyes:

Are you a retard ? They don't change the motherboard . They apply more thermal paste .:rolleyes:

[mashti]

Not every red ring is a mother board issue. You can get red rings from just not having the video cable pushed in. Then put in the cable and its green again... Oh well another ps3 fanboy another rrod topic. :rolleyes:

Are you a retard ? They don't change the motherboard . They apply more thermal paste .

microsoft can use these 2 brainless bots to help fix the rrod. :D

[funnybutrandom]

microsoft can use these 2 brainless bots to help fix the rrod. :D

i dont see why you f#cking bother being alive, yes the 360 breaks, well done. you say that its a fact, well no sh't but you need to find something else to insult, instead of always going "oh rrod" when you but buddy sony is in trouble.

i can see why ps3 fanboys like the ps3 so much though, the ps3 is a big console, big and a tad bit expensive, must be compromising for something :rolleyes:

[nolifeking]

This might be what it takes for me to break down and buy a 360. However M$ keeps shooting down rumors of a Blu-ray 360, so I am waiting for maxconsole to post a response from M$ saying THIS is untrue as well. I'll believe it when I see it, same with the PS3 slim.

[grapeape]

microsoft can use these 2 brainless bots to help fix the rrod. :D

Why are you so worried about? You come in here and call everyone a xbot when your one of the biggest trolling fanboys on the site? You whine like a ***** when anyone says anything remotely negative about the PS3 yet cant stand to see anything even remotely positive about the 360. If you hate the freaking 360 so much why dont you and your naked man sig hang out in the PS3 side and just leave the rest of em alone? You contribute nothing here.

Anyway, back on topic...I like the idea of a slim 360, the valhalla solution should eliminate most of the cooling needs so I dont see how it would be a problem. I realize that fanboys fear a truly reliable 360 but more reliable consoles are good for everyone.

[mashti]

Why are you so worried about? You come in here and call everyone a xbot when your one of the biggest trolling fanboys on the site? You whine like a ***** when anyone says anything remotely negative about the PS3 yet cant stand to see anything even remotely positive about the 360. If you hate the freaking 360 so much why dont you and your naked man sig hang out in the PS3 side and just leave the rest of em alone? You contribute nothing here.

Anyway, back on topic...I like the idea of a slim 360, the valhalla solution should eliminate most of the cooling needs so I dont see how it would be a problem. I realize that fanboys fear a truly reliable 360 but more reliable consoles are good for everyone.

you are the most retarded 40+ year old man on console forums ever & you contribute absolutely zilch here just like all the stupid fanboys,you lot are hypocrites & only good for moaning like a whore.next time you open your teethless mouth try to prove it.

btw my sig is for mma stars i thought a sad & lonely 40+ year old man like you would know this but i was wrong.:rolleyes:

[mashti]

i dont see why you f#cking bother being alive, yes the 360 breaks, well done. you say that its a fact, well no sh't but you need to find something else to insult, instead of always going "oh rrod" when you but buddy sony is in trouble.

i can see why ps3 fanboys like the ps3 so much though, the ps3 is a big console, big and a tad bit expensive, must be compromising for something :rolleyes:

kid i think you start to get paranoid because everywhere you go you read the word RROD . :rolleyes:

[kneehighspy]

i'd like to see a smaller 360, perhaps also with a slot loading drive and perhaps a bit quieter on the fan and drive level.

gotta admit i can't hear my ps3 when it's on, but it does put out some heat when used (gaming or watching a bd movie).

my wii is totally silent, but it too puts out some heat ( i guess i could have rephrased that)....my latest nintendo console (wii) is totally silent, but does emit quite a bit of heat also.

[Kitezero]

but what is it overheats even more?

I quite agree but I am not sure if the heating problems is completely fixed but while I did have the 1st generation system and sent it back to Microsoft twice it got to where when I touch the outside the system feels cool but when I remove the game it is still pretty warm. Even at the beginning while the power supply was on the outside of the system how will it be fixed with a more slimmer system? Sony solved that minor problem with the PS2 when they removed the power supply so it's kinda external but what will Microsoft do when it's already been done?

[sneef]

Slimmer unit = no dvd pc-player (let me explain.. a dvd reader as the one u have on a PC).
No "standalone" dvd unit = no sata standard connector.
No sata standard connector != simple way to flash it.that makes no sense at all!

What connection do you think it has? IDE? Possibly... But the only other common interface (not common any more) is SCSI. So if it's not SATA, how does IDE or SCSI help with flashing?!

There's no way in hell microsoft would waste money inventing their own proprietary I/O protocol for the 360. It just doesn't make sense

does the 2003 in your nick mean you were born 5 years ago?

[kneehighspy]

that makes no sense at all!

What connection do you think it has? IDE? Possibly... But the only other common interface (not common any more) is SCSI. So if it's not SATA, how does IDE or SCSI help with flashing?!

There's no way in hell microsoft would waste money inventing their own proprietary I/O protocol for the 360. It just doesn't make sense

does the 2003 in your nick mean you were born 5 years ago?


especially since the hard drive and dvd drive use sata. microsoft could use a smaller dvd drive similar to what is used in a laptop, and the drive could use a sata interface.

microsoft wouldn't move away from sata and use their own proprietary interface the way that sony or nintendo does.

[stanleyopar2000]

more like

Translation: Since you Hackers Broke our Security on our XBox 360, we will make another XBox 360 version DIFFERENT so you can't hack it!...how will we convince you to buy it?

Slimmer,Smaller, and Newer....if we make it you WILL Come...

Reminds me of the PSP...once they made the SLIM..1.50 couldent be used..untill DAX made CFW....then the Pandora Battery was Discovered....so the Slim was actually USEABLE...

[faceless]

why is there a wii balance board in the image?

[whackawookie]

its a fact you silly xbot.once the xbox360 flashes the ring of death (which it will) then entire motherboard must be replaced & when this happens & the xbox 360 is no longer in production then the only option left is to go for the slim one.:rolleyes:

might want to go check those "facts". ive fixed many 3rlod systems by doing an xclamp replacement on the cpu/gpu and added silver compound. all of the systems been running perfectly since repair.

[phiber_optik]

xbox360 going slim means double trouble no doubt about it if designed by xbox team.i think microsoft should invest in making the current crap hardware more reliable + cut its bloody noise down & maybe a built in wireless !!

the group of creators/designers or the actual who created xbox and xbox 360 arent they same group. m$ hired new guys on the 360 but i guess they should have stick with old builders of the original xbox because the new guys who created 360 are completely idiots. they cant make a hardware less problematic.

yah im in for new redesign slim version if this is the way m$ can only fix the rrod problem.

[Blazeking]

There's no way in hell microsoft would waste money inventing their own proprietary I/O protocol for the 360. It just doesn't make sense

Well they wasted money inventing a proprietary HDD enclosure so you can't custom upgrade. You have to either buy another proprietary drive for a ridiculous price, or
buy the "elite".

And they even use special screws. No phillips (cross-head) or flathead screws. And guess what? It's a regular SATA HDD. Just their own enclosure. I call that peripheral drm.

[kneehighspy]

Well they wasted money inventing a proprietary HDD enclosure so you can't custom upgrade. You have to either buy another proprietary drive for a ridiculous price, or
buy the "elite".

And they even use special screws. No phillips (cross-head) or flathead screws. And guess what? It's a regular SATA HDD. Just their own enclosure. I call that peripheral drm.


true, and with the correct 120gb seagate drive and a proper hdd.bin file, you can make your own 120gb hard drive for real cheap, and yeah it does work.