Last time, which, by the standards of blogs Stopgame, was a long time, we discussed the purchase PlayStation 2 with hands, versed in the technical features, audits, chips and many-many friend. If you missed this blog, then it will be useful to read it for a more complete understanding of the context.
This time we will dwell on the opposing camp in more detail – Microsoft, And their consoles Xbox 360. Traditionally, this article will be divided into points for a better understanding. So let’s start.
General information and revision of consoles
Let’s start with obvious things. Actually, why take Xbox 360 In 2019, if there is Xbox One And his older brother Xbox One X?
Firstly, it’s cheap. The seventh generation consoles are quite easy to find at an affordable price, especially if you live in capitals and large cities. Oddly enough, this is really important. Prices on Xbox 360 vary not only because of revisions and other technical features, but also from territorial remoteness.
Secondly, a rather large library of games, and, perhaps, the best technical filling in the seventh generation. A significant part of multi -platform projects shows itself better at Xbox 360, than on PlayStation 3. The most indicative case is the first part Red Dead Redemption. Here Microsoft Significant advantage: a more stable framework (although still “dancing” from location to location), clearer textures, fewer loads, and increased drawing range.
One of the screenshots from the versions comparison
Do not forget about exclusives: GEARS of WAR, Halo, Forza Horizon, as well as games that were released exclusively on consoles: Condemned 2, Def Jam: Icon,Lollipop Chainsaw, and much more – it will become available to you when buying this console.
Since the prefix has long been discontinued and is no longer supported (Microsoft reported on this in 2016), we will consider the purchase exclusively from hand. Perhaps in some cities there are still electronics stores with showcases Xbox 360, However, in my city I did not find those.
I recommend that you recommend ads to ads, very carefully, Avito, as well as widely known in narrow circles GBX. It is on the ads of these sites that I will refer as an example.
The most common audits on March-April 2019 (V G. Saratov) – This Fat, SLIM. Less common E. Why so? About this a little later.
FAT, SLIM, and E-Roads Xbox 360
Here it is worth plunging in history for a short time. Surely you remember how in 2006-08 every second game or near the game magazine reported about the problems of overheating in Fat-versions of consoles. Famous “Three red deaths of death“(Or the red ring of death) is overheating, most often” dump “(when copper cores, as a result of constant temperature jumps, were flattened, which led to a violation of contact with the motherboard) of the graphic processor (GPU). Let me remind you that in the early versions Xbox 360 Inside the console was not a single processor, which is responsible both for calculations and for graphics, but two independent ones, in the manner of the average PC. Most often, such a fate is haunted by all early Fat-console. Due to engineering miscalculations (banal absence of additional radiators) and operating factors-early Fat-Versions had a very short life. And of course people’s craftsmen by heating GPU-chip with improvised means learned to revive these prefixes, though very not for long. And just this is worth being afraid when buying. But do not assume that all the “bbw” necessarily burn and fail. Only the early, the very first, versions of the motherboards are subject to this, we will talk about them further.
Fat version of the console in white
Maternal boards of Fat versions
Xenon (Zinon) – The very first and most problematic motherboard released in 2005 year (in 2007 in Russia). All prefixes of 2005-2006 were collected exclusively on its basis. There is poor cooling, a fairly large process (90 nanometers), and as a result, the most common “dumps”. It is possible to distinguish this motherboard from the rest without opening the prefix absence HDMI-the port on the rear panel, the power supply connector, as well as for the power consumption indicated on the label from the power supply of the power supply (203 w). The console data are sold on “flea markets” at the lowest cost – 4-6 thousand rubles. Saw this in the photo or in the hands of the “seller” at the meeting? Feel free to refuse to buy and unfold in the opposite direction. If you still decide to take a chance, then carefully inspect the cooling grid on the sides of the body and put on the smell of the case itself. No matter how strange it sounds, but the smell of Gary inside the prefix, or when the drive tray is opened, indicates that the console recently experienced an emergency rise from the other world by heating one of the chips. Accordingly, no one knows when the processor becomes bad again, and is it possible to raise it into working condition after the next such attack.
Zephyr (Marshmallow) – similar Xenon, with only one condition, the board is now present HDMI-exit. Sores are exactly the same as in the younger version, the cost in the secondary market is almost the same.
Falcon (Falcon) – energy consumption decreased in this version, as well as a smaller process of process (65 nanometers) was introduced, HDMI Present. Distinguish it from the two previous ones will help the power supply connector, as well as the altered current force.
Jasper (Jasper) – in fact, the best of Fat-versions. It appeared additional cooling oriented to the graphic processor, which significantly reduced cases of overheating Xbox 360.
When examining the prefix, pay attention to the power connector and the output power of the power supply, Jasper It is 150 w. Among users, it is considered the most “not killed” among the first Fat-revision.
Differences of power connectors of the power supply on different motherboards of FAT-ruries
Consider the purchase Fat-The versions are not recommended, but if your budget is extremely limited, but I really want to play, then it is advisable to find in your city Fat-Material version Jasper. It is much more persistent than all previous mother -in -law consoles. Plus to everything, Fat-the versions are just to connect to the old TVs and VGA-Monitors, the corresponding cable are in the kit, if it is not, then it will not be difficult to buy – you can get both the original “complete” wire and the Chinese analogue that is not inferior in functionality. It is worth noting that the adapter HDMI to vgaThe monitor works great with any Xbox 360 without additional nutrition, unlike, say, PlayStation 4, where you need to “swallow”.
Original VGA cable with support for sounding
IN 2010 Microsoft release a https://nonukcasinosites.co.uk/review/winvegasplus/ “sophisticated” version Xbox 360, which is strikingly different from the previous revision with a compact design, the inclusion of protection against overheating in the event of critical temperatures (yes, yes, Fat-The audit in this case was beating to the end, and literally “burned at work”), as well as active cooling (cooler). The sensory buttons on the front panel, instead of mechanical.
If you have seen an ad with this console, then it should definitely consider. SLIM The console is quite resistant to overheating, and issuing significantly less noise than her older brother.
The form of the Xbox 360 SLIM is similar to a sand clock
Maternal boards of SLIM versions
Trinity (Trinity) – the most common motherboard installed inside SLIM-revision. Its characteristic difference from the rest is reduced energy consumption and the thinnest process (45 nanometers).
For those who do not know: the smaller the process, the less heat gives out a particular chip – this allows you to optimize the cooling system in a particular system, without damage to the processor performance.
You can distinguish it by reduced current – 10.83 amperes. Indicated on the rear panel of the console.
Corona (Crown) – used, as in SLIM-versions, and in the latest E. The process and the composition of the connectors remained the same, but in E-There are no usual audits AB-output, only digital and HDMI, But there is an opportunity to connect ordinary, 3.5 mm jack-Columns or headphones.
In general, in the case of SLIM-versions, the version of the motherboard is not so important, both representatives do not suffer from overheating, faithful and true to serve their owners.
What is the difference between E And SLIM, And why is it so important – we will talk right at the course.
The latest version Xbox 360 to the cessation of production. I went out 2013. Differs from SLIM-The audits are minimal: the buttons, instead of sensory ones, became again mechanical, and began to occupy significantly less space on the front panel. The case itself is partly matte, which is why it quickly gets dirty.
In fact, E-The audit is reduced SLIM’Coy, and it would seem why so much attention is paid to her? The answer is simple – the possibility of hacking ..
E-REVISION-in the “zero” standing
A little about pirates and “lawyers”
Xbox 360, in particular in Russia, was incredibly popular precisely because of the simplicity of hacking. Of course, no one prevents you from buying licensed discs, and buying in electronic form on Xbox 360 It is quite possible, however, not all things are sold on disks in the form in which we would like you and.
For example, Grand Theft Auto IV on this console is deprived of Russian localization, Fable II, in Russian, you can buy exclusively with your hands, because the version in the store Microsoft again deprived of what kind of translation. A similar situation with the above Red Dead Redemption. SoftKlab They simply did not translate the game, and honest buyers received the AS IS game with an English -speaking box.
In the case of pirate versions with localization, everything is much better, studio Exclusive made a great translation Red Dead Redemption, Fans ported the translation GTA IV With PC-versions, and much, much more. If this or that point is important for you, then you should think about the stitched console, if not, then get a license copy on the same Avito quite easy, but you will have to forge a little (from 500 to 2000 thousand. rubles per disc).
On Xbox 360 There are two possible types of hacking the console:
L.T 2.0/3.0 – hacking the prefix drive. The console has a system of protection against rewriting licensing discs. If you insert a licensed disc from the console in PC, then you will see only a short video file with a request to insert a disk in Xbox. Other files Windows Just won’t see. Hacking the drive is quite simple and allows you to record images of games on a two -layer blank and launch them on the console. The plus of this method is that this hacking will allow you to fully play multiplayer and enter Xbox Live From your prefix. Microsoft Of course, it conducts regular “cleaning”, but at present this is practically no.
Cons – to record certain games, a special drive is required, which allows you to finalize the disk and record information in the sectors inaccessible to the regular computer. Relevant only for the latest releases. You will also have to manually set the transition point to the next layer, and for games (depending on their size) it varies. Well, the most obvious, blanks, especially cheap ones, have the habit of wear out quite quickly, especially among sloppy users.
Freeboot – Hack aimed at Dashboard (operating system Xbox) and the motherboard of the console. This hacking is somewhat reminiscent of chips Modbo And Mars Pro on PlayStation 2, After all, on the motherboard of the console exactly the same way, a chip is soldered, which plows CPU software code that allows you to launch an unsigned code with USB-flash drives, external hard drives, as well as directly from the installed inside HDD. The drive during this hacking is not affected. The pluses are obvious, you just download the necessary product, whether it is a game, or software, write down on any USB storage and launch on the prefix, but you will have to say goodbye to a licensed multipleor and Xbox Live. Due to the modification of the motherboard, the signature of iron changes, which is immediately determined Microsoft, After which it follows the instant blocking of the console. You can still play offline, but there is no access to the network. In the case of p Freeboot There are alternative services similar Hamachi And Tunngle, for cooperative passage and network game.
Freeboot-Consoles are much more expensive L.T and licensed, average price in the secondary market 7-9 thousand rubles Depending on the configuration and design of the case. Versions with a hard disk inside are naturally more expensive than without it. However, if you have a console with Freeboot without a hard drive – any 2.5 ’hard drive is suitable for it, it remains only to buy the case.
E-revision based on motherboard Winchester (Winchester), are not amenable to any of the above hacks due to the reduced size of the processor and the inability to solder the post-Fix (probe). Be careful when buying if you expect to take such a “special” console.
Comparison of processors on the Corona and Winchester motherboards
What should you pay attention to when buying
When buying licensed consoles, you should pay attention to the following things:
Complete – In the case of SLIM-The version includes a black gamepad, a console, a power supply, as well as all wires for connection, including AB-cable. For E-versions included two gamepads, game, and Kinect, as well as similar wires, except AB-cable. If there is no one of the above, but the price does not suit you-this may be an argument to reduce the cost.
The state of the gamepad – Let me remind you, gamepads in Xbox 360 work on batteries, or on batteries that need to be purchased. If the gamepad quickly discharges, or the console every ten minutes asks to connect the gamepad again – this should cause you certain questions.
The noise of the console – If the cooler constantly works at high speeds, you will hear this – I guarantee, then this suggests that there is a lot of dust inside, and dried thermal paste. A couple of long sessions at such a console will end very deplorable.
Distribution of the drive – Before buying, it is advisable to get a pair of licensed discs for Xbox 360 – They are sold in a special, green box, a manual is present inside, and holographic characters are noticeable around the disk Xbox 360. Insert such a disk into the drive, and if you hear a characteristic rattle, noise, or laser attempts to “grab” behind the zero track, the drive is worn out, and the console’s functionality will be limited exclusively by the digital library of projects. Relevant for those who want to take a console with L.T second and third version.
The Borne Conspiracy disc from the author’s personal collection
If you take the console with Freeboot – actions are similar, except for the last point. In our case, you need not a disk, but a few games recorded on a flash drive or an external hard drive (I recommend it, since the speed of reading from USB It directly affects the loading of levels, rollers and loads of textures. Also, in the case of Freeboot You can see temperature sensors and evaluate the operation of the cooling system at loads.
Launch time – It is worth noting that unlike the licensed console, the prefix with Freeboot starts longer. This is because the chip needs to slip the necessary code for the processor and only then let it start. To do this, the console is rebooted several times, and after a successful operation, launching. How to determine that the console has launched? Indicators around the power button form a green circle, and the outer hard drive will begin to work if it was connected.
SLIM-console on Trinity start almost instantly, but here E-revision on motherboards Corona start quite slowly – from one minute to three. Sometimes, not the first time. It all depends on the chip, and in general on the master and the motherboard itself. Long start Freeboot on E-versions – This is quite normal, So, consider this when buying, and do not look at the seller with a surprised look. I warned.
But if the console does not start at all, not from the third or fourth time – it should be alarming ..
Many sellers, as features of their console, write about the established custom firmware. Freestyle 3 or Aurora. The price tag is growing exponentially, and the beginner overpays for, supposedly, an undeniable advantage.
In fact, put a custom firmware, with proper knowledge, or instructions-the case is 30-40 minutes. In addition, many write about the presence of games inside, but again, games on the console with Freeboot not so important, they are easy to install, they are very easy to remove. Do not let the greedy sellers sell you the standard functionality of a hacked console under the guise of something special at double price.
This is how the menu of custom firmware Freestyle looks like
About hard drives, their features, and emulations
The licensed console can be delivered as without a hard drive (version Arcade), and with him. Obviously, the larger the volume of the disk, the higher the price of the console. If you do not have a hard disk in the prefix, and it is not possible to buy it – you can flash your ordinary hard drive using a PC, and the same happens with LT-versions of consoles.
If you have at hand Freeboot-console without a hard drive, then additional actions are not required. Just install HDD 2.5 ’in a special case and connect to Xbox 360. Then, formatize the system itself.
Why is a built -in hard drive you need, except for storage of games? Emulation!
Freeboot, as well as the licensed console allows you to launch and go through a fairly large number of games from Xbox Original. Only in the second case you need a licensed disk. The emulator works exclusively with the internal hard drive. Thus I started getting to know the series Ninja Gaiden, problems in the emulation of which was not found.
In addition, you can emulate Sega Mega Drive, Dendy and some other “classic” prefixes, even PlayStation One.
Summing up, we can definitely say that Xbox 360 a very multifaceted console, which has pretty good, by the standards of its generation with iron, as well as wide possibilities, including various Homebrew-Software, classic games, and the most juicy multiplatform in the seventh generation.
I hope this blog, I helped you decide on your choice Xbox 360, If you decide to get her. I will be glad to read your comments about this console and this blog.
If you notice a mistake or inaccuracy, do not hesitate to report this in the comments – this will make a blog better for all readers.