**Official Xbox 360 Jasper Hunting Thread**

[TKE899]

Damn all of you for telling me what to look for and giving me the information for an impulse buy at the W last night. Only good thing is I already sold my older non hdmi xbox.

 

[Xellos2099]

I just got my arcade from dell and it is confirm to be 12.1A, so it is jasper. However, when I look at the power brick it say 14.1A. Is that goign to be a problem? Another thing, is it possible to transfer save file from a xbox to another with the memory card? I used to play some game on my brother;s 360 but now I got my own and I want to transfer my save. Is it possible with a flash drive?

 

[bodybag]

Hi UK'ers!

I have one, got one at my blockbusters, I phoned my locals but they were out of them, so I drove 20 miles for this one.

http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jasper1zl7.jpg


yipeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

[kpatm]

Originally posted by: sharkfist
I think we've found our 1st Jaspers in the UK. Just picked mine up at Blockbuster.

http://www.360drives.com/profile/4410

Oh sweet mate well done.I will need to try my local tomorrow.Its Blockbuster video stores right?

 

[sharkfist]

Yes, Blockbuster Video. Ask about what bundle offers they have and you can get a better deal with some games than just paying the 129.99 for the console. I got the Arcade console, Wireless Entertainment Pack (Lego Indiana Jones, Kung Fu Panda & Wireless Controller), Dead Space and 1 free month of rentals for 159.99. I know it's not the best deal out there, but I'm more concerned with getting a Jasper than a Falcon bundle.

Also wanted to say how helpful the staff were at Blockbuster. They even opened up the box so we could see the power connector!

Good Luck!

 

[bodybag]

Originally posted by: sharkfist
Yes, Blockbuster Video. Ask about what bundle offers they have and you can get a better deal with some games than just paying the 129.99 for the console. I got the Arcade console, Wireless Entertainment Pack (Lego Indiana Jones, Kung Fu Panda & Wireless Controller), Dead Space and 1 free month of rentals for 159.99. I know it's not the best deal out there, but I'm more concerned with getting a Jasper than a Falcon bundle.

Also wanted to say how helpful the staff were at Blockbuster. They even opened up the box so we could see the power connector!

Good Luck!

Yeah, I have to agree. Some of the outlets I phoned even knew what i was going on about....and were very helpful, opend several boxes for me.

I just wanted to get my Jasper and run, didnt even think about games....I was also parked on double yellows!

 

[Tanna Tanna]

I'll be phoning my local Blockbuster, and ones in nearby towns tomorrow (Saturday) morning ... fantastic!

 

[iplawguy]

The Targets in Knoxville, TN have been turning over their stock of Elites regularly. I regularly find 844s from CSON and FDOU (haven't seen anything newer yet) but they have all been 14.2. The clerks have been pretty helpful. Heck, on my last trip, the security guy brought out the ones from the back so we could check those.

I have been holding out for an elite since August and I refuse to stop now when it seems so close ... I hope my kids take it well on Christmas when I have to tell them that *eventually* they will be getting a 360... At least my adorable wife has been a good sport about the endless and, so far, pointless trips.

Ken

 

[dudewheresmyjasper]

Originally posted by: iplawguy


The Targets in Knoxville, TN have been turning over their stock of Elites regularly. I regularly find 844s from CSON and FDOU (haven't seen anything newer yet) but they have all been 14.2. The clerks have been pretty helpful. Heck, on my last trip, the security guy brought out the ones from the back so we could check those.

I have been holding out for an elite since August and I refuse to stop now when it seems so close ... I hope my kids take it well on Christmas when I have to tell them that *eventually* they will be getting a 360... At least my adorable wife has been a good sport about the endless and, so far, pointless trips.

Ken

Patience, oh wise one! I too am on a quest. Got an Arcade Jasper, turned it in for a Pro Jasper and now I too, make seemingly fruitless trips to Best Buy, Gamestop, Wall Mart, K mart, etc.

The fruits of our labor will shortly be rewarded!

BTW, If you are in Northern VA and have had no luck, the Best Buy in Fair Lakes has a bunch of Arcades--back by the accessories. Am a long time lurker and by doing so I at least have a Pro now. Thanks to all that contributed.

Dude

 

[QuadD]

Elite Jasper Hunt

Has anyone picked up/purchased an elite 844 or higher and actually checked the unit to see if it has the split bar on the power supply??

Like Jasper Hunter said, the stickers on the unit or on the box are not the final determination of Japerosity or Jasperness.

Side note, me and my brother have been following since first page of 8bit. He got his Arcade Jasper today and I'm borrowing it till we find an Elite. Searching in NC.

 

[Magehart]

I'm hoping that the only reason we haven't seen the 12.1A Elites is because they haven't printed 12.1A black labels yet so are continuing to use the 14.2A black labels until such a time as they get them. This may be wishful thinking but I can't see it being any other way.

Are there any other SoCal Elite Jasper Hunters?

 

[Blackjack61]

FYI, for those that are watching manufacturing dates.

I bought a 845X FDOU Pro last week at Target when they had the $40 gift card deal. The manufacturing date was 10/30/2008, and it had 14.2A listed on the console itself. While there was a chance it was a Jasper, I knew that it was most likely a Falcon so I didn't even open it. I bought it with the hope that I could swap it for a Jasper whenever I found one.

I was back in the store today and found another 845X FDOU Pro, but this one was manufactured on 11/04/2008, and had 12.1 listed on the console. The sticker on the box was exactly the same as the other one I bought, so that was no help.

I took the one I bought last week back to the store and swapped them - it worked great. Target has a $30 gift card offer this week through Saturday, 12/20, so if you are in the market for a Pro, you might consider buying whatever they have on the shelf and then holding out to see if they get a Jasper in the next few weeks. If you need to have a console to wrap for Christmas, you can still use the Falcon as a proxy.

 

[currentswillshift]

Originally posted by: Darrell

Awesome news currentswillshift!! It's great to hear that you scored a Jasper!!!.

It's funny that you say "Finally I can have my life back...." I felt the same way. AND, my wife was probably happier than I was....because it mean the end to the senseless trips out to the stores coming home empty handed. Patience and persistance wins out in the end. Enjoy the Jasper and keep us up to date with stuff....like your opinions on the Jasper and keeping tabs on reliability. I mean, that's the whole reason we bought it, right?.....to rid ourselves of the RRoD. What are you gonna do with two copies of Sega Tennis?

haha...lol you bought TWO XBOX 360's for the same price as ONE PS3..... :laugh:

******************************

My wife is torn between being ecstatic (because I won't be talking about my imaginary friend "Jasper" that much anymore) and genuinely concerned (that now there are two xbox's that will be competing with her for my time).

A little "binge gaming" never hurt anyone.

Thanks again Darrell... and I won't be going away.

I still don't like the fact that Microsoft :| is using that x-clamp design and the under motherboard memory. I'm not entirely convinced we are completely out of the woods yet (although we are probably close).

Below are some of my first Jasper impressions

I can already tell you that in comparison to my FDOU 837 Falcon (which runs lukewarm to warm near the fans), the FDOU 845x Jasper is only negligibly cooler (near the fans) at it's most graphically demanding (during Call Of Duty 4). I don't know if this is a strike against Jasper or a compliment to the improvements made to the very late model Falcons.

There are four things I will say that are "positive" right off of the bat with the Jasper:
1.) The off-white outer-casing is always cool to the touch, while the falcon is always warm. Surprising considering the air near the fans is only negligibly different.
2.) It takes considerably longer for the fans to kick in (and it is noticeable) however the Delta fans are the same model and when they do start kicking....they can be just as loud as my Falcon (they just aren't activated as often).
3.) The 150W power brick never gets past luke-warm, where my 175W brick always got very warm underneath (specifcally in the center). There is very little weight difference between the bricks.
4.) In the Dashboard, playing music or watching video from the hard drive the Jasper is dead silent to the point that you would not know it is on if you turned down the volume of the TV. The Falcon always has a slightly audible whirr or tone, that you can always here with the volume low. Also, the DVD drive sound is no different to my ears than before.

 

[kpatm]

Just went into my local BlockBuster,Yes the girl that was working was very helpful.I just had a look at the Arcade and Pro they had on display(never bothered with the Elite)but no joy both had the 14.2A on the console.Im just thinking though I never checked the Power Brick connection I might run back in now.Wish me luck.

 

[donfalcon]

So, I've been following this and the SeattlePI threads from the beginning and today, I finally hit jackpot

Good news for Swedes! I went around town in Lund searching for a Jasper, preferably Elite or Pro. Most of the boxes were lot 839, some 838 so I was kinda bummed out... In Mediamarkt, I checked a few consoles anyway and they were all 14.2A. When I went to Elgiganten I saw the same lots in arcades. BUT, when I checked the console itself it was 12.1A! I grabbed one, and when I got home I opened it and checked the power slot, it's a Jasper! It had a 175W brick though.

So, don't get fooled by the early lot numbers in Sweden!

Here's the info:

Sega Superstars Tennis bundle
Sticker: Q2A-00019
Lot#: 0839
Mfr. date: 2008-10-13
Team: ADUE
Power slot: Jasper (according to Anandtech pics)
Current: 12.1A @ 12V
Power brick: 175W

Now I just need to find a hard drive for it... and perhaps paint it black...

 

[Zuker]

Originally posted by: Magehart

Are there any other SoCal Elite Jasper Hunters?

I have been looking for a Elite Jasper for a couple of months in the LA area.
The latest numbers I have seen are 844x all rated at 14.2A.
Fry's Electronics and Target seem to rotate their stock most often i think that this is due to them not stocking that many units.
Christmas is coming and time is running out to get one by then.
-Zuker

 

[JasperHunter]

Originally posted by: currentswillshift

Originally posted by: JasperDaddy
Jasper Arcades in Frankfurt/Germany

Mediamarkt Frankfurt-Enkheim (near Hessencenter) has some Jasper Arcades (at least one left after I bought mine ;-) Identified by 12.1A (mine still has the 175W power brick - it really is a BRICK - so those who can might want to wait for the 150W part)

*************************************

I may have missed a previous post here discussing this, but did anyone do a size and weight comparison between the 150W power "brick" and the 175W.

Is their at least a difference in weight as theorized in the old 8-bit board ???

Jasperhunter did you, Darrell or possibly Anand make any comments (I might have missed)
as to what the actual weight or size difference is for the new 150W "brick"?????

I totally forgot to weigh mine before selling my Falcon. I believe they were the same size though.

 

[JasperHunter]

Originally posted by: Darrell

Originally posted by: Agentbolt

Originally posted by: Darrell
Hey Arcade Jasper owners:

I have a question and I'm not wanting to tread through 50 pages to get the answer if it was already revealed.

On the arcade Jasper units, once the NXE update is installed, how much storage memory is left afterward? I have a friend who wants an arcade, but no hard drive yet......

Only about 80 megs. Microsoft is currently offering a promo where you can send in for a refurbed 20 gig HDD for 30 bucks with free shipping. It's inexcusable to not have a HDD for this thing now

Also, I was VERY impressed with how fast it shipped. Ordered it Saturday night, went out Monday morning, will arrive tomorrow. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the reply Agentbolt!! I had no idea that NXE still occupied that much flash ram. 80 megs is still enough to get some game saves on it.

That leads me to another question then. If NXE is still eating some space on the 256 mb flash ram on the mobo, then why can I boot the Jasper Pro unit without the hard drive and still have NXE running? I verified that my Jasper Pro only has 16mb of flash ram....?? Maybe I should stop asking questions....

Hmm intriguing.... obviously MS wouldn't have required the increased memory if they didn't have to, and the old boxes had 16MB already. Maybe it's not a full featured NXE?

 

[JasperHunter]

Originally posted by: currentswillshift
This is a bit long, but....
I want to thank everyone on this board and those at the old "8-bit" post
for their help over the last 4 months. I basically have lived for the hunt.

After caving in late October and buying a Holiday Pro Bundle from Dell (only to find I had a Falcon) I still held on at the "8-bit" post and later this forum to see how things would shake out. When it became clear on this board that Jaspers were in the wild, I swore I would wait a couple months, play my new Falcon Pro Bundle, then sell it to buy an Elite Jasper.

Yet I could not hold........ Everyday for the last week and a half I would torture myself by going into 2 of the Best Buy's here on Long Island only to identify Jaspers by the boatloads.

Yet I did not have one....Every day I would come to this board only to find a new Jasper owner. I think when "Darrell" found his Jasper (after originally caving and purchasing a Falcon) I think the urge to purchase became that much more unbearable for me.

.....even during a recent 360 game buying spree on New Egg, I managed to hold back the urge when I was made aware of a certain "built in memory" 360 Bundle that was listed on the site (with the "XGX-00019" model number and user reviews assuring a stock of Jasper)....Man, was I really, really teetering:Q. Then came the 15% cashback Paypal/ Newegg deal this past Monday that could possibly put an Arcade Jasper in my hands for $169.99 (free shipping and no tax). I couldn't take it anymore:shocked:, but...............................

There was just one problem...How do you convince your wife you need to spend another $200 on another 360 after you just bought one a little more than a month ago that works perfectly fine. :roll: So I cooked up a plan....

"you tell her that, we can put a 360 in the bedroom to use as a streamer of movies and to view pictures of the kids from our computer, and ohh yeah :thumbsup: we could rent netflix through the xbox too so we don't need to send back those DVD's anymore....and we could use the other 360 in the den to play games"

What a crock of sh*t to feed to one's wife....

Which brings me to today...... as I sit here staring at an open box in my living room....that just arrived from New Egg with the following specs:

Lot#: 845x
Serial: 845xx
Manu Date: 11-2-08
Team: FDOU
Amp: 12.1A
Power Supply: 150W
Box Sticker: XGX-00019, Value Bundle E

Now I can have my life back..........

Thank you, 8-bitjoystick, JasperHunter, Vale Yard, Darrell, mtsjtb, Knoxximus, Dan 360, Jopopsy, csrx, Pwnsweet, Replay, rwalker222......and others, it was fun. Good luck to all of the would be Jasper Hunters still on this board. Keep searching....

Great story! Glad it worked out for ya!

 

[JasperHunter]

Originally posted by: runnarunna262
Hi all - first off, THANKS for the awesome information in the thread - it's my first 360 and I hopped threads/links earlier this week and ended up here.

For those in Boston, MA - I've been looking/calling the last few days and wanted a Jasper PRO...and finally got one!

CSON 0843X
MFD: 2008-10-30
12.1A confirmed
Power connector confirmed
175W brick

I went to a couple Best Buy's (Cambridge, Danvers) and a few Game Stops (Cambridge, Danvers, Beverly) and all had stock that was moving semi-steadily but many 836/7s and even an 845 (16.5A). Every Target I went to, though, was sold out - the Target in Everett, MA just got a shipment of 40 in the last day. An employee mentioned they had a large # of Pro's for some reason and so I asked him to go back and look for 840+ and he came out with the 843 and I couldn't believe my eyes when I could see the 12.1A! (I was pretty discouraged up til now as most reports I saw were for Arcades and every store here seemed to have the same answer).

The weather is getting bad here but if you're near Everett or don't mind bad traffic, they're there. For whatever reason Target out here either moves their inventory very fast or perhaps had a smaller lot most of the year and are getting newer batches now (I can't verify supply chain but that's my guess).

The bonus? Through tomorrow you get a $30 Target giftcard so after taxes it's $285 to me since I shop at Target anyway. Yeah!

Wow that's dedication! There's no way I'm going out in this weather (I'm in Boston, MA too)! I got the last Arcade at South Bay Target a few weeks ago and it happened to be a Jasper. Glad you were successful!

PS - Target employees are never that helpful to me. Maybe it's just that South Bay one, although I did have the same experience in Durham, NC.

 

[JasperHunter]

A couple of notes on my Jasper now that I've used it for a bit:

1. I think it's actually louder than my Falcon. The fans have a hum/vibration to them that is far more noticeable.
2. I'm a little surprised at how little power we saved with the 65nm die shrink. I figured it would be more like the transition from Zephyr to Falcon, but in that case I guess the CPU went from 90nm to 65nm and the GPU from 90nm to 80nm. This time we only got GPU from 80 to 65nm.
3. If indeed MS has not addressed the solder bump issue with Jasper, I wonder if the relatively small power savings (and thus heat production) will really make a significant difference in reliability. That is, of course, only a concern IF heat was the root cause previously, which I'm still not convinced of.
4. The white DVD drive of my arcade still looks weird to me, but I'll get over it

 

[Blackjack61]

Originally posted by: JasperHunter
A couple of notes on my Jasper now that I've used it for a bit:

1. I think it's actually louder than my Falcon. The fans have a hum/vibration to them that is far more noticeable.
2. I'm a little surprised at how little power we saved with the 65nm die shrink. I figured it would be more like the transition from Zephyr to Falcon, but in that case I guess the CPU went from 90nm to 65nm and the GPU from 90nm to 80nm. This time we only got GPU from 80 to 65nm.
3. If indeed MS has not addressed the solder bump issue with Jasper, I wonder if the relatively small power savings (and thus heat production) will really make a significant difference in reliability. That is, of course, only a concern IF heat was the root cause previously, which I'm still not convinced of.
4. The white DVD drive of my arcade still looks weird to me, but I'll get over it

Ultimately, the color of the DVD drive was the reason I decided to go with the Pro instead of the Arcade. While the Elite looks the best IMO, I couldn't justify spending that much more just for a black case.

I guess I am hypocritical, though, because I was able to convince myself to spend more money for a chrome DVD drive. The $40 gift card, 60GB HHD and two free games for my kids helped justify the extra money to my wife of course, but if I am 100% honest I have to say that it was a little piece of cheap fake chrome that did it for me.

 

[Tanna Tanna]

Got my Jasper Arcade in UK today, Blockbusters is the place to go -- over on AVforums.com website lots of people in the UK appear to have gone to their local branch today and picked up a Jasper.

 

[Magehart]

Originally posted by: Zuker

Originally posted by: Magehart

Are there any other SoCal Elite Jasper Hunters?

I have been looking for a Elite Jasper for a couple of months in the LA area.
The latest numbers I have seen are 844x all rated at 14.2A.
Fry's Electronics and Target seem to rotate their stock most often i think that this is due to them not stocking that many units.
Christmas is coming and time is running out to get one by then.
-Zuker

Which Frys do you hit? I've mostly checked Industry and Anaheim and they seem to update at the exact same times. The turnover rate fluctuates between them but stays relatively equal. At least their stock is always fresh when they get new shipments.

My local BB (Chino Hills) has had the newest stock out of anywhere i've been though. Oh well, i'm going to keep on hunting, keep us posted if you spot a 12.1.

 

[kpatm]

Originally posted by: Tanna Tanna
Got my Jasper Arcade in UK today, Blockbusters is the place to go -- over on AVforums.com website lots of people in the UK appear to have gone to their local branch today and picked up a Jasper.

As I said I went to my local Blockbuster today and had a look at the Arcade and the Pro they had on display both where 14.2A.I went back in again an hour later thinking that on the off chance they could possibly still be Jaspers and I just had to check the Power connection,but this time I went in the manager was there and she wasnt willing to open them up for me to have a right good look at them.I think I may wait till early next week and go in again to see if they have any more in.But as mentioned Blockbuster looks the best bet for us UK'er just now.