Official Xbox 360 Jasper Hunting Thread

JasperHunter · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: currentswillshift
Darrell,

thank you for your pics and all your help since the 8-bit boards.
The fact that they are using pads still surprises me.

Has anyone figured out why we are seeing Jasper Arcades as coming from FDOU
and the Pro's as coming from CSON so far ????

Jasperhunter, do you know why this might be occuring ???? Do you think
they are using FDOU solely for Arcade production.

I am thinking I may not be able to hold off on the Elite and may sell
my Falcon (837) and get the CSON Jasper considering the nidec fans are
quieter...

Perhaps it's easier for them to keep one production line making 16MB Jaspers for Pros and (eventually) Elites, while the other does 256MB Jasper Arcades. That said, there have been some CSON Arcade Jaspers for sure, but maybe they're the only ones who have made any 16MB Jasper mobos so far. Pure speculation, as you've heard me say many times before

Branj812 · Dec 11, 2008

I noticed the very first pictures of the Jasper motherboard on Xbox-scene shows the CPU and GPU are using thermal pads, I opened mine up today because I was curious and mine did not have any thermal pads, Just the grey paste on them. Since I already opened it up once using the blow dryer trick to take the warranty sticker off, should I open it up again and apply a better thermal paste to the chips.

AV22 · Dec 11, 2008

I've been on the hunt since the first page of Seattle pi.
So today, I decided I was going to check out the 360s, I went to best buy, Nothing but FDOU Lot 844xs - PROs and a few 138s. I also found lot 845x Arcades, with 12.1A. The thing is that It was impossible to check out if it was 14.2 or 12.1 unless it was an Arcade, the only thing I could really see was the manufacture date.

So, I knew Target had a sweet deal, they threw in a 40$ gift card with the purchase of an Xbox. They didn't have any in the glass box so I asked if they had any left, they did have some in the back and pulled 3 boxes. They where 844x FDOU, I really couldn't see the if it was 14A or 12.1A unless I ripped the cardboard and I didn't want to do that since the target employee was right there. One thing led to another and I bought it... I got home and sadly it was was 14.2 A. Sort of upset since I've been Longing for a Jasper since Summer, The power brick is also 14.2 and it failed the socket test from the looks of it.

I don't know how to do the flashlight test. If it's possible to do so without really messing up the packaging its in I'll do it. If it's not, I might anyway for JasperHunter.

Anyways I took some pictures. Just in case there is that one grain of hope, if there isn't then now you know Fdou 844x are somewhat doubtful.

I may return it tomorrow depending on the replies.

Here is my album:
http://s360.photobucket.com/albums/oo41/segaV/
Oh yeah, it's a pro by the way.

Yumi · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: Schwack
Well I should point out that I already have a 360 and have the headset so there wouldn't be any performance difference than my "modified" Jasper Arcade vs. Jasper Elite. Of course, minus the black color.

You forgot the AV-Adapter with the optical connector which will deliverd with the Elite. This little thing costs here in Germany 50 Euro extra! In fact that i need this thing, i have to wait for a Elite Jasper.
So when you need this Adapter the Elite is a better offer than a Pro with an extra 120GB HDD.

middlep1 · Dec 11, 2008

For all UK Jasper hunters.

I've been following the following forum post over at AVForums.com:

http://www.avforums.com/forums...des-2.html#post8323974

The link jumps to a posting made by someone who has bought an Arcade for Amazon.co.uk in the last week and has checked the manufacturing date which is 19-10-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy), which is fantastic news, as this is only 4 days out from the magic 23-10-2008 we need for Jasper Units. No word on the Pro models yet though, hopefully we can get someone to give a recent update on those.

As it seems most /if not all US found Jasper Pro models are CSON and the UK doesn't seem to get any CSON models at all, exclusively FDOU I believe, are there are any confirmed FDOU Jasper 60gb pro models in the wild? and do the manufacturing dates differ to the CSON Jasper models?

I also called into my local Tesco Extra in Durham City, UK on the way to work, they have a load of 0840 FDOU Arcade models and I got the sales girl to actually break the seal and open up a 60gb Pro so I could inspect the console, it was a 0839 FDOU with a september manufacture date. still a good 4-5 weeks away from Jasper in Tesco.

Tanna Tanna · Dec 11, 2008

I have seen the AVforums thread, looks like Amazon UK are not far off Jasper stock. Let's hope they get into it before Xmas.

JasperHunter · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: AV22
I've been on the hunt since the first page of Seattle pi.
So today, I decided I was going to check out the 360s, I went to best buy, Nothing but FDOU Lot 844xs - PROs and a few 138s. I also found lot 845x Arcades, with 12.1A. The thing is that It was impossible to check out if it was 14.2 or 12.1 unless it was an Arcade, the only thing I could really see was the manufacture date.

So, I knew Target had a sweet deal, they threw in a 40$ gift card with the purchase of an Xbox. They didn't have any in the glass box so I asked if they had any left, they did have some in the back and pulled 3 boxes. They where 844x FDOU, I really couldn't see the if it was 14A or 12.1A unless I ripped the cardboard and I didn't want to do that since the target employee was right there. One thing led to another and I bought it... I got home and sadly it was was 14.2 A. Sort of upset since I've been Longing for a Jasper since Summer, The power brick is also 14.2 and it failed the socket test from the looks of it.

I don't know how to do the flashlight test. If it's possible to do so without really messing up the packaging its in I'll do it. If it's not, I might anyway for JasperHunter.

Anyways I took some pictures. Just in case there is that one grain of hope, if there isn't then now you know Fdou 844x are somewhat doubtful.

I may return it tomorrow depending on the replies.

Here is my album:
http://s360.photobucket.com/albums/oo41/segaV/
Oh yeah, it's a pro by the way.

That power connector indicates Falcon. No need to waste your time with any further tests. Sorry

AV22 · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: JasperHunter

Originally posted by: AV22
I've been on the hunt since the first page of Seattle pi.
So today, I decided I was going to check out the 360s, I went to best buy, Nothing but FDOU Lot 844xs - PROs and a few 138s. I also found lot 845x Arcades, with 12.1A. The thing is that It was impossible to check out if it was 14.2 or 12.1 unless it was an Arcade, the only thing I could really see was the manufacture date.

So, I knew Target had a sweet deal, they threw in a 40$ gift card with the purchase of an Xbox. They didn't have any in the glass box so I asked if they had any left, they did have some in the back and pulled 3 boxes. They where 844x FDOU, I really couldn't see the if it was 14A or 12.1A unless I ripped the cardboard and I didn't want to do that since the target employee was right there. One thing led to another and I bought it... I got home and sadly it was was 14.2 A. Sort of upset since I've been Longing for a Jasper since Summer, The power brick is also 14.2 and it failed the socket test from the looks of it.

I don't know how to do the flashlight test. If it's possible to do so without really messing up the packaging its in I'll do it. If it's not, I might anyway for JasperHunter.

Anyways I took some pictures. Just in case there is that one grain of hope, if there isn't then now you know Fdou 844x are somewhat doubtful.

I may return it tomorrow depending on the replies.

Here is my album:
http://s360.photobucket.com/albums/oo41/segaV/
Oh yeah, it's a pro by the way.

Click to expand...

That power connector indicates Falcon. No need to waste your time with any further tests. Sorry

Madness!
I guess I'll return it, $40 gift card in my mind is not worth the trouble unless its just the powerbrick. Thanks J.H.
Most of my nearby stores only sell FDOU though, I guess I'll have to search some stores a few minutes farther.

Yumi · Dec 11, 2008

Mizzl · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: Yumi
Pricedrop in Germany two weeks before Christmas.

http://www.pcgameshardware.de/...ich_bald_Preissenkung/

In the two weeks before Christmas all Xbox360 Versions and Extras will become cheaper. The Prices will last till Januar 2009. But as you can see the Arcades will not getting cheaper. Damn.

Any idea if this is a Europe wide pricedrop? That would sure move consoles a whole lot faster.

I've been checking in with 'my' gameshop, but so far they're still getting in Arcades and Pro's from August and September

AppleRedX · Dec 11, 2008

Seems that in Germany Microsoft wants to get rid of all the non-Jasper Pro & Elites

When I got my Arcade Jasper in the SATURN Market they had a Pro Bundle Offer (with Lego Star Wars and Kung Fu Panda) for the same price as the Arcade (179 EUR) ... but I wanted the Jasper so desperately.

AppleRedX

imported_Darrell · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: Branj812
I noticed the very first pictures of the Jasper motherboard on Xbox-scene shows the CPU and GPU are using thermal pads, I opened mine up today because I was curious and mine did not have any thermal pads, Just the grey paste on them. Since I already opened it up once using the blow dryer trick to take the warranty sticker off, should I open it up again and apply a better thermal paste to the chips.

Branj812,

I removed the pad on both and applied some OCZ Freeze until the Coollaboratory liquid metal pads arrive. Now, I understand the dynamics behind using a better thermal interface material, but I can also understand why Microsoft used the pads. The pads that Microsoft are so thick, that they actually keep the heatsink from moving.....aside from the $$ savings using a cheaper material.

Upon reinstallation of my Jasper Pro, I gave the chips a nice coating of the grease from OCZ. After re-attaching the X-clamps, both heatsinks exhibited some "wiggle". Granted, the heatsinks aren't going anywhere and there is tension on the X-clamps. But, with regard to shipping and the bumps and dings the console would take, I can see Microsoft opting to secure the heatsinks a little more while sacrificing some performance.

My only concern with applying the new grease, is that the older pads were so thick that I could lose enough clamping pressure to affect the heat exchange.....BUT I'M A GAMBLER!!!

Jasperhunter, I have thought about bolting the heatsinks down and ditching the X-clamps. What's your take on this? I've yet to RRoD any of the XBOX's so I have stayed away from these type of mods. I've even thought about buying the oldschool heatsink for the CPU because it should perform better than the non-heatpipe heatsink. I realize that the all-aluminum heatsink currently installed is adequate...but the cooler the better. Heck, I still have the koolance waterblocks (still in the box) from my Elite I used to have and planned to watercool. I never got around to do it....finding the parts to keep it completely internal was next to impossible. That $80 was not well spent...

Jopopsy · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: Darrell

Originally posted by: Branj812
I noticed the very first pictures of the Jasper motherboard on Xbox-scene shows the CPU and GPU are using thermal pads, I opened mine up today because I was curious and mine did not have any thermal pads, Just the grey paste on them. Since I already opened it up once using the blow dryer trick to take the warranty sticker off, should I open it up again and apply a better thermal paste to the chips.

Click to expand...

Branj812,

I removed the pad on both and applied some OCZ Freeze until the Coollaboratory liquid metal pads arrive. Now, I understand the dynamics behind using a better thermal interface material, but I can also understand why Microsoft used the pads. The pads that Microsoft are so thick, that they actually keep the heatsink from moving.....aside from the $$ savings using a cheaper material.

Upon reinstallation of my Jasper Pro, I gave the chips a nice coating of the grease from OCZ. After re-attaching the X-clamps, both heatsinks exhibited some "wiggle". Granted, the heatsinks aren't going anywhere and there is tension on the X-clamps. But, with regard to shipping and the bumps and dings the console would take, I can see Microsoft opting to secure the heatsinks a little more while sacrificing some performance.

My only concern with applying the new grease, is that the older pads were so thick that I could lose enough clamping pressure to affect the heat exchange.....BUT I'M A GAMBLER!!!

Jasperhunter, I have thought about bolting the heatsinks down and ditching the X-clamps. What's your take on this? I've yet to RRoD any of the XBOX's so I have stayed away from these type of mods. I've even thought about buying the oldschool heatsink for the CPU because it should perform better than the non-heatpipe heatsink. I realize that the all-aluminum heatsink currently installed is adequate...but the cooler the better. Heck, I still have the koolance waterblocks (still in the box) from my Elite I used to have and planned to watercool. I never got around to do it....finding the parts to keep it completely internal was next to impossible. That $80 was not well spent...

Darrell, you definitely take it to a new extreme bro !!!! Most of us would be happy w/ the Jasper and whatever MS did to fix it. You're hardcore !!! Nice to see though ...

For me, I'm going to leave it alone. If it goes belly up on me, I'll just send it back to MS, sell the refurb to Gamestop, and buy a new Arcade w/ the proceeds. I really hope though that my 360 lasts until MS's next console as we have all certainly invested enough time and energy into finding the latest/greatest.

iwantjasper · Dec 11, 2008

Just curious, how much would you get from Gamestop/EBgames for a xbox 360? Thanks.

Schwack · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: Yumi

Originally posted by: Schwack
Well I should point out that I already have a 360 and have the headset so there wouldn't be any performance difference than my "modified" Jasper Arcade vs. Jasper Elite. Of course, minus the black color.

Click to expand...

You forgot the AV-Adapter with the optical connector which will deliverd with the Elite. This little thing costs here in Germany 50 Euro extra! In fact that i need this thing, i have to wait for a Elite Jasper.
So when you need this Adapter the Elite is a better offer than a Pro with an extra 120GB HDD.[/]

Hey Yumi,

Wouldn't the HDMI provide the audio from the console to the receiver? You wouldn't need the AV-Adapter if you have HDMI.

iwantjasper · Dec 11, 2008

Does anyone have any info on whether the following model is a Jasper or not? I know it says 14.2A but has anyone checked the plug?

Pro
840X (CSON)
Manufactured Oct 10, 2008 (Or other dates of this lot)

StageLeft · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: iwantjasper
Does anyone have any info on whether the following model is a Jasper or not? I know it says 14.2A but has anyone checked the plug?

Pro
840X (CSON)
Manufactured Oct 10, 2008 (Or other dates of this lot)

It is not a Jasper; it's too old.

Yumi · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: Schwack

Originally posted by: Yumi

Originally posted by: Schwack
Well I should point out that I already have a 360 and have the headset so there wouldn't be any performance difference than my "modified" Jasper Arcade vs. Jasper Elite. Of course, minus the black color.

Click to expand...

You forgot the AV-Adapter with the optical connector which will deliverd with the Elite. This little thing costs here in Germany 50 Euro extra! In fact that i need this thing, i have to wait for a Elite Jasper.
So when you need this Adapter the Elite is a better offer than a Pro with an extra 120GB HDD.[/]

Click to expand...

Hey Yumi,

Wouldn't the HDMI provide the audio from the console to the receiver? You wouldn't need the AV-Adapter if you have HDMI.

My Receiver hasn't a HDMI Connection, like most older Receivers, so i need an optical Connention to the Receiver and a HDMI Connenction to my TV. I think most Users has such a Combination.^^

Schwack · Dec 11, 2008

Ah, I gotcha. My receiver does have HDMI so I should be set with the HDMI cable that I'll buy online. You had me worried but on another forum, I was assured that if I use HDMI, I wouldn't need the Optical connection.....like I use now.

Thanks.

LiQiCE · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: iwantjasper
Does anyone have any info on whether the following model is a Jasper or not? I know it says 14.2A but has anyone checked the plug?

Pro
840X (CSON)
Manufactured Oct 10, 2008 (Or other dates of this lot)

Doesn't it seem more or less hit or miss on guaranteeing Jasper from a Lot No, or Manufacturing Date? I know this is how folks did it for Falcon, but with Jasper it seems like you can find a 14.2A labeled 360 and a 12.1 labeled 360 out of the same Lot No, Factory and Manufacturing Date.

14.2A doesn't eliminate the chances of it being Jasper (presumably there are some old labels lying around that Microsoft was still using) - but if you want to guarantee its a Jasper, get one that says 12.1A on the label and obviously when hunting for one the higher the Lot No and the newer the Manufacturing date the better.

For Arcade is seems easy to use the new Part #, but for those searching for the Pro or the still elusive Elite Jaspers, the only way to know for sure w/o opening the box is to go by the 12.1A on the back.

LiQiCE · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: Schwack
Ah, I gotcha. My receiver does have HDMI so I should be set with the HDMI cable that I'll buy online. You had me worried but on another forum, I was assured that if I use HDMI, I wouldn't need the Optical connection.....like I use now.

Thanks.

Yes a regular HDMI cable will work fine for both audio and video on the 360 as long as your receiver has an HDMI input.

adiposity · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: LiQiCE

Originally posted by: Schwack
Ah, I gotcha. My receiver does have HDMI so I should be set with the HDMI cable that I'll buy online. You had me worried but on another forum, I was assured that if I use HDMI, I wouldn't need the Optical connection.....like I use now.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Yes a regular HDMI cable will work fine for both audio and video on the 360 as long as your receiver has an HDMI input.

Yeah, the option would be nice though. For example I have an HTPC (hdmi), a PS3 (hdmi), a cable box (comp), and will be getting an Xbox (hdmi). Right now my cable box is on component but it supports HDMI. My receiver only has 3 hdmi ins. So I am already basically at capacity with the Xbox. If I get one more thing with hdmi I will have to change something, which means I get out my comp. cables for the ps3 (my 1080p blu-ray player becomes 1080i), my htpc (1080p htpc->1080i), or my Xbox, which means my xbox will need optical. So don't think you are out of the woods just because your receiver supports hdmi.

-Dan

Sammydad1 · Dec 11, 2008

Hi,

I know HDMI is all that for many people, but I went the HD Component cable route with one of the cables off ebay for like $10 (I think), it has the stereo audio split out that I ran into my receiver's input.

The video is still quite nice at 1080p setting, and the audio is very nice too since it plays out of the receiver and not the crappy TV speakers; perhaps not true 5.1 but its darn close for these old-fart ears. I don't think my kids will mind either. I got a phone call from one of the younger ones that the oldest one was up late playing Halo-3 real loud.

I have the HDMI on the arcade now if I ever get a newer receiver (again).... I already have my Receiver's Optical and Co-ax audio's filled with the DVD and my HTPC cables.

Now if there was some way to cut down on the "14" remotes I seem to use now...not counting the wireless mouse and keyboard on the HTPC...

SD1

LiQiCE · Dec 11, 2008

Originally posted by: adiposity

Originally posted by: LiQiCE

Originally posted by: Schwack
Ah, I gotcha. My receiver does have HDMI so I should be set with the HDMI cable that I'll buy online. You had me worried but on another forum, I was assured that if I use HDMI, I wouldn't need the Optical connection.....like I use now.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Yes a regular HDMI cable will work fine for both audio and video on the 360 as long as your receiver has an HDMI input.

Click to expand...

Yeah, the option would be nice though. For example I have an HTPC (hdmi), a PS3 (hdmi), a cable box (comp), and will be getting an Xbox (hdmi). Right now my cable box is on component but it supports HDMI. My receiver only has 3 hdmi ins. So I am already basically at capacity with the Xbox. If I get one more thing with hdmi I will have to change something, which means I get out my comp. cables for the ps3 (my 1080p blu-ray player becomes 1080i), my htpc (1080p htpc->1080i), or my Xbox, which means my xbox will need optical. So don't think you are out of the woods just because your receiver supports hdmi.

-Dan

$30 will buy you 3 more HDMI ports...

http://www.monoprice.com/produ...id=4088&seq=1&format=2

My previous receiver only had 2 HDMI inputs (JVC RXD-702B), and I bought the MonoPrice HDMI switch to add an extra device, plus its much easier to access the HDMI ports on the MonoPrice switch so if I have to temporarily hook up a device, like my laptop its very easy compared to fishing around the back of the receiver to unplug something and plug in an HDMI to DVI cable.

I agree though having the official 360 HDMI cable is useful if you decide you want audio through TOSLink Optical.

For Sammydad1, you can get a Logitech Harmony remote to solve you remote control crisis. And if you get the MonoPrice HDMI switch, you can program the Harmony to switch inputs automatically with the Harmony so you shouldn't really notice a difference between being connected directly to the receiver and being off on the MonoPrice switch.

Example of a cheap Logitech Harmony programmable remote: http://forums.slickdeals.net/s...sduid=152234&t=1072174

Sorry to get off-topic, I am too much of an A/V nut!

Still no Elite Jaspers I might go hunting tomorrow or Saturday at some local BB's where the 360's are out in the open to check dates for Elites.

Schwack · Dec 11, 2008

Well, I'm still hoping to find a Jasper PRO tomorrow before the Best Buy promotion ends this week. If I can't find a Jasper PRO, then I'll go to the Jasper Arcade route.

I appreciate the info everybody!

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Official Xbox 360 Jasper Hunting Thread