**Official Xbox 360 Jasper Hunting Thread**

[adiposity]

I don't like using those switches because I like to keep the receiver setup as simple as possible. For example, having to buy a programmable remote just to do the macros is one more step that can go wrong. It's much nicer when a simple input switch switches everything (especially with upconversion, don't even have to mess with the TV). All this, provided you have enough inputs, of course

-Dan

 

[JasperHunter]

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.

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...

I actually have no particular opinion about this. It's all anecdotal information out there IMO. That doesn't mean it's right or wrong, it's just that it hasn't been tested thoroughly enough for me to conclude much. Admittedly, I haven't looked into it that much though.

 

[JasperHunter]

Originally posted by: Schwack
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.

Only if you're receiver has an HDMI input. I'm still otherwise very happy with my non-HDMI receiver and see no need to replace it until I'm ready to go 7.1 surround and need HDMI to send 7.1 discreet Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD/DTS-HD signals.

 

[JasperHunter]

Originally posted by: LiQiCE

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.

I agree, there's a small chance this is a Jasper. I believe 0841 is the oldest Jasper found so far, but there's a tiny chance 0840 could be one as well.

 

[Schwack]

Hey JasperHunter.

Yes, my receiver does have HDMI. The only reason I'm willing to buy the arcade is that I know I can get a Jasper Arcade in Denver. For the past 2-3 days I've checked nearly all BBs, CCs, and Target and no Jasper PRO or Elites.

I'm planning to give my younger brother my 3 year old 360 (it has been serviced last year after I received the RRoD) for Christmas. So I need to get the game by next week in order to bring my old 360 home for Christmas.

Plus, BB has that promotion that ends this week that would enable me to buy a Jasper Arcade and then buy a 120gb hard drive for the same price as a PRO.

So I'm somewhat under the gun to do it this week.

 

[AV22]

Originally posted by: Schwack
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!

I'm thinking of doing the same thing as you since I can't find any PRO beyond Fdou Lot 844X. I already took the risk and it ended up being 14.2A, I really can't be bothered returning an xbox each time it's not Jasper. Will you be buying Ratatouille and using the gift card for the 120gbs?

 

[StageLeft]

Re. HDMI I had to lol. At target they had the xbox HDMI cable for $52. Mind you it had no extra split out for audio; it was only a simple HDMI cable. Still not sure how it's better than the brand new one I Just got off ebay for $4.85 from a US distributor, but anyway, I'm glad somebody made that $45 diff <- sarcasm

--

Truly, what is the chance of my TV's optical out working to my receiver? Receiver has no HDMI in. TV does have optical out, presumably to carry a digital signal back to the receiver, but somebody complained about that not working most of the time.

 

[Tanna Tanna]

A British retailer has got a new SKU for Xbox 360 Arcade, and says that this model comes with "with 256Mb internal hard drive" [sic]

http://www.johnlewis.com/23045...duct.aspx?source=35735

I wonder if they are Jaspers?

 

[Branj812]

I just bought another Jasper Arcade today going to give my first one to my nephew for christmas. The one i got today is a

Team FDOU
Lot 0845x
Manufactured 11-6-2008
Came with 150watt power supply
12.1a on the console

But one thing I noticed that was different from my first one is this one has the small silver capacitors with blue tops instead of the older style tall black and gold ones on my first Jasper. I guess It just depends on what supply line they are on. And also there is no Jasper sticker on the Mobo behind the fans this time.

 

[Sammydad1]

Hi,

Looks like other folks are trying to replicate the depth of knowledge from the folks here....just got this item in a newsletter I get about tech stuff...

TECHSPOT NEWSLETTER

Just an FYI....


SD1

 

[Sammydad1]

Hi,

Ok..so the more I read in to this HDMI vs Component issue, I am wondering if anybody has a specific opinion as to whether the HDMI signal is noticably better in quality over the HD component cables ?

I was reading in some other forums about peeling the plastic cover off a standard 360 audio/video cable and then also using an HDMI cable for the video signal while using the peeled audio cable to input into your RCA home theater input...

I can see this basically just replicates what I have using the HD component connector vs one using an HDMI for video....

Anybody ??


SD1

 

[Tanna Tanna]

Not being a kill-joy but the top level of this thread says "please stay on topic", one of the reasons the thread had to move here was because there was so many off-topic posts.

There are plenty of places on the internet where you can discuss things like: HDMI vs component output, HDMI switcher boxes, optical audio vs HDMI, etc. etc. You could even start a new thread on this forum!

 

[LiQiCE]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Re. HDMI I had to lol. At target they had the xbox HDMI cable for $52. Mind you it had no extra split out for audio; it was only a simple HDMI cable. Still not sure how it's better than the brand new one I Just got off ebay for $4.85 from a US distributor, but anyway, I'm glad somebody made that $45 diff <- sarcasm

--

Truly, what is the chance of my TV's optical out working to my receiver? Receiver has no HDMI in. TV does have optical out, presumably to carry a digital signal back to the receiver, but somebody complained about that not working most of the time.

Most TVs have the optical out to transfer Digital Sound for Over the Air HDTV broadcasts and nothing more. Some TVs have the capability to extract the HDMI digital audio and send it out the TOSLink Optical jack, but its a rarity.

 

[DoomsdayVzla]

Hi guys.

I have a question, maybe you can answer me, if not it's ok, but I'd rather ask some fellow jasper hunters that some other guy.

I recently bought an Arcade Holiday Bundle from Amazon, but I won't get it until December 19th because I live in Venezuela. If it's a Jasper, I'll surely let you know.

Also, I bought a Sony KDL32XBR6 to go with my hopeful Jasper. So the question is, I have a component cable from my old Zephyr Pro... should I buy a HDMI cable, or should I stay with the composite? Is there a difference in the video? I'll be using the internal speakers of the TV, so sound is not an issue for me, but I wanna make sure that I get the best video quality.

Hope you can help a newbie on HDTV things, this is my first set.

Thx in advance, keep the hunting!

-Doomsday

 

[Schwack]

Originally posted by: AV22

Originally posted by: Schwack
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!

I'm thinking of doing the same thing as you since I can't find any PRO beyond Fdou Lot 844X. I already took the risk and it ended up being 14.2A, I really can't be bothered returning an xbox each time it's not Jasper. Will you be buying Ratatouille and using the gift card for the 120gbs?

Bingo. That's what I'm thinking. Buy the cheapest game on the list to improve the value of the $50 gift card. What's funny is that if I buy that game, I'll give it to my brother who's son would love the game. So win-win.

 

[firstdegree]

Checked Pros in two Best Buys in Las Vegas. Found 0844Xs at both locations. Was able to see the amps and fonud 16.5 on most and 14.2 on a couple. Just wanted to warn everyone to becareful with the 60GB package with 0844X.
Bill

 

[pennhunter]

I purchased $250.00 in Best Buy gift cards at my local Giant Eagle grocery store, you get 20 cents off a gallon of gas for every $50.00 in gift cards (max 30 gallons). I then went to the Best Buy in North Olmsted, OH and purchased a Lot#844x Jasper Arcade console and Ratatouille. My son will get the game for Christmas and with our grocery purchases we now have $1.80 off a gallon of gas, which means 30 gallons of free gas.
I'll probably use the gift card to get him another game for Christmas.

The console is silent and is replacing my Elite as the main family console.

 

[bodybag]

Originally posted by: Tanna Tanna
A British retailer has got a new SKU for Xbox 360 Arcade, and says that this model comes with "with 256Mb internal hard drive" [sic]

http://www.johnlewis.com/23045...duct.aspx?source=35735

I wonder if they are Jaspers?

Hi Tanna Tanna

I have just phoned their direct order line and asked them if it was an internal memory unit or external, they didnt have a clue and give me the number of my nearest store.

which is 1hr drive away from me.

 

[imported_Pado]

Originally posted by: DoomsdayVzla
Also, I bought a Sony KDL32XBR6 to go with my hopeful Jasper. So the question is, I have a component cable from my old Zephyr Pro... should I buy a HDMI cable, or should I stay with the composite? Is there a difference in the video? I'll be using the internal speakers of the TV, so sound is not an issue for me, but I wanna make sure that I get the best video quality.

Just use "component", if you want to save money on a HDMI cable. HDMI might look a bit sharper sometimes, but that varies between TV's, cause some HDTV's show better picture with component and some with HDMI. But NEVER use composite xD, that's a waste to use on a HDTV ;p.

 

[mscrivo]

Originally posted by: Pado

Originally posted by: DoomsdayVzla
Also, I bought a Sony KDL32XBR6 to go with my hopeful Jasper. So the question is, I have a component cable from my old Zephyr Pro... should I buy a HDMI cable, or should I stay with the composite? Is there a difference in the video? I'll be using the internal speakers of the TV, so sound is not an issue for me, but I wanna make sure that I get the best video quality.

Just use "component", if you want to save money on a HDMI cable. HDMI might look a bit sharper sometimes, but that varies between TV's, cause some HDTV's show better picture with component and some with HDMI. But NEVER use composite xD, that's a waste to use on a HDTV ;p.

very high quality HDMI cables are available at monoprice.com for very cheap, the price shouldn't be an issue.

 

[kpatm]

Originally posted by: Tanna Tanna
Not being a kill-joy but the top level of this thread says "please stay on topic", one of the reasons the thread had to move here was because there was so many off-topic posts.

There are plenty of places on the internet where you can discuss things like: HDMI vs component output, HDMI switcher boxes, optical audio vs HDMI, etc. etc. You could even start a new thread on this forum!

I agree.Its nice to get all the info you can before buying but this is a Jasper Hunting thread.Many people may come looking and see its all the "technical stuff" and leave or worse stay and take the thread in a totally different direction.

 

[leward]

Originally posted by: kpatm

Originally posted by: Tanna Tanna
Not being a kill-joy but the top level of this thread says "please stay on topic", one of the reasons the thread had to move here was because there was so many off-topic posts.

There are plenty of places on the internet where you can discuss things like: HDMI vs component output, HDMI switcher boxes, optical audio vs HDMI, etc. etc. You could even start a new thread on this forum!

I agree.Its nice to get all the info you can before buying but this is a Jasper Hunting thread.Many people may come looking and see its all the "technical stuff" and leave or worse stay and take the thread in a totally different direction.

Agreed. It's nice that people have found Jaspers and all, but once they do and have questions about them (like connections and whatnot), they need to make a new thread.

The topic summary for this thread has been "please stay on topic" and that is what we need to do, so the people who are looking for Japsers, can get right to the point and not have to sift through irrelevant information. Just my 2 cents.

 

[jlemon]

Thanks for the information, Dave! I'm also located near Madison, and am looking for a Pro as well. Sounds like I should schedule a trip out to Target this weekend.
--
Jonathan

 

[leward]

Originally posted by: jlemon
Thanks for the information, Dave! I'm also located near Madison, and am looking for a Pro as well. Sounds like I should schedule a trip out to Target this weekend.
--
Jonathan

I plan to be hitting the Targets in force. We have like 6 or 6 Targets in the closest metro area and they have been out of stock on elites and some on pro's all week. I hope they get shipments in on Saturday and if they do I am racing out to take a look.

 

[Mizzl]

So, to get back on topic:

The Netherlands may be getting close to seeing their own Jaspers.. I just got a call from that gameshop and they think they have a Jasper there.

Manf. date: 2008-10-07

Not sure if that's close enough, but I'll go and have a look in a couple of hours and I'll keep you updated.