Xbox 360 Premium Holiday Bundle w/HDMI $334.99 shipped buy.com

[jloor]

Thanks Prizm77 from FW for the details.

Use this link for the Clean non-Fatwallet referral link Buy.com 5% off coupon up to $15.00, then search for Xbox 360 and add the bundle.

Can someone confirm that the HDMI versions reduce RROD?

Edit: Oops. Sorry about the FW refferal link.

 

[NSA Lummox]

I can confirm how to determine if it's the Falcon motherboard and 65nm core, but there's absolutely no way to tell if it is prior to ordering it.

You can find more info by searching for these numbers, but I've spent a particularly large amount of time gathering this information when I purchased my holiday bundle a month ago.

First, lot number. There is a LOT# token on the side of the box by the UPC and you're going to want lot number 734 or later

Second, the team. There's also a TEAM token on the UPC label, you'll want it to say FDOU.

Third, manufacture date. There's a small perforated tab which I think is on the top of the box. You can safely pull this back and shift the console down a little in the box to view its serial number sticker and manufacture date. You'll want it to be 08/24/2007 or later.

Fourth, the heatsink seems to be an accurate measure as well. You can see this by shining a flashlight through the bottom vent. The heatsink should appear to have flat, broad sides and no visible heatpipe if memory serves me correctly. The original ones had very thin fins on them and featured a very prominent heat pipe.

Fifth, there should be no heatsink visible behind the power button. This was implemented on the Zephyr boards (which came out with the Elite models), however, if you've verified the lot#, team and date this should not be a factor at all.

Hope that helps. If anyone knows if I screwed up on anything please quote/correct me.

 

[skywhr]

There is an option to add the HDMI cable when purchasing, the title says it has an HDMI cable included but the images in the description show a component cable..... i dunno.
The Xbox 360 System includes:

* Xbox 360 System - Every Xbox 360 title supports 720p and 1080i high definition resolution or 480p standard definition resolution, in 16:9 widescreen, with anti-aliasing so you enjoy smooth, movie-like graphics and multi-channel surround sound. Vibrant characters display depth of emotion to evoke more dramatic responses, immersing you in the experience.
* Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20GB) (included with System) - Save games and music, plus download new Xbox Live content.
* Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (included with System) - Enjoy speed, accuracy, and freedom to roam with its 30 foot range.
* Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable (included with System) - This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
* Xbox 360 Headset (included with System) - Trash-talk opponents or discuss strategies with your Xbox Live teammates.
* Ethernet Cable - Get on Xbox Live now! This cable connects your Xbox 360 to your router or High-Speed Internet Connection!
* XBOX Live Silver Membership - Connect to Xbox Live and be able to Voice chat, Text Message, keep a Friends List, save Achievements, access the Marketplace, and more!

 

[skywhr]

Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable (included with System) - This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.

 

[matas]

Does buy.com charge tax in NJ?
edit: it doesn't nevermind.
Good deal, I was looking for one

 

[Sniper82]

id so jump on this if I knew I would get a Falcon.

 

[matas]

What is the advantage of Falcon, and what is that? Like a type of processor?

 

[Sniper82]

Originally posted by: matas
What is the advantage of Falcon, and what is that? Like a type of processor?

Just what they call the new motherboard with the new 65nm(cooler running/draws less power) CPU.

 

[matas]

Oh cool. So you guys are not sure if it's a Falcon huh. Well, tell me this, would I get falcon version if I was to buy an xbox 360 from like bestbuy? Because I know they're currently out of stock, therefore they get newly made xbox 360.

 

[jloor]

I thought HDMI versions ran cooler. Oh well, its better than the non-HDMI version I got on Black Friday.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: matas
Oh cool. So you guys are not sure if it's a Falcon huh. Well, tell me this, would I get falcon version if I was to buy an xbox 360 from like bestbuy? Because I know they're currently out of stock, therefore they get newly made xbox 360.

that is not a guarantee

 

[matas]

I think I should get it from here, because for that saved money I could buy COD4

 

[Sniper82]

Originally posted by: Ns1

Originally posted by: matas
Oh cool. So you guys are not sure if it's a Falcon huh. Well, tell me this, would I get falcon version if I was to buy an xbox 360 from like bestbuy? Because I know they're currently out of stock, therefore they get newly made xbox 360.

that is not a guarantee

yep even though if you research on what to look for on the box your chances are alot better than buying online, which of course you can't inspect the box.

 

[TheJTrain]

Guess I should have posted it here, but it completely slipped my mind. I ordered one on Saturday using this very method (5% off coupon), no tax, free shipping, excellent. It's still showing as "Sent to Warehouse", which is Buy.com-speak for "we've charged your credit card but it hasn't been shipped yet".

To clear up any HDMI/cable confusion: this is the normal package that everyone else carries, and does NOT include the HDMI cable (if you scroll down far enough, under "Features" there's a solitary bullet that says it's not included. What they mean when they list "HDMI" in the description is that this is the one that has the HDMI port available (earlier versions did not supply this port). The cable that's included is the HD AV cable with the 3-RCA component video connections (as opposed to the also-available S-video cable, which obviously only provides an SD signal), not the HDMI AV cable.

AFAIK, the inclusion of the HDMI port on the versions they named "Premium" came before the rollout of the Falcon 65nm processors (said to reduce heat and therefore RROD - though the jury is still out due to indications that only the CPU went to 65nm, while the GPU stayed 90nm), so the inclusion of the HDMI port should in no way be used to identify whether or not it's a Falcon.

I'll try and remember to post back the details of my unit when it arrives (though if it hasn't shipped by now, it probably won't make the weekend - dammit!). That is, if I'm not already neck-deep in Mass Effect, unable to extricate myself because the fate of the galaxy hangs on my every action.

 

[jloor]

Thanks for the info TheJTrain. Let us know what you get. At least if I do get a RROD its covered by Mircosoft. Annoying yes, but hey, not a bad price for $334.

 

[zerodeefex]

Some newer boxes have a 175w power supply instead of 203w. Those are all definitely Falcons. It says on a sticker on the side of the box the size of the power supply.

 

[chinkgai]

here is the link to the anandtech article with pictures and an explanation of the old xbox vs the new:

http://www.anandtech.com/gadge...howdoc.aspx?i=3152&p=3

Originally posted by: NSA Lummox
I can confirm how to determine if it's the Falcon motherboard and 65nm core, but there's absolutely no way to tell if it is prior to ordering it.

You can find more info by searching for these numbers, but I've spent a particularly large amount of time gathering this information when I purchased my holiday bundle a month ago.

First, lot number. There is a LOT# token on the side of the box by the UPC and you're going to want lot number 734 or later

Second, the team. There's also a TEAM token on the UPC label, you'll want it to say FDOU.

Third, manufacture date. There's a small perforated tab which I think is on the top of the box. You can safely pull this back and shift the console down a little in the box to view its serial number sticker and manufacture date. You'll want it to be 08/24/2007 or later.

Fourth, the heatsink seems to be an accurate measure as well. You can see this by shining a flashlight through the bottom vent. The heatsink should appear to have flat, broad sides and no visible heatpipe if memory serves me correctly. The original ones had very thin fins on them and featured a very prominent heat pipe.

Fifth, there should be no heatsink visible behind the power button. This was implemented on the Zephyr boards (which came out with the Elite models), however, if you've verified the lot#, team and date this should not be a factor at all.

Hope that helps. If anyone knows if I screwed up on anything please quote/correct me.

 

[cookj]

"Third, manufacture date. There's a small perforated tab which I think is on the top of the box. You can safely pull this back and shift the console down a little in the box to view its serial number sticker and manufacture date. You'll want it to be 08/24/2007 or later. "


Release Date: 10/8/2007
Publisher: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
Buy.com Sku: 205838935




My sons will be delivered today.

 

[AmpedSilence]

in 4 1.... Thanks OP!

 

[Chinox22x]

When I bought my holiday bundle from buy.com 2 mos ago I got a falcon one.

lot 736
fdou
manuf. date 9/28/07

did the flash light trick to confirm.

it also has the new benq dvd drive. not bad for 339$ fs no tax back then.

i believe the best buy bundles are the same, at least when i checked after thanksgiving day. just check the 3 items above...90% of the time its a falcon version.

 

[NSA Lummox]

Originally posted by: cookj
"Third, manufacture date. There's a small perforated tab which I think is on the top of the box. You can safely pull this back and shift the console down a little in the box to view its serial number sticker and manufacture date. You'll want it to be 08/24/2007 or later. "


Release Date: 10/8/2007
Publisher: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
Buy.com Sku: 205838935




My sons will be delivered today.

I hate to rain on your parade, but you have that date misinterpreted. The release date for the holiday bundles was 10/8/2007, and has nothing to do with the console inside the box.

My roommate and I both have holiday bundle Xbox's. Mine is a Falcon, his is not. That is not any guarantee of anything cookj, sorry.

Also, how did you have your sons shipped? Fedex? UPS?

 

[cookj]

It just got here and it's an older one, lot 733, 8/24/2007.
I just sent an email to customer support

 

[cookj]

Shipped ups free shipping.

 

[TheJTrain]

Originally posted by: Chinox22x
When I bought my holiday bundle from buy.com 2 mos ago I got a falcon one.

lot 736
fdou
manuf. date 9/28/07

Originally posted by: cookj
It just got here and it's an older one, lot 733, 8/24/2007.
I just sent an email to customer support

Well that really sucks, sounds like the pulls @ Buy.com are completely random. Why wouldn't they do something smart like First In-First Out, so they're not left with old stock laying around? That's why a few of us waited for a few months after the Falcon thing was announced, so that the old stock could get sold off! Crap. Mine shipped out today via UPS, so I'll post back when it comes in (UPS site says Monday).

cookj, please post back and let us know what Buy.com CS says about the situation!

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: TheJTrain

Originally posted by: Chinox22x
When I bought my holiday bundle from buy.com 2 mos ago I got a falcon one.

lot 736
fdou
manuf. date 9/28/07

Originally posted by: cookj
It just got here and it's an older one, lot 733, 8/24/2007.
I just sent an email to customer support

Well that really sucks, sounds like the pulls @ Buy.com are completely random. Why wouldn't they do something smart like First In-First Out, so they're not left with old stock laying around? That's why a few of us waited for a few months after the Falcon thing was announced, so that the old stock could get sold off! Crap. Mine shipped out today via UPS, so I'll post back when it comes in (UPS site says Monday).

cookj, please post back and let us know what Buy.com CS says about the situation!

because lot number has nothing to do with falcon/zephyr. there's a long discussion about it on console gaming. it greatly improves your chances sure, but is still no guarantee

i'm hoping my elite is falcon though since it's still "on order" from amazon