How reliable are repaired/reconditioned 360's from Havant?

NorthstaNder · 18 Jan 2008 at 23:45

What d'ya reckon guys?

Should get mine back in about a week. Worth getting a replacement, or should I just see whether the repaired/replaced goes wrong first?

I'm just trying to get an idea on how reliable the repaired consoles are compared to the new machines available now.

Thanks in advance. I realise this is probably an often asked question, and a tedious one. But I'm a worrier about things like this! My 360 time is very important to me.

hashcake · 19 Jan 2008 at 00:19

Lol, we are like two peas in a pod (with reference to the other post we are currently active in).
When I get my hands on mine I'll try and work out what type of cooling it's using if I can.
I know there are various pictures on t'net so that should help.
I'm not sure if they come back with a warranty seal but rest assured, if they don't I will have a look inside and let you know.

Stellios · 19 Jan 2008 at 00:21

Pot luck id imagine, some go wrong, some dont.

hashcake · 19 Jan 2008 at 00:34

NorthstaNder have a look at this link: www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/10091.cfm
It shows the 'before' and 'after' cooling.
However, I do believe I have read about people suffering from the 3RLOD even with this improved cooling.

Also while I remember, although I've not been involved in the electronics assembly side of things for over 10 years, today I was talking to someone today who still is.
He said that the overheating issue with the Xbox 360 is no surprise to him as the issues with bad soldering that many people have also hinted as a problem is not uncommon with devices that produce heat.
Back in the day when I was involved in the industry, for SMT (Surface Mount Technology, this is where the components are soldered onto the PCB rather than on the underside), we used templates that sat over the PCBs.
These were held in a jig then solder paste was drawn over them and this would fill the component solder pads ready for either the machines or hand placement of components.
However, today the guy told me that 'solder balls' are now the norm for the production process and it is some of these failing to work properly that cause a bad contact.
I've never heard of them before and due to my lack of overall interest in the production side these days, I'm not suprised.
A quick google has confirmed they exist so I have no reason not to believe what he has told me.

NorthstaNder · 19 Jan 2008 at 00:42

not much difference in the before and after to be honest. i think it's the new motherboards that bring about the new found reliability in the new machines.

ah well...when it comes back i'll play it to death! if it breaks again, i'll get a replacement and then sell the repaired console when it comes back.