Jasper Found in the Wild: 65nm Xbox 360s are Appearing
by Michael Andrawes on November 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST- Posted in
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After entirely too long, Jasper has finally been discovered in the wild. As we originally predicted back in early October, the first Jaspers were identified by being labeled 12.1A on the 12V rail. Somewhat surprisingly, the first ones discovered also came with a 150W PSU. We of course knew this would happen eventually, but many believed that early Jaspers would use left over 175W PSUs. It's still possible there are some Jaspers floating around labeled as 14.2A and including a 175W PSU that were simply never recognized for what they were. Also as predicted, the Jasper motherboard featured a new PSU power connector that prevents using a newer, less powerful power supply on an older Xbox that needs more power. This information wasn't confirmation enough for some, but no doubt remained after one was finally dissected. One other interesting tidbit is the inclusion of 256MB of on-board flash, allowing Microsoft to forgo the memory card for Arcade systems and also to preload NXE without a hard drive.
So far it appears that lot number 0842 from team FDOU or CSON and 0843 FDOU have been confirmed Jasper. Unfortunately, the somewhat confusing bit is that some of these same lot numbers have also been confirmed to be Falcon. Clearly, we are in the midst of a transition period, so there are still no guarantees based on external box markings. If you get a console labeled 12.1A on the 12V rail and comes with a 150W PSU, you can be assured that you have a Jasper-based console.
I would like to reiterate that Microsoft will likely never comment officially on Jasper or any other Xbox 360 revision, so don't waste your time trying to contact them. Along the same lines, your average retail employee is not going to have a clue what you're talking about if you ask, so don't bother.
It may take a few weeks for these to become more common - I still can't find one locally myself, and it would be a total crap shoot ordering online. So the hunt continues around here. We'll have our own dissection and analysis as soon as we can get our hands on one. And if you're hunting for one yourself, post all of your findings in the official thread in the AnandTech Forums.
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damo - Saturday, November 29, 2008 - link
In an ideal world you might be able to. In the real world you just can't. Most salespeople won't have a clue what to look for, which will make things hard, but no salesperson worth employing will open retail packaging. As soon as you do, and find the wrong power supply so the customer asking for it to be checked doesn't buy it, you have a second-hand machine.There is absolutely nothing to gain from checking, and perhaps a lot to lose, so if you find someone who will do it, I suggest you are looking at someone who will be searching the wanted ads in the very near future.
If Jasper is that important to you, wait until lots are known that are exclusively Jasper and get one then.
ashegam - Friday, November 28, 2008 - link
I'm sure after Christmas there will be plenty, for obvious reasons.GaryJohnson - Friday, November 28, 2008 - link
We'll see some of these on ebay selling for a premium.ImSpartacus - Saturday, November 29, 2008 - link
Why? Why would anyone want to pay a premium for an otherwise identical system? Worst case your 360 RROD's and u send it in to MS.I just don't see a huge advantage in having a Jasper, enough to warrant a premium on Ebay-like sites.
SuperGee - Saturday, November 29, 2008 - link
Some people like quality next to a good service.Some of them even like to have it not draw to much power.
For operating cost or enviormental reasons or both.
For me i would only go for a jasper.
The only problem has the failer chance of RROD be largly reduced.
If it easy to recognise from the retailbox.
i wonder don't retail boxe mention the power draw. If it printed 150Watts your good. If Ms put 150 to 175Watt it's a problem.
For me I'am not in a hurry. Can wait till summer. Might buy a second quality PS3 with 500GB upgrade.
Samus - Sunday, November 30, 2008 - link
1) it will be quieter2) it will use less power
3) it will produce less heat
4) it will likely live longer
5) it doesn't cost any more than the previous model
I don't see any reason to not try and get one?
BansheeX - Saturday, November 29, 2008 - link
This is anandtech. Any and all 360 hardware changes will be frothingly reported with front page articles and on DailyTech to increase the amount of exposure for the system prior to the shopping season.cmdrdredd - Friday, November 28, 2008 - link
I don't see the point of wanting this vs the normal one. I have had a console since launch that has worked since day 1 with no issues at all.