Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ben Heck molds Jasper Xbox 360 into new and improved laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ben-heck-molds-jasper-xbox-360-into-new-and-improved-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ben-heck-molds-jasper-xbox-360-into-new-and-improved-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ben-heck-molds-jasper-xbox-360-into-new-and-improved-laptop/#comments
Ben Heck, the amazing modder who invented the Xbox 360 laptop, has done it again, this time fashioning a Jasper Xbox 360 (his second time fooling with a Jasper motherboard) into a new and improved slammer. Featuring a sleeker look and a flush CD drive, the new laptop also adds an IR port for use with the Xbox 360 media remote. Oh, and digital potentiometer volume control, because it's super cool.

Head past the break for a brief video showing off the new device.

Continue reading Ben Heck molds Jasper Xbox 360 into new and improved laptop

JoystiqBen Heck molds Jasper Xbox 360 into new and improved laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckjaspermodmodsxbox-360-laptopMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: New Xbox 360 Arcade systems have 512 MB on-board memory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/confirmed-new-xbox-360-arcade-systems-have-512-mb-onboard-memor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/confirmed-new-xbox-360-arcade-systems-have-512-mb-onboard-memor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/confirmed-new-xbox-360-arcade-systems-have-512-mb-onboard-memor/#commentsThe Xbox 360 Arcade pack just got a bit more useful. The mysterious 512MB Arcade unit seen yesterday is real! Microsoft confirmed to Eurogamer that it has doubled the memory on the "Jasper" motherboard of the hard-drive-free system. However, of course, not all of that space will be available to the owner: "The Xbox 360 system software uses some of the included 512MB memory;" Microsoft's statement reads. "Less storage will be available to users."

The on-board storage was originally introduced to house the New Xbox Experience upgrade. According to Microsoft, this extra storage doesn't portend any new functionality: "We want to offer consumers a bit more memory at the same low price so they can enjoy more experiences on Xbox LIVE."

JoystiqConfirmed: New Xbox 360 Arcade systems have 512 MB on-board memory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>512mbarcadejasperMicrosoftonboard-memoryXbox-360Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Jasper units with 512MB internal memory spotted in the wild]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/xbox-360-jasper-units-with-512mb-internal-memory-spotted-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/xbox-360-jasper-units-with-512mb-internal-memory-spotted-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/xbox-360-jasper-units-with-512mb-internal-memory-spotted-in-the/#comments
We're not sure how this one sneaked by, but it looks like Microsoft slipped a new Xbox 360 Jasper motherboard past us earlier this year, according to a poster in the XboxHacker forums. Found in a Japanese Xbox 360 Arcade this past April, the new motherboard is essentially the same as the previous (read: probably the most reliable 360 model so far) with one small difference. Rather than 256MB of internal storage, this one appears to be packing 512MB.

While the unit pictured above is Japanese, some members of the Xbox-Scene forums claim to have the board as well, meaning the new hardware may already be available in North America. We're not aware of any surefire way to spot one of these new units without taking them out of the box, though the ones we've seen mentioned were manufactured in April 2009. Outside the box, you'd just need to see how much memory was listed in the settings menu.

Anyone out there have one of these new Jaspers? Let us know in the comments.

[Via Xbox-Scene]

JoystiqXbox 360 Jasper units with 512MB internal memory spotted in the wild originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jasperxbox-360Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck spots a Jasper in the wild, tears it up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ben-heck-spots-a-jasper-in-the-wild-tears-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ben-heck-spots-a-jasper-in-the-wild-tears-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ben-heck-spots-a-jasper-in-the-wild-tears-it-up/#commentsFiled under:


If you've got a strong stomach, you may want to watch modder extraordinaire Ben Heck tear open a brand new Jasper 360 and then devour it, letting the solder drip down his face like the guts of a downed gazelle. Seriously, it's disturbing stuff.

But it's not all for the joy of the kill. Heck also tells you how you can distinguish a Jasper console from its stinky, 90nm GPU-having Falcon brethren. Here's hoping you've got the iron nerve to sift through the carnage to find the details. If you can't hack it, there's an even easier method of finding which console you own courtesy of AnandTech.

Continue reading Ben Heck spots a Jasper in the wild, tears it up

JoystiqBen Heck spots a Jasper in the wild, tears it up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckfalconjasperXbox-360Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jasper 360s: Secret to succesful identification]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/jasper-360s-secret-to-succesful-identification/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/jasper-360s-secret-to-succesful-identification/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/jasper-360s-secret-to-succesful-identification/#commentsFiled under:


We spotted an informative writeup over at AnandTech regarding various Xbox 360 Jasper identification strategies. What's a Jasper? Well, Jasper is the codename for the latest Xbox 360 models to roll off production and house tiny 65nm CPU and GPUs. The smallest, coolest, least power demanding, most stable and generally "best" Xbox 360 version to be manufactured.

Anyhoo, if you're in the market for a 360, we highly recommend you try to secure a Jasper 360 using a few of AnandTech's Jasper identification strategies. They've detailed tips including console lot number matching, looking up the console wattage and - most accurate of all - looking at the power connector. Remember, Jaspers are teh hawtness. You want Jaspers.

JoystiqJasper 360s: Secret to succesful identification originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolejasperxbox-360-jasperThu, 11 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms 256MB internal memory for Xbox 360 Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/microsoft-confirms-256mb-internal-memory-for-xbox-360-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/microsoft-confirms-256mb-internal-memory-for-xbox-360-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/microsoft-confirms-256mb-internal-memory-for-xbox-360-arcade/#commentsFiled under:

Microsoft has partially confirmed rumors of the latest Xbox 360 hardware revision, revealing that new Xbox 360 Arcade units indeed ship with 256MB of on-board memory. In a statement obtained by X3F, a Microsoft spokesperson said:

"We are constantly updating the console's more than 1700 internal components. We can confirm that we are moving to internal memory for the Xbox 360 Arcade. The physical internal memory is the same size as the previous external memory units -- 256MB."

While vague, the statement seems to imply that Arcade systems will no longer ship with external Memory Units, as reported by at least one Jasper hunter. Assuming this is the case, the Arcade SKU is now equipped to handle various memory-required functions like game saves and NXE (128MB) without the use of an external memory device. Of course, this also means the advantages of the once-bundled Memory Unit must be sought at an extra cost. Microsoft has not confirmed the installation of internal memory for other Xbox 360 SKUs nor has it confessed to outfitting its consoles with the Jasper chipset. (Don't hold your breath for that one.)

JoystiqMicrosoft confirms 256MB internal memory for Xbox 360 Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsjasperXbox-360xbox-360-arcadeTue, 02 Dec 2008 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Finding Jasper: Shot of Xbox 360's 256MB internal storage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/finding-jasper-shot-of-xbox-360s-256mb-internal-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/finding-jasper-shot-of-xbox-360s-256mb-internal-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/finding-jasper-shot-of-xbox-360s-256mb-internal-storage/#commentsFiled under:


Further evidence has arisen supporting claims that Xbox 360 consoles boasting the latest hardware revision, the 65nm-chip-on-the-solder "Jasper," are making their way through retail channels. An X3F tipster forwarded the above image of a new system's "Storage Devices" screen, which indicates the presence of the 256MB on-board flash storage, designated "MU." Unlike the previous batch of Arcade systems, the new console reportedly did not include a 256MB external memory card.

With Microsoft remaining mum on the specifics of internal hardware changes, images (and videos) like the one above represent our best means of finding Jasper. Are you out there, buddy?

JoystiqFinding Jasper: Shot of Xbox 360's 256MB internal storage originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hardware-RevisionJasperXbox-360Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Video proof of Jaspers with 256MB internal memory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/more-proof-of-jaspers-with-256mb-internal-memory/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/more-proof-of-jaspers-with-256mb-internal-memory/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/more-proof-of-jaspers-with-256mb-internal-memory/#commentsFiled under:


click to enlarge
X3F tipster Stuart has sent us some more photo evidence that new Xbox 360 units are shipping with 256MB of internal memory. Stuart recently purchased a new Xbox 360 Arcade unit to replace a broken unit when he noticed that it didn't include a 256MB Memory Unit as they have in the past.

Having hooked up his old 512MB Memory Unit and his old hard drive, he noticed that another storage option was listed on his Xbox. As you can see in the image above, there are storage options for the hard drive, the memory unit, and a third option titled MU. The third option lists 214MB of usable space, which is in line with what we reported over the weekend. It also appears that this unit contains a Jasper chipset, as our tipster claims it came with a 150W power adapter (one of the supposed marks of a Jasper unit). [Update: Looks like it's actually a 175W power supply]

As if that wasn't enough, YouTube user BRB100779 has posted a video showing off the same memory screen and has gone to exhaustive links to prove that the image on the screen is legitimate. Find the video after the break.

We've contacted Microsoft for comment and will update this post when we receive more information.

Continue reading Video proof of Jaspers with 256MB internal memory

JoystiqVideo proof of Jaspers with 256MB internal memory originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jasperMon, 01 Dec 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Jasper 360s get 256MB internal storage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rumor-jasper-360s-get-256mb-internal-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rumor-jasper-360s-get-256mb-internal-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rumor-jasper-360s-get-256mb-internal-storage/#commentsFiled under: ,


Word on the street is that the Jasper Xbox 360s (consoles with a smaller 65nm chipset) are finally hitting retail shelves and along with the benefits of running cooler, requiring less power, and being generally more "stable", we're finding out that Jaspers may also have additional storage capabilities.

According to a Xbox-Scene who recently got their mitts on a Jasper 360, the on board flash chip storage has been increased from 12MB to a whopping 256MB. If true, the additional built-in storage would allow Microsoft to pre-install the New Xbox Experience without requiring a memory card or HDD. We're also told that 214MB of the on board storage can be used for game saves and XBLA storage. Nice!

JoystiqRumor: Jasper 360s get 256MB internal storage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jasperrumorxbox-360Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 'Jasper' Xbox 360 shipping, features 256MB on-board memory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rumor-jasper-xbox-360-shipping-features-256mb-on-board-memor/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rumor-jasper-xbox-360-shipping-features-256mb-on-board-memor/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rumor-jasper-xbox-360-shipping-features-256mb-on-board-memor/#commentsFiled under:

Candid shots of nekkid motherboards? Check. Awkwardly filmed YouTube videos? Check. Rumor post on Joystiq? Very check. Why, someone must have spotted a new Xbox 360 variant in the wild!

According to a post at Xbox-Scene, consoles containing the "Jasper" chipset, which promises a cooler 65nm GPU on the motherboard, have begun to arrive in the homes of consumers. Interestingly, it's claimed that Jasper features 256MB of on-board flash storage, no doubt a concession to the NXE's storage demands. It would appear the Xbox 360 Arcade no longer includes a 256MB external memory card. [Update: Nope! It does!]

Tell us, commenters. Have you found Jasper?

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqRumor: 'Jasper' Xbox 360 shipping, features 256MB on-board memory originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChipsetGPUHardware-RevisionJasperXbox-360Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Xbox 360 packing 65nm Jasper boards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rumor-xbox-360-packing-65nm-jasper-boards/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rumor-xbox-360-packing-65nm-jasper-boards/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rumor-xbox-360-packing-65nm-jasper-boards/#commentsFiled under: ,


Listen: We're not going to say that if you head out to your local GameBlast3000 retail outlet and ask the disinterested staff to find you an Xbox 360 with a Lot number of 0831 or higher, that you'll nab yourself a cool-running 65nm GPU, Jasper-equipped Xbox 360. Some folks posting on the Xbox 360 DVD Drive Database (seven as of publishing time) claim to have nabbed just such a beast; however, not a single one of them has responded to requests in the comments to verify their claim with something as simple as a photograph of the manufacturing label.

Microsoft, of course, wouldn't confirm the shipment of new models, issuing us the boilerplate response, "We are constantly updating internal components on our consoles and therefore will not comment on details of specific components or manufacturing processes." Since we learned that Jasper systems would begin shipping as early as last month, and can speculate that the recent price drop was probably hinged on further lowering the system's manufacturing costs, we fully expect to see Jasper systems any day now. We're just not convinced this is the proof we've been waiting for. Caveat emptor.

[Via JOEyGADGET]

JoystiqRumor: Xbox 360 packing 65nm Jasper boards originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65nmGPUJasperXbox-360Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Opus-model 360s begining to flow?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/opus-model-360s-begining-to-flow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/opus-model-360s-begining-to-flow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/opus-model-360s-begining-to-flow/#commentsFiled under:

Thanks to a tipster in our last post, we've now heard our first real world tale of the previously rumored "Zombie Repaired" 360, code named Opus. The Opus "model" is for those who have had their 360's red ring and have sent them off to Microsoft for repair. In an effort to use (instead of toss) the older Xenon motherboards, Microsoft is basically upgrading repaired 360's with the Falcon model chips (65nm CPU, 90nm GPU) and one of the older motherboards that doesn't have have HDMI, effectively creating a zombie 360 that cannot be purchased in stores.

According to a specific poster over at GameTrailers, when a repaired RROD is now returned to its owner it includes a slip of paper marked "OPUS" as well as a new power supply. So if you've recently had a 360 red ring, keep an eye out for that little slip of paper when it returns, as it basically says that your 360 is now of the undead, and thus is quite unlikely to ever die again.

JoystiqOpus-model 360s begining to flow? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falconhardwarejasperopusrepairrrodWed, 18 Jun 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Xbox 360 slimming down in 2009 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/rumor-360-slimming-down-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/rumor-360-slimming-down-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/rumor-360-slimming-down-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since it won't go anywhere near the Wii Fit balance board and is extremely likely to die during a heated workout, your obese Xbox 360 isn't going to get thinner in its lifetime. No, that's what the "Xbox 540" replacement is for, claims TG Daily. The site reckons that Microsoft will release a "mid-cycle refresh" of the system in Fall 2009, one built around a new and more compact "Valhalla" internal chipset. (Have we introduced you to Jasper yet?)

The shrinking of innards will reportedly allow a redesign of the system's exterior, much like the PlayStation 2's second iteration. Our fancy next-gen games may be getting bigger on the screen, but much like our Wiis, it seems we'll end up with something smaller to play with. On. Play games on. Multiplayer games. Curses! is there any way out of that one?

Update: Microsoft says it has "no plans to release a new console in 2009."

[Via X3F]

JoystiqRumor: Xbox 360 slimming down in 2009 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JasperMicrosoftRumorValhallaXbox-360Tue, 13 May 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Xbox 540 (360 slim) in 2009?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-xbox-540-360-slim-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-xbox-540-360-slim-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-xbox-540-360-slim-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a follow up to the news that the 360's internal hardware will be changed to the "Jasper" setup, there is now the news that the "Valhalla" update mentioned in that story is more than just a CPU and GPU on the same chip. TG Daily thinks that the Valhalla chip will be the heart of a complete hardware revision in Fall 2009, ala the slimline PS2. While that would seem the logical course of action, all that we know for sure is that the Valhalla chip will indeed be used in the "mid-cycle refresh" of the hardware, and that it is in fact an "all-in-one" chip. Whether or not Microsoft will actually change the outer shell or not is unknown, and the Valhalla hardware update could come and go without changing the outer look of the console at all.

JoystiqRumor: Xbox 540 (360 slim) in 2009? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chiphardwarejaspermicrosoftvalhallaMon, 12 May 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jasper 65nm chips could hit 360s by August [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/jasper-65nm-chips-could-hit-360s-by-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/jasper-65nm-chips-could-hit-360s-by-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/jasper-65nm-chips-could-hit-360s-by-august/#commentsFiled under: ,


Note: those afraid of tech-speak should skip the first paragraph.

According to Cens.com, the first 65nm GPU chip equipped Xbox 360s -- codenamed Jasper, the successor to current Falcon 360s, which incorporate a 65nm CPU but use a larger GPU -- will start showing up in by August of this year. IBM will reportedly manufacture and test the CPU chips, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has reportedly been contracted to manufacture and the graphics chips, which will in turn be tested and packaged by Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc. (ASE). Nanya will be responsible for supplying flip-chip packaging substrates (don't ask us). Furthermore, CENS reports that industry watchers are betting on TSMC to win contracts to manufacture chips for Japser's successor, Valhalla, which will combine both the CPU and graphics chips into one super chip.

The upshot of all this is that new chips should be arriving this August, making for cooler, quieter 360s everywhere. that's something we can all enjoy, right? Oh, and no, there was no mention of Microsoft cramming Blu-Ray drives into either the Jasper or Valhalla.

[Via Joystiq]

Update: Clarified differences between Falcon and Jasper units

JoystiqJasper 65nm chips could hit 360s by August [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65nm65nm-processorfalconfalcon-360jaspervalhallaxbox-360Thu, 08 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Xbox 360 Jasper chipset contracted for production, Valhalla on deck]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/report-xbox-360-jasper-chipset-contracted-for-production/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/report-xbox-360-jasper-chipset-contracted-for-production/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/report-xbox-360-jasper-chipset-contracted-for-production/#commentsFiled under: ,

xbox 360
Reports that Xbox 360's Jasper chipset will begin shipping in August continue to hum along, as China Economic News Service has named three Taiwanese companies that have been contracted to manufacture, test and package the pair of 65nm microprocessors in preparation for a summer rollout. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) will build the chips, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering will test and package them, and Nanya will supply flip-chip packaging substrates (which sure do sound important). The Jasper combo will ideally use less power, simplify cooling and, most importantly, cut back on the console's jibba jabba.

Industry analysts have also pegged TSMC as the primary candidate for Valhalla chipset production (in addition to the Jasper contract, TSMC has also built 90nm chips for an older version of Xbox 360). Valhalla is rumored to be a single super-chip that combines the properties of a 65nm CPU and 65nm GPU, and is expected to be incorporated into Xbox 360 hardware in the fall of 2009.

[Via X-bit Labs]

JoystiqReport: Xbox 360 Jasper chipset contracted for production, Valhalla on deck originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65nmchipsetjaspervalhallaXbox-360Thu, 08 May 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Next Xbox 360 chipsets are Opus, Valhalla]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-next-xbox-360-chipsets-are-opus-valhalla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-next-xbox-360-chipsets-are-opus-valhalla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-next-xbox-360-chipsets-are-opus-valhalla/#commentsFiled under:


We know it's a little weird to be pumped for Xbox 360 chipsets, but we here at Joystiq HQ are all pretty excited about "Jasper". When we see each other in the halls we'll often exchange a look and we don't even need to speak it, we just know: It's Jasper. Now, if Jacob Metcalf (the guy who broke the Bungie/Microsoft split story) is right, we'll have to start exchanging an additional two looks for the upcoming "Opus" and "Valhalla".

The first, "Opus" is basically a third-generation ("Falcon") board built to fit first generation ("Xenon") cases, primarily for the recycling of red-ringed systems, giving them cooler, more dependable guts (though no HDMI). The second, "Valhalla", is rumored to combine the 65nm CPU and 65nm GPU into one awesome super chip. It would only require one cooling system, meaning Valhalla would be quieter and (one would hope) more dependable. It would also be considerably cheaper.

Both chips (again, if Metcalf is on the money) are a ways off, with Opus coming in 2008 or 2009 and Valhalla following a year later. As excited as we are for the new builds (even though our eyes are getting sore from exchanged looks) we'll be happiest if this news means Microsoft won't euthanize the 360 as quickly as its predecessor.

JoystiqRumor: Next Xbox 360 chipsets are Opus, Valhalla originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chipsetsfalconjasperopusvalhallaXbox-360xbox360xenonFri, 15 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Two new Xbox 360 models in production]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-two-new-xbox-360-motherboards-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-two-new-xbox-360-motherboards-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/rumor-two-new-xbox-360-motherboards-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under:


The blogger who famously broke the news that Bungie was parting ways from Microsoft has tipped us off to yet another internal MS situation. 8Bit Joystick is reporting that Microsoft is working on two new motherboards for the Xbox 360 to combat the persistent, but apparently dwindling, failure rates of our favorite console. Fifth and sixth generation Xbox 360's are being developed in Redmond codenamed Opus and Valhalla, respectively.

In October 2007, Joystiq reported that the third generation Xbox 360, codename Jasper, was being developed for an August 2008 launch to replace the current Falcon models. The Opus is described as the "zombie Xbox 360 killer," a mishmash of working parts from current red-ringed first generation Xbox 360's (codenamed Xenon) that includes a 90nm GPU and a 65nm CPU fitted onto a Falcon motherboard squeezed into the original Xenon case, which means this console would lack the new HDMI port. This replace-repair scenario was designed to rid Microsoft of the "millions of dead Xenon's" they currently have in stock according to the post by Jake Metcalf at 8Bit Joystick. Due to its refurbished nature, the Opus will never be available at retail and will only be used as replacement units for replacement during RRoD situations.

Continue reading Rumor: Two new Xbox 360 models in production

JoystiqRumor: Two new Xbox 360 models in production originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falconhardware-failurejasperopusridiculously-named-craprrodvalhallaFri, 15 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Jasper' is the next Xbox 360 chipset]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/jasper-is-the-next-xbox-360-chipset/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/jasper-is-the-next-xbox-360-chipset/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/jasper-is-the-next-xbox-360-chipset/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jasper is both the name of the of the next Xbox 360 chipset, and an old prospector heading to the rocky hills of Utah, planning to strike it rich on "The durned richest haul you've jest about evar seen! Yeehaw!" Which one comes to mind first when you hear that name?

Basically the hurricane-like string of Xbox 360 chipset names continues. First we had Zephyr, then Falcon, and now sometime next August, Jasper. What does Jasper bring? We're glad you asked. According to Dean Takahashi at the Mercury News, it brings exciting things like ... a 65nm graphics chip from ATI, and smaller memory chips.

This isn't all that exciting, since the current Falcon chipset uses a 65nm processor already, but it means that Microsoft is still working on bringing production costs down. Which could also translate to even cheaper Xbox 360s next holiday season ... meaning 2008, three years after the introduction of the system. We're all for cheaper prices, but we like added value too. Zephyr brought us HDMI, why can't Jasper bring us something. At least milk and cookies.

Joystiq'Jasper' is the next Xbox 360 chipset originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FalconJasperXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360ZephyrWed, 10 Oct 2007 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Jasper to replace Falcon tech next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/jasper-to-replace-falcon-tech-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/jasper-to-replace-falcon-tech-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/jasper-to-replace-falcon-tech-next-year/#commentsFiled under:

Dean Takahashi over at The Mercury News blog is reporting that Microsoft already has plans in place to replace the newly release 65nm CPU Falcon technology in their Xbox 360s and it's called Jasper.

Jasper is the codename for the newest of the new Xbox 360 motherboard technology that is scheduled to release next year in August 2008 and will incorporate not only Falcon's 65nm CPU tech, but will also sport a smaller 65nm GPU and smaller memory chips. This Jasper revision will further increase the reliability of the Xbox 360 hardware, further bring down the manufacturing costs and further the Xbox 360's longevity in the marketplace. Our only question to Microsoft is why not bring out Jasper sooner? Don't get us wrong, the Falcon technology is good times, but now we want Jasper. Bring on the Jasper!

JoystiqJasper to replace Falcon tech next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falconjasperxbox-360Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EST