News - Xbox 360 Valhalla chipset pictured, sparks rumours of a slim Microsoft console

[HEXUS]

Leaked image shows an upcoming Xbox 360 chipset with the CPU and GPU on a single die.

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[Funkstar]

Not sure which rev this board is, but it looks like it would be the original as it was published in 2005



There has been a hell of a simplification when you compare the two. Must be quite a cost reduction too.

(It is the original as it has the 4 pin mini molex connector for the system fan instead of a standard 3 pin fan header)

[Rob_B]

Big change (if legit)

The idea of Natal built in makes sense but consdiering we don't even know the form it is due to take yet (and you'll always need an external camera) maybe not?

I'm trying to figure out the layout of both boards though, top of the 2005 pick looks like the front (2 mem slots, usb & IR?) The bottom of the new pic looks like the front (1 mem slot, USB?) much smaller gap between the two. Lining up component size it looks like the new one is ~ 1/3 smaller (not in width though) and doesnt have any parts jutting out so not a massive difference but welcome nonetheless!

[Stringent]

Coolermaster fan? Really?

I find it odd they combine the two, sure less components to manufacture, but surely the heat output would be more concentrated coming from one die?

[Rob_B]

If it's only a test model then maybe yeah (?)

2 x SATA ports, loads of empty headers on the board as well? Some commentors on Kotaku have come up with a few technical reasons why this is a fake, who knows but I'd be more suprised if there wasn't a new revision in the works!

[Tunnah]

the thing is even with the reduction its still a very hot CPU and very hot GPU being bound to 1 socket, it just seems so unlikely

[Stephen C]

Can't see anywhere for the hard drive, or am I blind?
Oh and why 2 SATA ports?

[Rob_B]

Can't see anywhere for the hard drive, or am I blind?
Oh and why 2 SATA ports?

No HDD connection but 1 extra SATA port…perhaps some sort of cable will be extended from the mobo to the case to connect the HDD?

[captainpie]

2 sata ports = 1 for HDD, 1 for optical ?

plus a die shrink should mean less heat generated from the cpu and gpu, although if they keep the current chassis then perhaps a lot of room for extra cooling

and inbuilt wireless!

[Zhaoman]

I think Opus revision doesn't have HDMI... It has a die shrink but it's just for replacing faulty original consoles so it isn't available at retail and doesn't have HDMI.

[Cozwin]

fabulous we can all go get a slim and have even worse heat problems and design faults and get rrod2 , or i could get a ps3.....

[Percy1983]

fabulous we can all go get a slim and have even worse heat problems and design faults and get rrod2 , or i could get a ps3 YLOD

Fixed it for you.

As for the problems with both the 360 and PS3 I blame the eco warriors!, its almost certain the problems are due to lead free solder.

[kellyharding]

Fake or not, a smaller 360 would always be welcome I reckon.

Even if it isn't smaller (case wise), with the GPU//CPU on the same die (with die shrunk) they have one set of coolingto worry about so perhaps can make sure airflow goes to that specific part.

Having a bigger HDD is the best thing they could do for it imo, 120Gb/250Gb just isn't good enough (my premium still has a 60Gb, but 120Gb just doesn't seem worth the hassle to upgrade), smaller logic board could mean room for a 3.5" HDD perhaps... 1Tb HDD in a 360? that'd be nice, especially with the trend to games on demand etc.

[Cozwin]

Fixed it for you.

As for the problems with both the 360 and PS3 I blame the eco warriors!, its almost certain the problems are due to lead free solder.

ok, nice attempt but sort of failed, i work in a game retailer and in the 15 months ive worked there i haven't had one ps3 come back with yellow lights, and had tons and tons come back with RROD plus the reports are that the slim ps3 doesn't have the problem and seems as the big chunky is discontiuned i think my previous statement was fair.

[Rob_B]

YLOD != RROD on scale..

Anyway..

2nd shot out with the HSF removed. Convenient covering of TM on the CPU? Doesn't appear to be any markings at all on it, not even ES stuff?

[finlay666]

ok, nice attempt but sort of failed, i work in a game retailer and in the 15 months ive worked there i haven't had one ps3 come back with yellow lights, and had tons and tons come back with RROD plus the reports are that the slim ps3 doesn't have the problem and seems as the big chunky is discontiuned i think my previous statement was fair.

Most people will RMA direct to the manufacturer so your experience isnt really that relevant. Usually for convenience of not having to go into a store and then RMA through the usual methods

Just look at the MS position, you do it all online to arrange an RMA on a RROD 360.