Xbox 360 Intercoolers - Yay nor Nay?
March 9, 2008Every video gamer who owns a next-gen console lives with the constant worry in the back of their mind that their marvelous console is going to “explode” unexpectedly. Whether it be a Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or even a Wii, the most likely cause of a console’s death is usually overheating. Such is generally the cause of Playstation 3 malfunctions and Xbox 360’s infamous red rings of death.
If there is one thing marketing strategists know about sales, it is that fear is an excellent purchase motivator. In response to gamers’ fears about their systems overheating intercoolers have been developed to provide additional airflow and thereby a supposed increase in cooling capacity. Perhaps the most popular of these intercoolers is the Nyko Xbox 360 intercooler, which is essentially an attachable fan for the back of the console. The great debate out there is whether or not such an intercooler is effective, necessary, or even safe.
My reading on the topic suggests that no, placing an intercooler like the Nyko Xbox model is neither necessary nor completely safe.
For starters, Microsoft has told Xbox users NOT to use the intercooler systems. They are not factory equipped and therefore they void the three year warranty against the red rings of death. Don’t you think if Microsoft thought the 360 needed a set of cheap fans attached to its back they would have placed them there themselves?
Another scary thing about the Nyko intercooler is the astronomical number of negative reviews the thing has gotten. Users have reported everything from lowered voltage delivery to the system itself all the way up to unit actually melting to the Xbox. Some users even say the additional airflow over the stock fans caused them to wear out because they were forced to operate at RPMs they were not designed for. Spending money for an attachable unit that is going to void the system’s warranty and potentially damage the unit at the same time seems completely irrational.
That being said, the cooling needs of console systems cannot simply be ignored. Any game player has to know the limitations of their equipment - just like you have to know the limitations of an automobile to be a good driver. The Xbox, for example, expels warm air out of the back of the system and draws air in through the top (if the unit is placed vertically - which i suggest it should be). The design is such that placing an Xbox in an enclosed area with the front facing out will develop a heat loop where the hot air is pushed out the back, filtered to the front, then drawn into the machine again to be heated even further.
Avoiding problems like a heat loop does not require the use of an intercooler at all, it simply requires the use of some common sense. Consoles should be placed in the orientation that leaves the most surface area in contact with the air (vertical), the heat vents should not be obstructed in anyway (nothing behind or against the unit), and they should be given the chance to cool from time to time. Six hour game stints are not out of the question, i just suggest you let the machine rest once in awhile. Take your game manuals advice and rest your eyes for a bit every hour.
~Skyler Dowling
Further, no matter how good the Air filter system and fan system in a system is, dust will build up in the heatsinks and fans, resulting in less cooling for the device/system. Just about every electronic device should be “dusted” periodically to prevent overheating. Just because the system is a console instead of a PC either of the laptop or desktop variety doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be cleaned out regularly. In as little as a month, a significant amount of dust can build up in a console, and reduce its ability to cool itself off adequately. Vacuuming and compressed air can work wonders if used correctly. Just don’t blow the dust INTO the heatsinks…
With the stock fans on my xbox 360, (even with good ventilation) the system would get hot to the touch. With the Nyko Intercooler, my system never even gets warm. Though noticably louder, I honestly think it’s the only reason my 2nd xbox has lived so long. My first one died within 6 months & i’m going on 18 months with my second 360 w/intercooler.
Agreed. Intercoolers are dangerous. A friend had one that melted to the back of his system, causing a minor fit of hysteria between himself and xbox support. Its not worth paying money to be punished. Just ventilate properly and you will be just fine.
Thats all well and good, but if you have a 360 vertical the slightest bit of movement will destroy your expensive game disc.
could you give us the picture of how to avoid heat loop etc? many thanks
The Nyko Intercooler EX male power plug is metal so it will not melt. The best position for the console is horizontal because it leaves the most vents open and it is more stable. Microsoft says not to use it because it isn’t made by them. Making their own Intercooler would show that they made a mistake. (More then already) They will not do it for that reason. It is absolutely needed if you have an older system or if you want to play for more then an hour before turning off the console.
this is why i hate microsoft:
360 should be a great machine, but since Microsoft using cheap part to lower their cost of the machine. Now all the problem rise for the one who pick 360. we shouldn’t have to worry about all of this overheating thing, if this machine is well design and well build with a good parts. they should be ban from making game console
What’s with web publishing these days? Seriously, do people who run spell checks just hit ‘change’ without looking at their article’s context? Weather? Come on! Whether!!!! This article loses (yes loses no looses) credibility from the first sentence!