GR Asks: Why does the Xbox 360 run so loud?

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GR Asks: Why does the Xbox 360 run so loud?

Answered by: Benjamin Heckendorn, creator of some amazing laptop Xbox unitsand featured in Official Xbox Magazine.


Above: An exaggeration

“Almost all of the noise on the Xbox 360 comes from the DVD drive, which spins at a very high rate. I'm not really sure what the RPM is, but I've run the DVD drives ‘open’ before and it's scary fast. I have no problems sticking my hands around running machinery, band saws, CNC machines, etc, but the 360's DVD drive scares me.

“If a person installs a game to the hard drive and runs it from there, the system is much quieter, which only goes to show how loud the DVD is.”


Above: Ben knows his stuff

“The PS3 has a more custom Blu-ray drive and thus is probably more efficient. As you may or may not be aware, the 360's DVD drive has a higher data transfer rate than the Blu-ray... because it spins so fast!”

Thanks, Ben!

GR Asks: “Why was Halo 3: Recon changed to Halo 3: ODST?”

Answered by:Microsoft.”


Above: Before the change

“We've changed the name because we feel that it is a more accurate reflection of the game experience. The ODSTs (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers) play a pivotal role in the human-Covenant struggle, and we want to make sure that everyone understands that you play as a member of this elite unit.

“While Halo 3: ODST is tied to Halo 3, playing as an ODST makes this experience quite different from others within the Halo universe.”

Hm. Guess they can’t all have interesting behind-the-scenes stories, can they? Thanks anyway, guys!

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Apr 22, 2009


Answered by Chris Kramer, Senior Director of Communications and Community at Capcom US


Answered by Chris Charla, Foundation 9 Entertainment

Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.