E3 '07: 65nm CPU 360s nearing release

Author of The Xbox 360 Uncloaked says Microsoft is readying "Falcon," a 360 with smaller, less expensive, and more reliable chips inside.

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--In April of last year, Singapore-based hardware maker Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing announced that it would be making 65nm Xbox 360 CPUs to replace the 90nm chips it was already providing Microsoft. At the time, the company expected the first systems using the CPUs to arrive in stores sometime this year.

While Microsoft has been generally quiet about its plans for revamping the innards of its console and when such plans would go into effect, San Jose Mercury News tech writer Dean Takahashi is reporting that the company is nearly ready to release 65nm CPU-equipped Xbox 360, which it currently refers to by the codename "Falcon." Takahasi expects the chip to start appearing in retail Xbox 360s this fall.

For Microsoft, the advantage of using a 65nm chip is that it would have lower energy requirements, cheaper chip production costs, and lower heat output. The reduced heat output could make the Xbox 360 less prone to failure, a desirable effect for the company that just announced a warranty-extension program that will set the company back more than $1 billion.

A Microsoft representative told GameSpot, "We are constantly updating internal components on our consoles and therefore will not comment on details of specific components or manufacturing processes."

220 Comments

  • padmdhs

    Posted Oct 12, 2007 1:36 am PT

    i have an xbox 360 with the hdmi output it is the falcon model and it is still really noisy as hell i thought microsoft would have sorted it out by now oh well small price to pay for such gaming enjoyment id rather have a 360 then the ps3 which has zero amount of quality games at the moment only reason id get one was cause of metal gear solid so we should be happy

  • CivicGSR

    Posted Oct 10, 2007 1:30 pm PT

    you would think microsoft would have addressed the lack of airflow issue in one of their many redesigns, but instead they decide to change nothing and admit the console has a design problem, leading to $1 billion dollars in warranty claims... If I were them I would have fixed it first... oh wait, microsoft is a software company...

  • spartan-dude

    Posted Oct 9, 2007 10:01 am PT

    guys guys it is just the spartan 360.

  • seriousturtle

    Posted Sep 1, 2007 6:45 pm PT

    does anyone know if the new chip is out yet? there was a small price drop recently. my brother just bought one 3 months ago and already his is erasing his games and overheating, but M$ won't let him return it cuz it isn't technically 3ROD. so he's screwed. don't know if i want that hassle, don't wanna pay for ps3 with no games. maybe just the wii and play gay kids' games...

    ~the turtle

  • Unassigned

    Posted Aug 2, 2007 9:23 am PT

    In electronic components heat is the WORST enemy. I'm a collector and my consoles must last 20+ years (as does my Atari 2600). I won't buy any electronic device for collecting purposes if there's a chance that heat could shorten it's lifespan under normal operating conditions. So for me the 65nm chip is a MUST. I could care less that it offer's nothing more than to reduce heat.

  • icyfire000

    Posted Jul 27, 2007 8:06 am PT

    I need a release date...I have been waiting for about 2 years before getting a 360 because from past experiences with XBOX i knew they would update the 360...I dont mind waiting, but I need it before Halo comes out...2 months AHHHHH Hopefully this one comes out by the end of August and it better still be in the Elite package

  • ctg867

    Posted Jul 26, 2007 1:57 pm PT

    Great, so when my 360 dies, which it will, I'll get on custom support, get an English speaking manager, demand a brand new 360 made no longer then 1 month ago, a refund for the time I can't use Xbox Live, and ta da, everything fixed.

    Fail to do that... well that's what my lawyer is for. You can't sell a lemon and expect it to go unnoticed. The 360s are fundamentally broken, being that the mother board is wrecked, the chip set is two large and over heats, and the optical drive is too loud and overheats as well. I love the software, but the hardware is crap.

  • justin12421

    Posted Jul 23, 2007 7:04 am PT

    It's funny that people are excited about a chip that makes absolutely no differance but stop heat issues "if you even have them" . I have had no problems at all with my xbox360. If you own a xbox and your warranty ends there are ways to stop the heat issues without having to waste your money . If you know how to take the case off witch isnt hard at all, especially if you buy a "key card" instead of making your own. After you get the case off you can cut out that metal mesh part so its completely open instead. Letting air circulate in and out of the back at least 40 percent more. I know most of you are to scared to open up your 360. look up "key open 360" prob can find a mod store to purchase one. Then its a peice of cake. look up "how to open 360"

  • DADA_007

    Posted Jul 23, 2007 3:42 am PT

    thats cool chip anybody know when will release falcon baseed xbox 360?

  • johnathan111

    Posted Jul 22, 2007 1:39 pm PT

    yeah I can't wait

  • LosGunD

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 8:33 am PT

    Microsoft is showing great customer support, so don't complain if they don't give you an upgrade. The 360 has had so many warranty extensions all ready that the 360 owners should be considered spoiled.

  • darthzew

    Posted Jul 15, 2007 2:16 pm PT

    Wait... Okay... how do I go about equipping my 360 with this? Do I take it to a Microsoft store? Really, this is kinda making me mad... Anyway, I guess if (or maybe when) my 360 fails they'll give me a new one and they'll get me this stuff. Well, I don't need it. My 360 is still rocking my socks off. Is it me, or is this gen a lot gorier (not referring to actual gore) than last gen?

  • smoothn00dle

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 5:02 am PT

    does it break? Hey, Yuck_Too. Long time No see. I thought u left. Still luv your 360 *v*

  • princeofgames90

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:36 pm PT

    we ll see

  • kaziechameleon

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 6:57 pm PT

    well if they revamp the system it better work with a older hard drive, otherwise i'd get a new one especially if it had 1080p support built in and a HDDVD drive. nice bundle i could go for it.

  • bigmick07

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 4:25 pm PT

    to bad i couldn't wait any longer, i just bought my 360 and am very happy with it. As long as mine doesn't break and keeps working untill the new consoles come out im happy

  • MrSickVisionz

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 3:42 pm PT

    There could be a price drop anyways. Analyst have (so its fairly reliable, but not 100% fact) estimate that the price to MS to make a Premium 360 is like $323. Each system is at least paying for its parts and manufacturing costs already. This will only increase the margin, which would make a price drop to compete with Sony more likely.

  • musicaz70

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 3:36 pm PT

    well its really obvious that these new units will be the price drop for the 360. note: cheaper parts, updated, stay in compettition with sony [just in case, i've noticed some people on this site are a little then just stupid]

  • gamer_girl15

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 3:32 pm PT

    I might just wait on my 360 purchase now...

  • DryvBy2

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 3:22 pm PT

    I will boo the crap out of Microsoft if they release a 360 that's going to be actually reliable and then NOT offer us a free upgrade. That would be absolutely sticking it to us.

  • skyvader

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 3:19 pm PT

    Price drop for the 360 is now more of a reality. Hopefully this leads to less problems in manufacturing which leads to less production costs and increased demand.

  • LordDarkstorn

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 3:13 pm PT

    this way there CAN possibly be a price drop...

  • Thorpe89 Site moderator

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 2:48 pm PT

    I think this would be a well worthy hardware update to the console. No more red lights, no more overheating hopefully...

  • dslsd

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 2:36 pm PT

    if this is as good as i think it'll be, and make the console cheaper, then i'll get one.

  • Ice_man_1985

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 2:01 pm PT

    this is what they call, taking a good care for consumers, unlike other company's like sony and what happend back there with ps2 first system release .

  • drunkenmoron

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 12:52 pm PT

    warranty extension+ price cut+ 360 being more reliable= me finally buying a 360

  • Dreski83

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 12:25 pm PT

    sounds like its all apart of the grand scheme of things. If they were planning on doing the new warranty extension deal with faulty 360's, I doubt it was out of the kindness of their hearts

    New system model could translate as valuable fire power for Microsoft. With all that is on the horizon for Sony and Nintendo bunkering in for tha long haul with what they usually bring, this is good news indeed. Maybe with new stuff like this coming out I can upgrade to a bigger HD for a cheaper price

  • dr_jashugan

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 12:12 pm PT

    This better be good M$.

  • ericblue21

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 12:10 pm PT

    Good to know but it's kinda lte for people who already had lots problem with their 360, myself I had 3 different 360 premium system because the problem(2 were Red ring death, 1 was different reason) I send one back and exchnage another one at walmart and I have problem with my Elite the very first night I bought it. So I just sold my 360 and got a PS3 instead, at least I won't have to worry too much about all kinds problem that I had with 360(hardware)

  • sieg6529

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 12:00 pm PT

    see, this is why you never buy the 1st generation of any new electronic gadget.

  • BeeefIsGoood

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 11:57 am PT

    im gonna wait for this

  • boobush

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 11:45 am PT

    These are beach moves by Microsoft and Sony to give different versions of basically the same console.

  • Slimm457

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 11:22 am PT

    "So will it be put in the repaired 360s that break down?"

    I hope so..

  • bigpimppapa

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 11:21 am PT

    They finally admitted that there system was broken down then offered us a 3 yr warranty on the 3 rings of death I have a 3 year total coverage on the system as well as my controller anyway. But it is nice that they stopped trying to cover up their great big lie. They tried to make it look like a rare event. Now SONY you might learn by MICROSOFT'S example the costumer is always right

  • djsaskdja

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:45 am PT

    So will it be put in the repaired 360s that break down?

  • ctg867

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:30 am PT

    This = way to not have a total recall of their system.

    So I now I got another two years on my warranty (starting this Dec), so if anything goes wrong with the 360, I'll start complaining to custom support, and demand they give me a new unit. That way I'll get a brand new 360 with the new chip, and the newer DVD drive, lol.

    Really though, this is taking way to long. It's good that they're doing something, but MS is not one to admit when they've completely messed up. And I'm sorry, but they messed up with the 360 hardware. Games are amazing, but the hardware is crap.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:16 am PT

    lol...you're right...they should never release a product until it's as good as it gets...

    By that logic now is the correct time to buy your first PS2.

    Technology doubles every 24 months...it's never as good as it gets.

  • serrrich

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:13 am PT

    Reason why not to get first generation anything tech-- good example:Apple announced as well a "nano" IPhone. Should have saved your pennies fan-bois

  • Foxsnipe

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:09 am PT

    I very much doubt that, there's no reason for them to. The systems are identical except for the power consumption and heat output (the fans can be run at lower RPMs now), but if functions the same way. If they did have a swap-out program, there'd be a major issue with recycling. Video cards are one thing (read: EVGA step-up program), since they are smaller and can be resold years later for businesses and lower-level systems. An entire "computer," and with such huge volumes in a short period of time as you know would happen with the 360, is not feasible.

  • AceCometh

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 9:56 am PT

    Hopefully Microsoft will offer some sort of incentive plan for early adopters to trade in for the revamped system.

  • club-sandwich

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 9:51 am PT

    I might sell my 360 to get this

  • surppo

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 9:43 am PT

    what do people have to argue about now all videogame systems switch up the hardware as they go along its cheaper that way. i guess some people will argue anything?

  • ptown58

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 9:43 am PT

    Thats why people get mad and want to sue because companies want to keep everything a secrete, like "we know it will break down but lets sell them anyways and fix them later. Did they not know a 65nm chip would be better and was it not known or available at launch ?

  • bigstokes

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 9:32 am PT

    The good thing about being a early adopter is you get the technology first, the bad is that the manufacturing technique over time is refined leading to cooler, cheaper, and better running chips and parts that are more reliable.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:59 am PT

    --crazy_boy166 --
    Us launch owners have had 18 months of gaming...perhaps closer to 2-years when this actually comes out.

  • crazy_boy166

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:50 am PT

    sweeth but what about us the loyal ones who bought it at launch?????

  • indigovenom

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:05 am PT

    @Foxsnipe

    you are cool, cause actually saw that i was talking about both systems. And fair enough, if you look at it that way.

  • jesus_knight

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:02 am PT

    good news for the 360

  • Foxsnipe

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:56 am PT

    Let's settle this right now. By increasing efficiency of a system through the process of revising the hardware, you are not by default creating a new system. You are only creating a new system if, in addition, you are adding features (I won't say removing since that could be taken to say the EE-less PS3 is "new," which I don't really consider it; it's more streamlined, albeit not necessarily for the best). The Elite is a new 360. If they "slimline" it it will be new. The different colors, such as the Simpson's, would be the same as long as the hardware was not changed in terms of capacity. If you are simply swaping the CPU for a smaller, but otherwise identical version that has the same speed, FSB, etc. (such as moving to a 65nm process), it is the same thing.

    If you disagree that's your choice, but I'd like to see you really prove that logistically. The CPU may be new, but is still the same 360 CPU it has always been, just in a more efficient container. Thus, the overall system remains the same.

    I should also note that I don't consider the many revisions of the PS2 "new." They are just upgrades to a flawed manufacturing process but are still, at heart, a PS2, no matter how much trouble they cause. Let's just be happy that thus far each of the three SKUs are nearly identical in function and features. The only differences are lack of HDD and HDMI. Those missing features have no impact on providing support, and each DVD-ROM is essentially the same aside from reliability.

  • indigovenom

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:40 am PT

    @Yuck_Too

    1. you need to stop making assumptions about what i am thinking or what i am trying to say, because you are all off the mark. 2. i know all this and as i said they all need to stick to one system (all means: MS, SONY, and NINTENDO if they decide to pop another one out) 3. no matter what you say, SONY may have these complications in the future and its probably undeniable but, no premium console in history has ever had more than a 1% failure rate except for 360. And for your information the PS2 had a style change cause that is how sony does business. they make new and smaller and sleaker versions of pretty much any product they make. Its called a gimmick. People like small and sleak. And as i keep saying i will count all those different versions of PS2 as additional consoles. Including the blue, silver, white, and red and all the other colors. They are all extra consoles that are gimmicks. And when did i say that PS3 won't change under the hood, of course it will, its business. But redesigning to find a new trendy way to make more money is different than redesigning because your machine increases the temperature of your living room.

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