Console & Computer Gaming Latest news in the world of gaming. Xbox One, PS4, and more…

Microsoft: Xbox 360 news

Thread Tools
 
Old 05-09-2005 | 05:44 PM
  #1  
cusdaddy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Official Xbox 360 Specs & Info Thread

2 types of Xbox Live:
Xbox Live Silver (no subscription required)
Xbox Live Gold (subscription benefits)

Features for Gold service
* Also for Silver
# Also for Offline

- Seamless transition to Xbox Live account from Xbox to Xbox 360
- Access to MMOs (additional fees may apply) *
- Free Xbox Live weekends *
- Multiplayer online gameplay
- Avatar for gamer profile * #
- Motto for gamer profile * #
- Personalized look for Xbox System Guide * #
- Offline achievments * #
- Online achievements *
- Access to other players' Gamer cards via Live *
- Cumulative gamer score * #
- Location/language profile * #
- Reputation *
- Enahnced matchmaking using above
- Skill level matchmaking
- Gameplay style profile (casual, competitive, etc.)
- Recent players list *
- Free and premium download game content *
- Free and premium downloadable movies, music, tv *
- Downloadable demos/trailers *
- Microtransactions *
- Custom playlist in every game * #
- Play music from portable devices * #
- View images from digital camera * #
- Strem media from Windows XP * #
- Interactive screen savers * #
- Track info for CDs * #
- Communication with voice, video or text *

360 HW:
1. Support for DVD-video, DVD-Rom, DVD-R/RW, CD-DA, CD-Rom, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 cd, JPEG photo CD
2. All games supported at 16:9, 720p and 1080i, anti-aliasing
3. Customizable face plates to change appearance
4. 3 USB 2.0 ports
5. Support for 4 wireless controllers
6. Detachable 20GB drive
7. Wi-Fi ready

Custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU
- 3 symmetrical cores at 3.2 GHz each
- 2 hardware threads per core
- 1 VMX-128 vector unit per core
- 1 MB L2 cache

CPU Game Math Performance
- 9 billion dots per second

Custom ATI Graphics Processor
- 500 MNz
- 10 MB embedded DRAM
- 48-way parallel floating-point shader pipelines
- unified shader architecture

Memory
-512 MB GDDR3 RAM
- 700 MNz DDR

Memory Bandwidth
- 22.4 GB/s memory interface bus bandwidth
- 256 GB/s memory bandwidth to EDRAM
- 21.6 GB/s frontside bus

Audio
- Mulitchannel surround sond output
- Supports 48khz 16-bit audio
- 320 independent decompression channels
- 32 bit processing
- 256+ audio channels

http://forum.teamxbox.com/showthread.php?t=344032
Old 05-09-2005 | 05:45 PM
  #2  
cusdaddy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Insane specs!!!

3 3.2ghz PowerPC cores each running 2 threads!

48 pipeline ATI graphics processor with 10mb of embedded DRAM

512mb or Ram

This is going to be one sick system! Can't wait!
Old 05-09-2005 | 05:57 PM
  #3  
cmark's Avatar
Drifting
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,311
Likes: 9
From: Seattle, WA


anyone know how tis compares with what PS3 is going to have?
Old 05-09-2005 | 05:57 PM
  #4  
Silver™'s Avatar
Moderator Alumnus
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 37,312
Likes: 337
From: SoCal
What do you guys think the price will be at introduction?
Old 05-09-2005 | 06:02 PM
  #5  
Moog-Type-S's Avatar
The sizzle in the Steak
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
AMAZING...this thing is gonna own all!!!!
Old 05-09-2005 | 06:08 PM
  #6  
cusdaddy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Originally Posted by Silver™
What do you guys think the price will be at introduction?
I've heard of 2 versions, (one with HD and one without) but these specs don't mention it. My guess is $299 for the HD-less version (if one exists) and $399 for the full version.

I love the media capabilities.. it's basically a mini media center

Free Xbox live is awesome too!
Old 05-09-2005 | 06:11 PM
  #7  
cusdaddy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Here is an easier to understand overview of the different Xbox live features:

Features for all users...
- Avatar for gamer profile * #
- Motto for gamer profile * #
- Personalized look for Xbox System Guide * #
- Offline achievments * #
- Cumulative gamer score * #
- Location/language profile * #
- Custom playlist in every game * #
- Play music from portable devices * #
- View images from digital camera * #
- Strem media from Windows XP * #
- Interactive screen savers * #
- Track info for CDs * #

Sliver Live! subscribers also get for free...
- Access to MMOs (additional fees may apply) *
- Free Xbox Live weekends *
- Online achievements *
- Access to other players' Gamer cards via Live *
- Reputation *
- Recent players list *
- Free and premium download game content *
- Free and premium downloadable movies, music, tv *
- Downloadable demos/trailers *
- Microtransactions *
- Communication with voice, video or text *

Gold Live! subscribers get this extra for their money...
- Seamless transition to Xbox Live account from Xbox to Xbox 360
- Enahnced matchmaking using above
- Skill level matchmaking
- Gameplay style profile (casual, competitive, etc.)
- Multiplayer online gameplay
Old 05-09-2005 | 06:30 PM
  #8  
Moog-Type-S's Avatar
The sizzle in the Steak
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by cusdaddy
Free Xbox live is awesome too!
Old 05-09-2005 | 06:46 PM
  #9  
cusdaddy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
In regards to price, I just saw this... Not sure how true it is though:

Earlier today, we received a nice little tidbit in an e-mail regarding the 360. As is already known, there will be two packages ready in the fall.

One consists of the bare, basic console, controller, cables, etc. It will retail for the standard $299.99 USD.

The other contains the 360, controller(s?), remote, and the HDD (with extra content). We couldn't get a comment on the chance of this package having the camera bundled. This will retail for the bargin, and fairly uninspired, price of $360 USD.

See what they did there? Xbox 360, $360. Cute.
Old 05-09-2005 | 07:04 PM
  #10  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
Originally Posted by cmark


anyone know how tis compares with what PS3 is going to have?

rumors are that the ps3 will have 3x the processing power as xbox 360. everything else will be about the same.
Old 05-09-2005 | 07:18 PM
  #11  
cusdaddy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Originally Posted by Zapata
rumors are that the ps3 will have 3x the processing power as xbox 360. everything else will be about the same.
I've been following this VERY closely, and I HIGHLY doubt the Cell processor will have 3x the processing power as the PowerPC used in the Xbox 360. I've been visiting some informative sites such as Anandtech or Beyond3d and many of the knowledgable posters doubt Sony's claims.

First of all, the PS3 will have one Cell processor, not 2 as originally planned. Secondly, the architecture of the Cell is looking eerily similar to the Xbox 360's chip (both use a similar IBM PPC core). The Cell can run 8 treads (8-SPE's) while the Xbox 360's chip can run 6.

Do I think the Cell processor will be faster? Yes... But not 3x as fast.

As I mentioned months back, this next gen will be very close and I stick by my word. Each is using an IBM Power-PC derivative processor, each is using a next-gen ATi or NVidia GPU. Games and features will make the difference this gen, not horsepower.

Lastly, the Cell processor can address a maximum of 256mb of RAM. It's a design limitation of the Cell processor as the Cell was designed to be multiprocessor originally. They can add another 256 to the GPU to compete with the Xbox360 but it's a workaround.

We'll see in a week or so at E3 how each system will perform.
Old 05-09-2005 | 07:44 PM
  #12  
BEETROOT's Avatar
Yeehaw
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 20,972
Likes: 26
From: Chandler, Arizona
oh snap.

can't wait to pick this up.
Old 05-09-2005 | 08:45 PM
  #13  
srika's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 59,071
Likes: 11,069
From: Chicago
Insane how they can put that much into it for that cheap..... just insane. Honestly I think this is going to affect the PC market in some twisted way......
Old 05-09-2005 | 08:53 PM
  #14  
BstonBruin's Avatar
Go B's Go
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,220
Likes: 0
From: MA
a 20 gig hd thats insane
Old 05-09-2005 | 08:56 PM
  #15  
FiftyFive's Avatar
Moderator Alumnus
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 52
From: SW Connecticut
arent they revealing it on mtv on may 12th or something like that?
Old 05-09-2005 | 09:41 PM
  #16  
Ron Burgundy's Avatar
Just the facts...
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,031
Likes: 4
From: Orlando
Originally Posted by FiftyFive
arent they revealing it on mtv on may 12th or something like that?
I thought they already did a few days ago
Old 05-09-2005 | 09:52 PM
  #17  
BEETROOT's Avatar
Yeehaw
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 20,972
Likes: 26
From: Chandler, Arizona
They were supposed to release it on Wednesday on MTV, but it was 'leaked' today. Who knows, maybe the leak is intentional to get the hype up even more.

Maybe it will really have seven 3.2 ghz processors
Old 05-09-2005 | 10:08 PM
  #18  
FiftyFive's Avatar
Moderator Alumnus
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 52
From: SW Connecticut
Originally Posted by Big Nasty
I thought they already did a few days ago
i just saw a commercial theyre doing a whole big thing on it, thursday may 12th, 9:30 pm eastern time
Old 05-09-2005 | 10:25 PM
  #19  
srika's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 59,071
Likes: 11,069
From: Chicago
shhhhhhh........ but I heard a rumour that they're doing something about it on MTV this week

:classified:
Old 05-09-2005 | 10:30 PM
  #20  
farberstyle's Avatar
something witty
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
Man, those specs are CRAZY!

I'm going to reserve a couple of them this week, actually as many as I can.
Old 05-09-2005 | 11:14 PM
  #21  
caball88's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,631
Likes: 0
From: NYC
for 360 bucks for a 3 processor box is a bargain. if they get linux to boot off this box it would make a great gaming machine(hopefully it can take advantage of all 3 processors). the console price if it is 299-360 seems decent, not like the outrageous psp. i realize portability comes at a premium but still don't think its worth the 250.
Old 05-10-2005 | 06:59 AM
  #22  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
?? it's all rumors and speculation. Its doubtfult that there will even be a working prototype at E3 for ps3. There are dev kits shipped to a couple of places but they aren't 100%.

as far as the gpu goes they'll be running at the same speed so they difference between will not be in the GPU. There isn't anything available by either manufacturer that outshines the other.


Originally Posted by cusdaddy
I've been following this VERY closely, and I HIGHLY doubt the Cell processor will have 3x the processing power as the PowerPC used in the Xbox 360. I've been visiting some informative sites such as Anandtech or Beyond3d and many of the knowledgable posters doubt Sony's claims.

First of all, the PS3 will have one Cell processor, not 2 as originally planned. Secondly, the architecture of the Cell is looking eerily similar to the Xbox 360's chip (both use a similar IBM PPC core). The Cell can run 8 treads (8-SPE's) while the Xbox 360's chip can run 6.

Do I think the Cell processor will be faster? Yes... But not 3x as fast.

As I mentioned months back, this next gen will be very close and I stick by my word. Each is using an IBM Power-PC derivative processor, each is using a next-gen ATi or NVidia GPU. Games and features will make the difference this gen, not horsepower.

Lastly, the Cell processor can address a maximum of 256mb of RAM. It's a design limitation of the Cell processor as the Cell was designed to be multiprocessor originally. They can add another 256 to the GPU to compete with the Xbox360 but it's a workaround.

We'll see in a week or so at E3 how each system will perform.
Old 05-10-2005 | 09:31 AM
  #23  
GunnmeTaLCURA04's Avatar
GÜNnµ ¡Ï
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
i suppose we can wait another 2 days to see the MTV info on May 12 at 9:30pm Eastern time. I asume that if they announce it on TV it should be final. unless its all a hype to get into it and then they change some things.
Old 05-10-2005 | 10:51 AM
  #24  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
who even knows what info will be revealed about the ps3. Sony is being very tight lipped about the entire thing. Aside for my pref for ps series, i just don't think sony will allow the xbox to outshine it in any manner...sony is the king and xbox has a ways to go yet. There a few criticisms of ps2 that will definitely be improved upon:

1- graphics (engine will be easier to program on)
2- core processor (sony has invested hundreds of millions into the dev of this processor)
3- online play....sony already has more people laying online than xbox live but the knock is the lack of standards causes problems but expect to be corrected as sony will unveil a online feature similar to live.
Old 05-10-2005 | 11:22 AM
  #25  
NJTypeS's Avatar
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
Originally Posted by Zapata
who even knows what info will be revealed about the ps3. Sony is being very tight lipped about the entire thing. Aside for my pref for ps series, i just don't think sony will allow the xbox to outshine it in any manner...sony is the king and xbox has a ways to go yet. There a few criticisms of ps2 that will definitely be improved upon:

1- graphics (engine will be easier to program on)
2- core processor (sony has invested hundreds of millions into the dev of this processor)
3- online play....sony already has more people laying online than xbox live but the knock is the lack of standards causes problems but expect to be corrected as sony will unveil a online feature similar to live.
I really think the key to winning the next generation of systems for both Sony and Microsoft will be software not hardware. I can't really see either PS3 being significantly more powerful than Xbox360 and vice versa. They will probably be very close in performance. Look at the current Xbox. Its certainly has better specs than the PS2 but PS2 dominates in software, especially 3rd party games. If Xbox360 wants to beat Sony, they need to get more exclusive 3rd party games. Remember most casual gamers are not looking at specs and probably don't really even know what they mean. They only look at what games are available and how good the games look on the system.
Old 05-10-2005 | 11:28 AM
  #26  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
very true.....but hardware will go along way in terms of what the software can do. gt4 is a prime example. Older less powerful hardware and still better, for the most part, than forza. Now...there were a few things that couldn't be implemented because of the lesser hardware.

Originally Posted by NJTypeS
I really think the key to winning the next generation of systems for both Sony and Microsoft will be software not hardware. I can't really see either PS3 being significantly more powerful than Xbox360 and vice versa. They will probably be very close in performance. Look at the current Xbox. Its certainly has better specs than the PS2 but PS2 dominates in software, especially 3rd party games. If Xbox360 wants to beat Sony, they need to get more exclusive 3rd party games. Remember most casual gamers are not looking at specs and probably don't really even know what they mean. They only look at what games are available and how good the games look on the system.
Old 05-10-2005 | 12:03 PM
  #27  
srika's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 59,071
Likes: 11,069
From: Chicago
Originally Posted by Zapata
very true.....but hardware will go along way in terms of what the software can do. gt4 is a prime example. Older less powerful hardware and still better, for the most part, than forza. Now...there were a few things that couldn't be implemented because of the lesser hardware.
x 8957357203456209562436

if the developers make games on Xbox 360 at the same capacity as they are making them for the current Xbox, then they aren't going to be using much of its potential, at all. I would say, about 20%.
Old 05-10-2005 | 12:52 PM
  #28  
bkknight369's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,991
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA
Originally Posted by Zapata
very true.....but hardware will go along way in terms of what the software can do. gt4 is a prime example. Older less powerful hardware and still better, for the most part, than forza. Now...there were a few things that couldn't be implemented because of the lesser hardware.
Well lets see, the GT series has been out for how many years? how much code can the devs use, reuse, and revise on?

Forza was MS's first attempt at a true racing sim, and in most ways its equal or better than GT

how about giving a little credit where its due?
Old 05-10-2005 | 12:57 PM
  #29  
bkknight369's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,991
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA
Originally Posted by srika
x 8957357203456209562436

if the developers make games on Xbox 360 at the same capacity as they are making them for the current Xbox, then they aren't going to be using much of its potential, at all. I would say, about 20%.
Oh I see...thats a scientific measurement you took, I assume?
Old 05-10-2005 | 01:18 PM
  #30  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
Originally Posted by bkknight369
Well lets see, the GT series has been out for how many years? how much code can the devs use, reuse, and revise on?

Forza was MS's first attempt at a true racing sim, and in most ways its equal or better than GT

how about giving a little credit where its due?


of course, forza is a good start but certainly not on the level of gt4. Gameplay racing gt4 is still better despite the subpar hardware. XBOX has some decent games but certainly nothing that would compel me to swtich from the PS.
Old 05-10-2005 | 01:26 PM
  #31  
bkknight369's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,991
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA
Originally Posted by Zapata
of course, forza is a good start but certainly not on the level of gt4. Gameplay racing gt4 is still better despite the subpar hardware. XBOX has some decent games but certainly nothing that would compel me to swtich from the PS.
how is it not on the same level at GT4?
Old 05-10-2005 | 01:49 PM
  #32  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
Originally Posted by bkknight369
how is it not on the same level at GT4?

graphics, physics, game play, cars
Old 05-10-2005 | 02:04 PM
  #33  
bkknight369's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,991
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA
physics they are on the same level, game play GT doesnt have online play
Old 05-10-2005 | 02:10 PM
  #34  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
Originally Posted by bkknight369
physics they are on the same level, game play GT doesnt have online play

disagree. Cars seems floaty to me. online play, yes...won't argue there.
Old 05-10-2005 | 02:13 PM
  #35  
bkknight369's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,991
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA
Originally Posted by Zapata
disagree. Cars seems floaty to me. online play, yes...won't argue there.
stop driving the suv's then

this is where we'll have to agree to disagree because the physics seem dead-on to me
Old 05-10-2005 | 02:15 PM
  #36  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
Originally Posted by bkknight369
stop driving the suv's then

this is where we'll have to agree to disagree because the physics seem dead-on to me


you need more PS2-gt4 indoctrination classes
Old 05-10-2005 | 02:21 PM
  #37  
FiftyFive's Avatar
Moderator Alumnus
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 52
From: SW Connecticut
Originally Posted by bkknight369
stop driving the suv's then

this is where we'll have to agree to disagree because the physics seem dead-on to me
same here, they seem dead on to me to
Old 05-10-2005 | 07:14 PM
  #38  
cusdaddy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Originally Posted by Zapata
of course, forza is a good start but certainly not on the level of gt4. Gameplay racing gt4 is still better despite the subpar hardware. XBOX has some decent games but certainly nothing that would compel me to swtich from the PS.
Says who besides yourself and a few other PS fanboys? I guess EVERY professional reviewer was wrong in rating Forza higher or equal to GT4.

Just because YOU don't like the physics doesn't mean GT4 is a better game. I have both games and clearly prefer Forza..
Old 05-10-2005 | 07:19 PM
  #39  
cusdaddy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Originally Posted by BEETROOT
They were supposed to release it on Wednesday on MTV, but it was 'leaked' today. Who knows, maybe the leak is intentional to get the hype up even more.

Maybe it will really have seven 3.2 ghz processors
The MTV special is Thursday night at 9:30pm EST
Old 05-10-2005 | 07:26 PM
  #40  
Zapata's Avatar
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
Originally Posted by cusdaddy
Says who besides yourself and a few other PS fanboys? I guess EVERY professional reviewer was wrong in rating Forza higher or equal to GT4.

Just because YOU don't like the physics doesn't mean GT4 is a better game. I have both games and clearly prefer Forza..

yer a xbox fan boy through and through.... ps2 with shitty hardware has a better game. MS with far superior graphics hardware, processor, etc., is matching gt4???

What forza is better because you can run around in your pink Hello Kitty car? Damage modeling is a gimmick and most racers would run with it off 99%. Perhaps the only time one would use it is during online gameplay when nyou aren't racing against people you know and want to prevent idiots from intentionally ruining the race. Forza clearly isn't better. Online gaming, albiet necessary, has been the darling in the reviewers eyes. If you want to cite reviews etc., but game sales are game sales. Gt4>forza. case closed.


Quick Reply: Microsoft: Xbox 360 news



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:14 PM.