Xbox 360: Repair or replace

[RandBlade]

Our bunny has chewed threw the Xbox 360's Power Cable. Its an ancient Core model from when they were first released and I'm struggling to find out what type of power adaptor will need to be bought to replace it - there seems to be varying versions depending upon the model.

I'm also wondering if there's that much difference/advantage to buying a new console instead of simply a new adaptor. The only problem I can think of with the Core model is that it doesn't have an HDMI port, while we have an HD (in fact just got a 3D) TV. The console was connected to the TV via an old PC-style VGA cable and not sure if there's much difference between that and HDMI. Bought seperately all the necessary devices like a Hard Drive etc years ago for the console so can't think what else a difference there might be beside the missing HDMI port?

PS anyone got any idea on how to bunny-proof a TV stand so he can't get under it? He loves hiding under there (he loves hiding under anything) but I can't trust him there now it seems. Can't be too good for him either.

[Echovirus]

The HDMI port should work much better than a VGA, in terms of quality of video and the nice thing of not having to run another cable for your audio. The big selling point for me to upgrade from my Arcade (think Core but with HDMI port and 256MB flash storage on the motherboard) to the 360 S is how much quieter the new model is. Even with the games installed to my Arcade's hard drive, it's a very noticeable difference. The increase from 3 to 5 USB ports was nice as well since when you're wired in, you don't have to repeatedly sync your controller every time you go over to a friend's house and allows multiple people to connect using flash drives instead of going through the whole logging in over the cloud.

[Timbuk2]

Bunny 2.0 comes with anti-chew protection.

[Wraith]

Most games don't scale all the way up to full HDMI, so you probably won't notice any significant difference. One thing that might affect your decision is that the next version of the X-Box is very likely to be out late next year, and it'll be announced at the next E3. Personally, I'd just replace the power cord.

[RandBlade]

Thinking about it, there's 2 parts to the cable - first part seems from memory a bit like a standard kettle style cable from the wall, then it's the brick to the console itself. I've not checked but I'm guessing it's the first part that's damaged, the non-brick part. If so, can I switch it with a big standard kettle cable or is it proprietary MS?

[termite]

The bunny is lucky to be alive if it chewed through the high voltage cable (kettle cable) rather than the low voltage cable - was it plugged in and switched on? If so, that bunny should have been fried (or at least should have triggered the RCD).

Clearly this rabbit does not understand that in this world we make our own luck and should be made an example of - I suggest Fricassee Rabbit and in future only buy pets that are not so tasty.

Feel free to keep a rabbits foot... apparently they are considered good luck (though clearly not for the rabbit).

[Ominous Gamer]

A Kinect Slim 360 powers the kinect through the box, is quieter, the PSU is more effecient, has N wifi and HDMI.

So... a new xbox would mean 1 less wall wart, fewer cables, quieter operation, and cost less to run.

Whats the downside to flipping yours on craigslist and moving up?

[Ominous Gamer]

PVC pipes usually do good enough to protect cords from rabbits. Cut a slice down the side and slide the cables into it. You don't really "protect" a tv stand without it looking odd or unsightly, you protect the cables, and the regular cable wraps and whatnot aren't thick enough.

[Hazir]

Or you buy one of those pvc cable organizers and don't risk cutting off your fingers in order to keep your cables safe.

[Ominous Gamer]

Talking about the ripped designs? Way to thin to protect from rabbits.

Generally speaking, if its thin enough to bend, its thin enough to get eaten through.

[Lor]

Rand, two options:

1) Replace the power lead and save your ££££ for the new console.

2) If you want HD - Why not go for a preowned system (which does come with warranty)/ They're dirt cheap and will keep you going until the new Xbox comes out. You'll be able to PX your current one as well and any unused games to bring the costs down .

I brought a Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edn X360 consoles, which came with a 250gb console for £100 from Gamestation.

Also, I agree with Hazir. I just sorted my cables out as Geegee and Louie are working their magic behind the TV .

[Flixy]

Thinking about it, there's 2 parts to the cable - first part seems from memory a bit like a standard kettle style cable from the wall, then it's the brick to the console itself. I've not checked but I'm guessing it's the first part that's damaged, the non-brick part. If so, can I switch it with a big standard kettle cable or is it proprietary MS?

I'd guess it was the second part (brick to xbox), it's thinner and low voltage and your bunny still lives. If the first part is broken, it's most likely a standard cable and can be replaced very cheaply (and you're likely to already have the cable in your house anyway). If it's the second part, a new cable could be a bit trickier to obtain (and more costly).

If the wire break didn't blow anything in the adapter, you could also simply solder the wires back together. Cheapest, simplest, it will only be a little less sturdy after. If course if it shortcircuited while it was chewed through you may have damaged the adapter (the brick) itself.

[Catgrrl]

My suggestion would be to just buy a PS3

[RandBlade]

My suggestion would be to just buy a PS3

I have one. Call me lucky () but I have all 3 Games Consoles, though I never paid for a single one of them. The PS3 was the only one paid for in fact, it was a Christmas gift from my fiancée a few years ago (when she was my girlfriend).

The good news is that it was the first part (wall to brick), a standard "Kettle Plug" cable, officially an IEC C15, that he chewed through. Disconnected it now and checked.
The other good news then is that the bunny is still alive. The Xbox was off, but still plugged in, not sure if that makes any difference to whether its drawing power or not. LOL termite. Apparently bunnies can get rather addicted to chewing on electrical cables if you're not careful - they enjoy the "buzz" they get from it, unless/until it kills them.

The bad news is where the f*** do you get a Kettle Plug from nowadays? I remember kettles always used to have them, but now they all come on stands with an integrated cable so no luck there. Been everywhere today, electrical retailers etc nobody has the blasted things. First place I went to was Maplins (an electrical specialist) and they had all types of plugs but not this. The guy there was so arrogant insisting at first repeatedly that it'd be the PC (C13 officially) one I needed although I kept describing it, once I said it was for the 360 he insisted it was Microsoft proprietary. Bullshit, just say "sorry I can't help" and move on. Tried loads of other places, nobody has them. Can find them online at least.

[Ominous Gamer]

The original 360s over here use a power cord thats interchangable with the PC, PS3, etc... whatever its called.
The slims can as well, but the cord it ships with is missing the 3rd grounding plug.

EDIt:
Or maybe not, some had a notched connection at the brick. I know the S doesn't anymore.

[RandBlade]

The S power cable is not compatible with the Core. Nor even was the Elites.

[Ominous Gamer]

That ones obvious over here, the S cable doesn't even have the same number or prongs, as I mentioned. I meant that the PC cables can work with the slim, while they can't work with yours.

The S uses the C17, my old pro and the jasper unit at work use C13, but you got one of the old/odd ones that uses the C15.
A C17 connection can take a C13, but not the other way around.

You can't even replace the entire PSU unit since the newer ones are designed to work with the more efficient motherboards.

[RandBlade]

To end this saga: Called a friend of mine I know to be a hoarder, asked him if he had a kettle cable. He could find two old kettles with the socket on them but not the cables, when I explained what it was for he told me that he had 4 (!) old Xbox power sets. Told him my wattage, a small drive later and got it all back up and running. His one that he's given me is an old one too (203 watts) so it works, but uses the C17 two-pin one that you described. Odd.