My initial NXE impressions

[dmiller68]

Originally Posted by BiffCo

But a question that needs to be asked (in reference to the hard drive matter):

Do the 60GB and 120GB hard drives run at the same RPM?

If the 120GB is slower, there may be little to no decrease in load times. I know the main purpose is to decrease disc drive noise, but I've never been bothered by it. Personally, I was looking forward to decreased loading times, especially in Fable II.

-Brad

I know the 120GB is much faster then the 20GB was. In fact I thought I read somewhere that they where using 7200rpm drives. Which could be one reason it is so expensive.

[Peench]

There is a marginal increase in loading times. Not a major one though. In fact, here's a breakdown that a French Xbox MVP put together. It is in French, but the pictures pretty much explain it all.

[Quo]

I can't read french, but it looks like a 25-33% decrease in load times across the board. In seconds that's not long, but the % increase is pretty cool. When you think about how often games like Oblivion would load, that's not bad. I'll take it.

[Peench]

The load times to me aren't that significant, but the decrease in volume is noticeable and very much appreciated. Also since my last 360 died of DVD drive failure, I'm happy to not have my drive spinning all the time.

[CoryB23]

Sounds like I'll need to snag a larger HDD for Christmas.

[Elite Ronnie]

yeah I'd like to have it for fable because my drive runs like crazy with that game.

[Lord Sam]

I just ordered, for free, the migration kit from 1-800-4MY-XBOX. This will allow you to transfer all your files from a 20 GB HD to a 120 GB HD in one go. Now, I just need to find a cheap 120 GB HD.

Transfer Instructions on Xbox.com

[dmiller68]

Originally Posted by Lord Sam

I just ordered, for free, the migration kit from 1-800-4MY-XBOX. This will allow you to transfer all your files from a 20 GB HD to a 120 GB HD in one go. Now, I just need to find a cheap 120 GB HD.

Transfer Instructions on Xbox.com

I was bummed that it didn't work trying to go from 120GB to 120GB. I got the new Elite and I wanted to transfer the data from my dead 360 to it. I just plugged the old 120GB drive in for now. Sam you know if you buy the 120GB drive upgrade kit new you get the transfer cable and software.

[Quo]

To anyone looking to pick up a 120 GB HDD, check your local Target if you want a new one. I went over there to take a break from work and grab a Starbucks, and lo and behold they were on clearance for some reason. Strange timing with the NXE coming out in 10-14 days. You'd think these would be in demand. I'm guessing they're getting new packaging or something. I haven't read anything indicating the actual product is changing.

Anyway, it was on sale for $125. Normally it was $149.99. Not massive savings, but every little bit helps.

[Thornes70]

My understanding is that the NXE download requires 128 Megs, any verification on that? Doesn't sound to be a big amount of space...

[Prophet0ne]

I've been hearing the same numbers Thornes. Plenty of room even on those 20GB. The 19th can't get here soon enough.

[Thornes70]

Yeah, I'm definitely interested to check it out after all the hooplah.

[Peench]

Thornes - yep, the 128 meg number is correct.

I had a chance to try out the netflix instant streaming deal and it rules. I logged onto my nexflix account, then went to the page the dashboard told me to go to and entered in a code. It linked up in a minute or two and then the movies I could "instant watch" that were in my queue instantly showed up on my dashboard. I clicked on one, it buffered for a bout 30 seconds or so and started right up. Very cool.

The video was HD from what I could tell (I don't think my Toshiba tells me what mode it is in, but it didn't reset down from the 1080i the dash is running over component). About the only downside I could see was that the audio was Pro Logic II and not digital or DTS.

[WormholeXtreme]

Originally Posted by BiffCo

But a question that needs to be asked (in reference to the hard drive matter):

Do the 60GB and 120GB hard drives run at the same RPM?

If the 120GB is slower, there may be little to no decrease in load times. I know the main purpose is to decrease disc drive noise, but I've never been bothered by it. Personally, I was looking forward to decreased loading times, especially in Fable II.

-Brad

Even a 4200 rpm hard drive is faster than any optical drive.

[WormholeXtreme]

Originally Posted by Lord Sam

I just ordered, for free, the migration kit from 1-800-4MY-XBOX. This will allow you to transfer all your files from a 20 GB HD to a 120 GB HD in one go. Now, I just need to find a cheap 120 GB HD.

Transfer Instructions on Xbox.com

When I bought my 120GB drive they came with the transfer cable. Are they not included anymore?

[Crippler]

The increase in density alone from a 20GB to 120 would help increase load times. The data on the discs is closer together.

I just can't see paying over $100 for only 120GB.
(2.5" 320GB: $90 Newegg.com - Western Digital Scorpio WD3200BEVT 320GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Notebook Hard Drive - Laptop Hard Drives)
This is one hardware accessory MS should take a hit on in order to make these custom drives more affordable for peeps who would like to upgrade. After I install my 'currently playing' game, I will have ZERO space on my drive. Some aren't even lucky enough to have space to install a game.

[Wondermonkey]

Originally Posted by Peench

video was HD from what I could tell (I don't think my Toshiba tells me what mode it is in, but it didn't reset down from the 1080i the dash is running over component). About the only downside I could see was that the audio was Pro Logic II and not digital or DTS.

Could it have upconverted? Netflix isn't supporting HD streaming yet (or so they say), their last press release said it would be available on the 19th or close to it.

[Lord Sam]

Originally Posted by WormholeXtreme

When I bought my 120GB drive they came with the transfer cable. Are they not included anymore?

I bought a used one on Amazon for $90 and they don't come with the transfer cables. Although, I still don't have a delivery confirmation so I'm starting to wonder what exactly I got. I'm thinking nothing.

[Quo]

Originally Posted by Lord Sam

I bought a used one on Amazon for $90 and they don't come with the transfer cables. Although, I still don't have a delivery confirmation so I'm starting to wonder what exactly I got. I'm thinking nothing.

The one I bought last week came with one. If you need it let me know and I'll send it to ya.

[Elite Ronnie]

I wish you could only load the Multiplayer part of a game disc. Thats all I ever play besides RPGS. I could probably fit almost all my MP stuff on my drive. Im sure you cant do that though, just sayn it would be great if you could.