[Toffeeman]

Hi, I'm looking for a 360 but have no idea in terms of models and difference. I understand the spec difference in terms of standard 360 vs Elite, but have no idea when in comes to Jasper/Falcon/Opus, etc.

My understanding is the Elite is the quietest, and is therefore my preference, but is there a certain model / place I can get a good one, etc?

Sorry if I'm coming across as a ignorant noob, but I am.
Thanks in advance

[astroturf]

You need to look at manufacture dates rather than model. As i understand it an Elite built on the same day as a Premium will be exactly the same inside?

Obviously the newer the machine the better. Older machines on 203W blocks are the most susceptible. My 175W falcon elite is cool as a cucumber, but a 150W Jasper will, theoretically, be better.

Use this as a good guide for what you are after:

Xbox 360 DVD Drive Database

[shagaboopon]

There are 3 models of 360:

Arcade - 360 with wireless controller, 256MB memory card and a composite video cable. A HDMI cable is the cheapest way to get HD output which composite cannot do.
Pro - 360 with wireless controller, 60GB HDD, Live headset and a component/composite video cable.
Elite - Black 360 with wireless controller, 120GB HDD, Live Headset, Audio connector for optical (5.1 systems) when using HDMI. Not sure if they also come with the component/composite video cable too (someone here can answer that).

There is no quietest model anymore really as all the models you buy now will be similar. The newest revision of the 360 is the Jasper and that is the ideal machine you would want to pickup if you wanted a slightly cooler running system with in theory less relaibility issues. There is information around on the net on how you can identify a Jasper before you buy. At the moment it seems only the Arcades have cycled enough stock so we are seeing Jaspers now.