My 360 Malfunctioned :(

[kn]

MikeB said:
So much for keeping your console well ventilated.....

Your comments from the VGChartz members failure rate thread:

"only had it a month, but it works just fine and i leave it on regularly overnight to download and such. Mine is well ventilated."

"Stop worrying, take care of the unit by keeping it in a well ventilated space and play some games."

I think overheating and disc scratching (/other DVD issues) are issues for all potential XBox 360 consumers to worry about or at least to take into consideration. Disc scratching isn't even covered by warranty and effects many units bought since 2005 as well as units bought this year, Microsoft blames consumers and claims reports are insignificant, a little googling paints a different story. And even with a 3 year Ring of Death warranty I don't think most people would like to be without a console for over a month (many users are reporting waiting times of between 4-7 weeks).

My comments concerning ventilation were regarding heat causing the board/components to warp and hence causing the RROD.  I didn't get that -- mine is purely the DVD drive.  Since it is an outsourced component -- i.e. some company OEMs the DVD drive for Microsoft -- I'd not necessarily pin this one on heat or ventilation.  I assume they chose a DVD drive based on a number of factors but cost was the most important and the drive they got obviously is causing problems.  I still believe lack of adequate ventilation is hurting a LOT of 360's pertaining only to the RROD.  Mine is well ventilated, but if I put my hand in the "area" where my 360 is, it is very, very warm -- like  a heater vent is blowing in hot air.  The reality is that unless the unit is on a table with nothing above it or close behind it, ventilation isn't going to be adequate and the intense heat is probably going to eventually cause the RROD.

I'll keep you posted on the time to fix.  I called them last night about 11PM as I had just finished Halo 1 and was going to play a bit of Burnout when it went nuts.