Thanks to
a tipster in our last post, we've now heard our first real world tale of the
previously rumored "Zombie Repaired" 360, code named Opus. The Opus "model" is for those who have had their 360's red ring and have sent them off to Microsoft for repair. In an effort to use (instead of toss) the older Xenon motherboards, Microsoft is basically upgrading repaired 360's with the Falcon model chips (65nm CPU, 90nm GPU) and one of the older motherboards that doesn't have have HDMI, effectively creating a zombie 360 that cannot be purchased in stores.
According to
a specific poster over at GameTrailers, when a repaired RROD is now returned to its owner it includes a slip of paper marked "OPUS" as well as a new power supply. So if you've recently had a 360 red ring, keep an eye out for that little slip of paper when it returns, as it basically says that your 360 is now of the undead, and thus is quite unlikely to ever die again.
{ Jun 18th 2008 at 1:30AM } 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard Pearson @ Jun 18th 2008 1:40AM
My Xbox should be getting back to me soon from repair and I'll have to keep an eye out for the opus slip.
sparki @ Jun 19th 2008 1:14PM
Damn... I got mine back last week, no opus for me =(
boulderhorn @ Jun 18th 2008 1:36PM
I just got my 360 back from repair yesterday (it only took 1 week), and it seems to be a regular old 360. No new power supply or any letter other than the standard "sorry your xbox broke." How do i check for the upgraded heatsink?
UNSCleric @ Jun 18th 2008 1:49AM
This is good news for the 3% that will experience issues. :)
Xoviet chiK @ Jun 18th 2008 1:55AM
Good news all around. I sent my 360 in today/yesterday, though they never asked for my Power Supply...
Excellent picture by the way!
Procris @ Jun 18th 2008 2:07AM
Yes it goods news however the likely hood of a lot of people getting a 360 with this new mobo back is slim, at least for a good 2 months or so. Heck, i still hear stories of people sending in their 360's and DIDN'T get the extra heatsink installed, Microsoft repair being down right lazy.
PeacefulOutrage @ Jun 18th 2008 9:02AM
If this is true, it would be only for the people who bought a system that doesn't have HDMI. Someone like me, who bought a 360 in Jan '06. If you bought an elite or a newer system with HDMI, they have to repair or replace your system with like features.
RagingStormX @ Jun 18th 2008 2:20AM
So....I will have to buy a 360, wait for it to piss over and die, send it in and THEN have a reliable 360? Ahhh...no! Thats BS at its finest. With certain RPGs that I want to play being exclusive to the 360 I am seriouly thinking about getting one....but come on, is it so hard to release a model that will not RRoD...geez. MS you are the biggest and laziest POS company ever and should be more than ashamed.
David W. @ Jun 18th 2008 4:19AM
WTF are you talking about?
b33eazy @ Jun 18th 2008 5:24AM
@RagingStorm are you high? Those models are already OUT!!! There called falcons! and the failure rate is below 10% around 8% maybe
if you want a 360 with a 1-5% failure rate you can wait for the Jasper that will come out within three months.
These are for the people who bought it at day one!
Do you remember this will be the 360 THIRD YEAR ON THE MARKET? So, anyone who bought a Zephry and don't want to spend money on the safe falcon can get this! If your someone who don't have one DON'T WORRY THESE ARE FOR THE CURRENT 360 OWNERS WHO OWN THE ZEPHRYS(LAUNCH).
I hope this clears things up. The falcons have a low failure rate and so does the OPUS. There the same. Smaller CPU. Same GPU.
The Jaspers will have a smaller GPU & CPU. But the OPUS IS FREE THERE REPLACEMENT FOR ZEPHRYS. I hope this clearified ppl lost.
Scott Summers @ Jun 18th 2008 2:25AM
Lot more than 3%....
SytheMaster @ Jun 18th 2008 3:46AM
Agreed out of my 9 real world friends who have 360's 6 out them have had to have their 360 repaired and the other 3 only got one this year. Oh and for the record my 360 died as well about 2 months back.
taco @ Jun 18th 2008 2:34AM
so, I hope that folks aren't sending in HDMI units and getting non-HDMI units back. that would be bad.
bicranium @ Jun 18th 2008 2:38AM
Yeah, I just set up a repair service for my Elite so if I somehow got an Opus Elite... that would be interesting but also relatively infuriating.
PeacefulOutrage @ Jun 18th 2008 8:59AM
That would be impossible, because the elite always had HDMI.
bicranium @ Jun 18th 2008 11:16AM
You would hope so, wouldn't you? That's mainly why it would be interesting and infuriating should it happen.
Qube @ Jun 18th 2008 2:40AM
You know, if OPUS also includes a quieter optical drive and fans, I'd happily pay for an upgrade without waiting for RROD.
Deus Legend @ Jun 18th 2008 2:55AM
I wonder how the elites will be affect and the other falcon models. My coffin will arrive here shortly. Next week, I'll have my answer.
Carbonize @ Jun 18th 2008 3:18AM
Are they going to be any George Romero limited edition ones?
Xoviet chiK @ Jun 18th 2008 4:03AM
Actually no, no it doesn't.
You stole my click!
b33eazy @ Jun 18th 2008 5:15AM
Thanks for giving me the credit guys!
mattclarkie @ Jun 18th 2008 6:10AM
If I am reading this correctly. If you send in an old 360 with the original mobo, they replace the CPU with the new model, but don't use the new mobo. It is like the current system, only they are throwing in an CPU upgrade.
In theory if you send in a new mobo 360 they have to use the new mobo otherwise they are downgrading your console(removing HDMI), and in the UK atleast they have to replace it with an identical or better spec console.
Ryan @ Jun 18th 2008 7:44AM
Just wanted to let everyone know that out of my 6 real world close friends that all own 360s 5 out of 6 of us have had them break. The 6th person hardly plays there so that could be why it hasn't RROD yet. the 360 is a great system with great online functionality and a great library of games...but the fact that the system itself breaks all the time really sucks. But hey the only other option is a PS3 and that has zero games and crappy online functionality in terms of gaming soooo I guess we are stuck with 360s for a while.
For everyone who only thinks the 360 has a low failure rate of either 5-10% you are WRONG! These things in my humble opinion have got to have a HUGE failure rate of at least 50%! Come on people every time this thing gets discussed on these forums everyone has had theirs broken and "repaired" by M$.
For me I actually had an electronics company fix mine for $40. New X-Clamps, Arctic 5 heat sink paste, better, cooler running fans and they cleaned my 360 inside and out. Took my system 2 days to get to them and 1 day for them to fix it and then 2 more days to get back to me....so my 360 was gone for less then 1 full week. How is that for service!? Much better then what M$ is giving you guys lol.
Arnon @ Jun 18th 2008 8:19AM
You're a fool for thinking of a number that large.
Ryan @ Jun 18th 2008 8:20AM
Whatever Arnon your nothing but a useless troll.
nieker @ Jun 18th 2008 9:45AM
You're probably right about the older version of the 360 (although I still have my launch model) but all my friends (around 9) have the Falcon and, until now, not 1 of them have had a rrod.
And please stop using M$
Arnon @ Jun 18th 2008 9:38AM
I'm a troll? I only OWN a 360... I don't exactly count my Wii because I hardly play it, and I only use my PS2 for FFXI now because it has the disc read error. Don't start calling people names because someone disagrees with you. It only makes you look ignorant.
Ryan @ Jun 18th 2008 9:40AM
Hahahahahaha
mattclarkie @ Jun 18th 2008 11:21AM
I would say that for the first 12months of the 360 50% may actually not be high enough for the failure rate. I think they have now lowered it to sub 5%, but due to the initial failure rate being so high overall I expect it to be over 15% failure.
I am already on number 2, and I feel like by the end of this year I maybe onto number 3(I hope I am wrong). Some people have got through upwards of 5 consoles.
I think we have to agree MS dropped the ball on reliability, but as I am on PS3 number 3 it isn't only MS that have issues.
Arnon @ Jun 18th 2008 11:23AM
Yes.. the PS2 disc read error sucks XD. I have a bunch of PS2 games just sitting here and now I cant play um lol.
T-BoNe254 @ Jun 18th 2008 12:01PM
idk what the failure rate is, all i know is im on my 3rd probably soon to be 4th 360.
1. (launch console) suffered RROD
2. ("new replacement" from MS the day they installed the 3 year
warranty) suffered E74 or something, had a start up problem before
hand that would make me turn my 360 on and off a few times to get it
going as if it's a car about to break down, then it completely bit
the dust (on my birthday i should add) with a broken Disc drive and
disc read error. (paid to repair it sold it to a friend)
3. (bought a new 360 *5 1/2 months old currently*, it has HDMI so i
think it is the falcon or w/e) it had RROD just 2 days ago but it was
a false alarm i guess and it works fine now, although i think it's
about to kick the bucket...
MRCUR @ Jun 18th 2008 8:04AM
You're basing this story off of someone saying they got one without any proof? At least wait for someone to post some pics of this mysterious label...
And the poster also got a 203W PSU back...not a new 175W which are shipped with Falcon consoles. So MS asking for your PSU, which they've been doing for a while, is not a way to tell if you're getting an Opus.
Although I have a hard time believing the poster at GT Forums, I've heard that the Opus motherboards are in use. I just hope this ends up being true, and pics show up soon.
fiquette @ Jun 18th 2008 8:29AM
Let's call this a learning experience for MS. Remember,Sony already did this with the PSOne that had to be played upside down. They would "repair" it for you if you called, but they said nothing was wrong. Console makers need the lesson, now it is MS turn to learn.
BlackFreefall @ Jun 18th 2008 9:06AM
Now bring on the Jasper. I really need to upgrade my 360.
Guibs @ Jun 18th 2008 10:12AM
Ok, let me get this straight. If I want a falcon 360 (because that's basically it, 65mn CPU and HDMI connector) I can start wishing my current xbox breaks so I can finally get the damn HDMI connector without having to pay for a new xbox 360 ?
I never thought I'd say this, but I almost wish my 360 breaks for a 6th time now...
mattclarkie @ Jun 18th 2008 11:25AM
Not exactly. The repaired consoles have the 65nm CPU, but they don't have the HDMI because they are using the original motherboard, but sticking the new CPU on them.
Hence why they are zombie, they are using the Mobo from dead consoles, but sticking on a new CPU.
Guibs @ Jun 18th 2008 12:01PM
That doesn't make sense. To use the 64nm Processor, they can't use the old motherboard. 90nm and 65nm socket aren't compatible?? What I thought is that they are replacing the motherboard/CPU but keeping the rest...
Bluemanrule @ Jun 18th 2008 10:52AM
Great photoshop picture. Again, I think no one answers the concern with the opus motherboard omitted HDMI ports but I guess if you have a falcon like I do, if a RROD occurs, what is the repair process? I, nay We, need more information.
Terror @ Jun 18th 2008 12:05PM
I had 1 repaired in April/March, what's in it? New heat sinks? Launch premi. I'll buy a Elite later this year when this is all ironed out. Also waiting for 60gb HDD.
ZombiesRPplsToo @ Jun 18th 2008 10:45PM
this is great news, i feel very relieved
if it ever dies now its 100 bucks and i shall never have to worry about it again
Kelderek @ Jun 18th 2008 12:26PM
Now if only they would offer a user replaceable quiet optical drive. I would pay a modest amount for a kit to quiet that beast.
Azret @ Jun 18th 2008 12:44PM
Yep, I got the Opus model two weeks ago. Plays alot better then the older one, and is alot quieter. Score on Microsoft for finally getting my third system right.
DemonGSides @ Jun 18th 2008 12:50PM
I really want a zombie skinned 360.
Tim @ Jun 18th 2008 6:14PM
I sent my xbox 360 in a couple weeks ago and just got it back today. I bought it in November of 2006 and this was the first time having to send it in. After reading this I was hoping for the Opus version but I received my same serial numbered one back, hopefully RROD free. I guess I should be lucky my system lasted almost 2 years without getting RROD :) Ok... off to hook it up and make sure it works.
swingski @ Jun 21st 2008 3:39PM
My 360 just showed the RROD today - after over 2 years (not bad). Being so late to the table I'll expect the zombie 360 but maybe I'll get lucky and the old motherboards without HDMI run out and/or Microsoft just decides to send the new motherboard with HDMI connector = )
asurroca @ Jul 4th 2008 4:52PM
I guess I'll be getting a zombified Xbox 360. My launch unit just RROD'd and I was all excited, thinking I'd get a new unit complete with HDMI port.
Interestingly enough, despite being from the same business unit as Xbox, Xbox customer support pales in comparison to Zune's. My sync cable broke, so they sent a new one and new headphones just because, both in their retail boxes and all.... if Xbox were like that, I'd probably get a free Elite, geez :p
Jonathan Murrell @ Jul 10th 2008 11:11AM
I just got my 360 back from repair today. Took freakin 3 weeks for the whole process, but I'm pretty pumped because I got an OPUS and now I shouldn't have to worry about it breaking again soon. Mine was manufactured 6/25/2008.
chris @ Jul 18th 2008 4:16PM
hopefully someone can help me figure out an answer to my question, I sent my launch Xenon 360 in for RROD warranty repair on july 2 and finally recieved it back on July 17th , the 360 I got back was the same one sent in (same serial number and I did not recieve a new ps) the white cardboard box has a XENON PRO label in the bottom corner and the label also has the abbreviations SUR on it? does anyone know what the SUR would mean? I called the morons at MS and they said all the work order says is unit repaired,so my question is did they change anything or did they just reset it or sweep it out or something? also do you all think they replaced the board with a new old style Xenon? cause from what I could see with a flashlight it looks like the same style board with the heat pipe although its very hard to see anything through the side of the 360,and what are these opus boards,is there a easy way to tell if I got one?
nicks @ Jul 25th 2008 8:59AM
OK...
Got my 360 back two days ago.. it came with a PSU that was 203w.. Brown box with a label on the lower corner that said Falcon and Opus-P. the Manf. date on the unit is 4/18/08. Quieter disc drive. No hdmi despite what some may think.. so i guess its an opus.. it runs cooler thats for sure.. however i did buy a Nyko intercooler EX while it was getting repaired to further cool the system. If anybody wants a pic of the box and what label to look for, just reply to the comment and i will send it to you by email.