Welcome to GR Asks, our weekly Q&A with the games industry that answers questions submitted by YOU. Is there something game-related you’ve never seen addressed? Message GRAsksand we may just get it answered!
GR Asks: Why does the Xbox 360 run so loud?
Answered by: Benjamin Heckendorn, creator of some amazing laptop Xbox unitsand featured in Official Xbox Magazine.
Above: An exaggeration
“Almost all of the noise on the Xbox 360 comes from the DVD drive, which spins at a very high rate. I'm not really sure what the RPM is, but I've run the DVD drives ‘open’ before and it's scary fast. I have no problems sticking my hands around running machinery, band saws, CNC machines, etc, but the 360's DVD drive scares me.
“If a person installs a game to the hard drive and runs it from there, the system is much quieter, which only goes to show how loud the DVD is.”
Above: Ben knows his stuff
“The PS3 has a more custom Blu-ray drive and thus is probably more efficient. As you may or may not be aware, the 360's DVD drive has a higher data transfer rate than the Blu-ray... because it spins so fast!”
Thanks, Ben!
GR Asks: “Why was Halo 3: Recon changed to Halo 3: ODST?”
Answered by: “Microsoft.”
Above: Before the change
“We've changed the name because we feel that it is a more accurate reflection of the game experience. The ODSTs (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers) play a pivotal role in the human-Covenant struggle, and we want to make sure that everyone understands that you play as a member of this elite unit.
“While Halo 3: ODST is tied to Halo 3, playing as an ODST makes this experience quite different from others within the Halo universe.”
Hm. Guess they can’t all have interesting behind-the-scenes stories, can they? Thanks anyway, guys!
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Apr 22, 2009
Answered by Chris Kramer, Senior Director of Communications and Community at Capcom US
Answered by Chris Charla, Foundation 9 Entertainment
