Top positive review
4.0 out of 5 starsWorks fine, no issues with overheating
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2007
Needless to say after reading so many harsh reviews, my purchase of this product was riddled with ambivilance. However, I decided to give it a try and have yet to experience any serious or quality problems with this device.
I did not give this product 5 stars, because I did have a relatively minor issue with the installation. Also, I would prefer thermostatically controlled fans that turn themselves ON automatically only when needed to cut down on the noise factor.
After a seemingly straightforward installation to the back of an Xbox 360, I noticed a small amount of interference with the optional Microsoft WiFI Networking Adapter. The interference is located between the Intercooler's end case and the push-to-release, snap-in tab, the Networking Adapter.
This tab will no longer snap into place because of the interference caused by the Intercooler. Nevertheless, this causes no malfunctions and everything still worked properly. The Networking Adaptor basically remains "captive" on the back of the 360 BECAUSE OF the interference with the Intercooler, which also snaps onto the back of the Xbox and therefore hold everything in place.
To "cleanup" the installation, so that there is no interference on the back of the 360, there is a simple (although costly solution). For those that upgrade to the new Xbox 360 HD-DVD option, move the Wireless Network Adapter to the back of that enclosure and then plug the WNA's USB cable in to the back of the main console. Problem solved, and now the Xbox can have wirelessly Internet access as an added bonus.
Now, to address any lingering concerns about potential overheating, I positioned my 360 horizontally, raised a few inches atop a short block of wood, so as not to block any cooling holes on both side of the bottom of the main enclosure.
CAVEAT: DO NOT BLOCK ANY COOLING HOLES ON THE XBOX 360 ENCLOSURE!
This allows free flowing air to have access through all cooling holes on the bottom, sides and back of the Xbox 360. To wit, after several hours of operation, I did not detect any overheating whatsoever, and all surfaces of the main enclosure remained cool to only moderatedly warm to finger touch.
The triple fans of the Intercooler consumes <5 Watts (12V@130mA x 3 fans) and should not cause the shared Xbox360 Power supply to become overloaded and/or overheat. However, once again, the Xbox 360 PSU also should be positioned so that there is plenty of circulating free air around it.
Lastly, I have an Intercooler without a switch (unlike the one on this site in the photo image). I cannot speak to the reliability of earlier models that at one time must of had this switch.
In short, this optional fan accessory met (my) expectations and performed as advertised, "provided" common sense is applied with respect to the general cooling requirements of the Xbox 360 enclosure itself.
