360S gets reliability test, Beats PS3 Slim easily.

by Guest Tue 13 Jul 2010 - 15:13

After doing a test to compare both the PS3 and new Xbox 360 S model two weeks ago, we got a lot of feedback that was both positive and negative. More than a few emails and comments criticized our choice to use a 160 GB PS3 (fat) model in our tests instead of using the newer slim model. In order to ensure the test did offer consistent and precise results, we decided to have both Craig Hasselback and myself (The Brandon Arthur Thompson Esquire) handle five separate tests over a week’s time. The goal was to determine whether or not the results were in fact flawed and also to see if a different outcome would come about using the newer PS3 slim.

Due to an inability to acquire five Xbox 360 S models and five PS3 slims; we ran the test using four identical Xbox 360 S consoles and one Xbox 360 Premium (old) model. The consoles were partnered with four PS3 slims and the original 160gb PS3 fat. This allowed for a fat versus fat and multiple slim versus slim. For the games, we had to do it out of pocket, so we grabbed six copies of Madden 09 and ran three pairings and then one pair of slims and the fats. The tests conducted consisted of game simulations running until one system or another overheated (or shutdown in each test).

The slims took the longest despite being in closed cabinets. We had to conduct the comparison in closed cabinets to simulate entertainment centers because all six consoles ran fine through the first two work days with not a single console freezing, shutting down, or malfunctioning.

After putting the consoles in barely ventilated cabinets, the tests finally “heated up”. In every slim model tests, the PS3 models shutdown first. This occurred multiple times as we tested each pairing three times. This doesn’t mean the PS3 models are faulty by any means. It simple means they’re designed to shutdown at a lower temp or possibly they heat up faster. Even after multiple tests in identical situations with high temp exposure, not a single console showed any sign of damage after rebooting. The “fat” models however were a much easier test in terms of time and results. The PS3 160gb won this test in under five hours. Sadly the 360 Premium (fat model) was unable to reboot as we got red ring and boxed that one up.

The fat model results are not a real big surprise. We’ve known the issues the original Xbox 360 SKUs have had since 2005. The new models however continue to surprise with improved reliability and the ability to handle heat much better than their predecessor.