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Xbox 360 Elite
Microsoft released the Xbox 360 Elite console in the United States on April 29, 2007. The console features a new detachable hard drive with increased memory storage (120 GB), a new HDMI port in the back of the system, an improved design on hardware with a redesigned power connector and power supply, a black wireless controller and headset, and a sleek black finish. You can purchase the Xbox 360 Elite from retailers for $299.99 as of April 2010.
Red Ring of Death
An Xbox 360 console is in normal working condition when the ring of light around the console̵7;s power button displays green lights. The Red Ring of Death is slang for the three blinking red lights that appear on the ring when a serious hardware malfunction occurs. The three red lights signal that either the console is not receiving enough power due to a faulty power supply or there has been a critical failure in one or more of the hardware components.
Warning Signs
The Xbox 360 console will often give a number of warning signs before a fatal error occurs. These symptoms can occur several times before the system crashes, or not at all. Warning signs can include system freezes and crashes during use, graphical errors that occur during gameplay--such as checkered or striped patterns appearing on the television screen--that won̵7;t disappear unless you restart the system, sound errors that occur during system use, and the system experiencing difficulty reading Xbox 360 game discs.
Causes
The two main causes for the Red Ring of Death are power supply issues and overheating. If you don't have the power supply fully plugged in or the power cord itself is faulty, the Xbox 360 console will receive power surges that can damage the hardware and break the system. Likewise, if you don't keep the console in a proper environment--a hard surface with an open area that maintains at least 1 foot of free space around the console so that it might ventilate properly--the system will overheat and damage the graphics core.
Options
If you experience the Red Ring of Death, you have two options. First, you will need to unplug the power supply from the wall, make sure it is securely plugged into the back of the system, and then plug the power supply back into the wall. If you continue to see the Red Ring of Death, you will need to send the console into Microsoft for professional repair. If you are outside of warranty on your console, a repair from Microsoft will cost $99.99.