Has the RRoD problem been solved? It’s too early to tell, but someone over at AnandTech believes it’s a good probability w/ Microsoft’s new internal board, code-named “Jasper”.

Article: http://play.tm/wire/click/2267129/

In short, the new Xbox 360 “Jasper” features a 65nm CPU, and a 65nm GPU. This, in contrast to the 90nm CPU/GPU found in Xenon/Zephyr units, and a 65nm CPU paired w/ an 80nm GPU found in Falcons.

What this means for us? A quieter system, lower power draw, cooler temps, and less stress on the solder joints that had a tendency to break down, causing the unrecoverable hardware failures, known as the RRoD, which, as most of us already know, has plagued Xbox 360s since they launched.

Now for the information you really want, and probably what drew you to this article in the first place. How to spot a Jasper-equipped 360 in the wild?! There are a few ways to determine that you PROBABLY have a Jasper, such as Lot # and Manufacture Date, but the sure-fire way is simple, and doesn’t even require you to open the box. Microsoft included a side window in the retail box that allows clerks to scan the serial number when selling a 360. Look in this window, and search for 12.1A next to the 12V power requirement. It’ll be on the left, and may be hidden at first, but try shifting the box around a bit, or even poke a finger in the window to shift things around. You may only see the 12.1A, but that’s enough. 12.1A on the 12V rail means it has the 65nm GPU/CPU die, i.e. Jasper. FYI, it’ll actually read “12,1” (comma instead of period). 14,2 = Falcon/Opus, and 16,5 = Xenon/Zephyr.

Also, from what I’ve read, if you’re ordering online (like I did), then the new Arcade bundle ($199 retail price) seems to be the surest way to get a Jasper. The shrunken die size has reduced the manufacturing cost, which seems to reflect in the low price point of Arcade systems right now. I recently purchased an Arcade system from Dell.com ($199 – 15% off coupon = $160 plus tax, not bad if you ask me), and it is a Jasper.

Bonus: the Jasper boards appear to have a built-in 256MB memory module. They are advertised as coming with 256MB of memory, in lieu of a HDD, but I was expecting a memory stick, not an on-board addition. Pretty cool. Microsoft is also doing a memory upgrade program for owners of 360s w/out HDDs. $30 nets a refurbished 20GB HDD, and a 3-month XBL card. I already ordered mine. So, an arcade unit (Xbox 360, 256MB memory, no HDD, wireless controller, standard A/V cable, HDMI port) and a 20GB HDD (essentially turning it into a Pro, minus the ethernet cable and headset) can be had for ~$200 ($202.80 for me, after taxes). Not bad! Link for HDD upgrade: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/hddoffer/default.htm