14 DAY TRIAL // You don't even know what to believe these days. Rumors take all possible shapes, but when we're talking about the games market and gaming hardware, they sometimes tend to be overstretched. This time however, a rumor about Microsoft prepping to launch new Core and Premium Xbox 360 models, enabled with HDMI outputs and 65nm CPU chips, sounds very real.
First of all, it was rumored before (numerous times actually) that the electronics giant would roll out an Xbox 360 sporting 65nm CPU chips. It was thought that the Elite would benefit from this exact feature but unfortunately, as soon as it was released, gamers worldwide found out that it was almost the same Xbox 360, only with a bigger hard drive and yes, HDMI output.
An article originating on Opposable Thumbs says this will be the case with the two existing SKUs before the Elite: the Core Xbox 360 and the Premium Xbox 360: "According to my source, Microsoft wants to cut through all their existing inventory of hardware. They will then quietly "soft launch" a new version of the Core and Premium hardware in late August or September that will include an HDMI port. It's also expected that this new hardware will feature the 65nm process for the CPU and quieter DVD drives. The new hardware will ship in boxes very similar to what we saw on store shelves now, but there will be a small "call out" on the box so you know you're getting a system with the HDMI connection."
Microsoft will most likely not reduce the size of the 360's inner-coolers though, so the machine will probably be of the same size. The fact that chips will be smaller (and let's hope that's the case) will actually presents an advantage. The machine has a history with overheating issues, so for Microsoft to want to start all over again with the same mistakes... it's not likely. Fans will probably just be a lot quieter.
OK, you got the point. What do you think?