in car 360 cooling - plausible idea?

**danimal** · 09-11-2009, 02:12 PM

Its deff. worth doing i wasn't trying to dicourage you..

Just saying that I would stay away from the A/C Idea is all

go for it do something crazy!

**kross** · 09-11-2009, 04:04 PM

I don't believe the A/C will cause condensation on the X Box. The air that blows out of the vents is pretty dry. Most of the moisture has already been removed from the air when it blows past the evaporator. That's why you see water dripping outside the car when you have the A/C on. In fact, many vehicles actually run the A/C when you turn the controls to defrost, to have dry air blowing on your window.

**soundman98** · 09-11-2009, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by kross

I don't believe the A/C will cause condensation on the X Box. The air that blows out of the vents is pretty dry. Most of the moisture has already been removed from the air when it blows past the evaporator. That's why you see water dripping outside the car when you have the A/C on. In fact, many vehicles actually run the A/C when you turn the controls to defrost, to have dry air blowing on your window.

the air coming out of the vents is cool and dry, but, if you look through hijacks build thread, he had built a computer enclosure to use the a/c ducts to keep it cool-- and the condensation that formed on the fan grilles on the front of the enclosure caused some surface rust--i think it might actually be from the moisture in the air... so while the a/c itself did not provide the moisture, it did create good conditions for moisture to form...

**kross** · 09-11-2009, 05:25 PM

I guess it's possible that after you turn off the system, and open the doors, it lets warm, moist air back into the car, and it condensed on the cold metal.

**smartass365** · 09-11-2009, 07:33 PM

What about liquid cooling or a fan with a peltier element?

**HiJackZX1** · 09-12-2009, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by soundman98

the air coming out of the vents is cool and dry, but, if you look through hijacks build thread, he had built a computer enclosure to use the a/c ducts to keep it cool-- and the condensation that formed on the fan grilles on the front of the enclosure caused some surface rust--i think it might actually be from the moisture in the air... so while the a/c itself did not provide the moisture, it did create good conditions for moisture to form...

Anything that cools air rapidly will cause condensation no matter what, especially in a car environment. Like soundman98 says, my install drew A/C air in since the intake fans for my center console happen to be near the vents. I also have exhaust fans in the back that draws that air out. The rear grills are fine, but the front grills are starting to rust. I live in FLORIDA (Miami) so its always hot and muggy.

What I would honestly do is not add any additional cooling. As long as the cabin is at room temperature (like your house is when you play Xbox 360) you shouldn't have any issues. The main issue isn't actually cooling but vibration. The laser and tray system in the Xbox 360 are very sensitive. I use to have my surround sound system on the same entertainment stand as my 360, one day I was playing a game and there was a rumble from the speaker. I got stuck on a loading screen and when I took the CD out, it had massive scratches. i promptly called Microsoft and complained and said its a known issue. They recommended me moving my speakers and called Namco to replace the game for me. Even one little bump or wiggle while driving will eat your games like a cat to a chalk board. The only way you would be able to play the 360 is if at a complete stand still, and if that is the case, you cant wiggle the car at all.

**UnusuallyGenius** · 09-12-2009, 10:47 PM

thus why my xbox is only used for display purposes

**DarquePervert** · 09-13-2009, 09:13 AM

One of the problems with the XBox360 in general is that they are prone to overheating problems that ultimately result in the red ring of death.
I think one of the newer 360 consoles with the Jasper board would be better for a vehicle environment, as it uses the smaller-die CPU and GPU that run cooler.

However, the way the cooling mounts to the metal chassis is a horrible design, anyway, and is the root cause of most XBox360 failures. IF the car is going to be a driver, I'd think the normal bumps & vibrations could reduce the effectiveness of the cooling.

I think a couple of fans to draw air through the console would help keep it cool. You can power them from the car's electrical system and they are dirt cheap.

**koolkidd** · 09-15-2009, 12:52 AM

ive decided to have it as a display only unit, i will rarely use it, and when i do, it will be boot open, show style.

problem is, in the boot, would the sub damage it at all?

**HiJackZX1** · 09-15-2009, 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by koolkidd

ive decided to have it as a display only unit, i will rarely use it, and when i do, it will be boot open, show style.

problem is, in the boot, would the sub damage it at all?

If the sub rumbles alot while the XBOX is on, then yes, you will most likely damage CDs. I could be wrong, maybe go on other forums that have Xbox 360 installed. I have only seen one, and all the rest usually have a PS2, which is built alot better to be tough (slim line version).