HappyPillz said:
Even Microsoft didn't deny that The 360 had a failure rate of around 54%. I can't find the link to the article though..
I think this is the article [http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/43724/98/] you mentioned. The gist of it is this:
When Microsoft was presented with Gameinformer's survey that showed a 54% failure rate of Xbox 360s, a spokesperson replied "Microsoft stands behind the Xbox 360 as a superior entertainment console with one of the best warranties in the industry," and "Xbox 360 is pleased to maintain the title of 'most played console'".
So maybe Microsoft couldn't afford a competent spokesperson, but IMO I've seen n00b governments spin better BS.
As for the failure rate itself, I don't doubt it's high compared to the PS3 but there are a great number of variables. Considering that the issue is the overheating of the motherboard, you have to factor in length of use, intensity of use, and most of all, cooling. Remember that the X360 is a powerful piece of hardware crammed into a small casing with pathetic heat management (small enclosed space and heat-insulating plastic casing). I mean, just imagine the survival rate of a full-spec, overclocked PC gaming rig cooled with two 2"-fans.
So take proper care of your X360. Clear it of excess dust, especially the vents, don't leave it in a video cabinet, don't stack things above it, etc. And get a replacement with the Jasper chipset if you can. Just in case.