Intercooler 360 Product ReviewEver since the launch of the Xbox 360 there has been a topic of debate, which is does the Xbox 360 needs an extra source to help keep it cool? While I am not going to go on the record and say yes to this question, I will say after using NYKO’S Intercooler for the Xbox 360, I have noticed several performance improvements.

At $19.99 can this 3 fan cooling unit really help prolong the life and the performance of your Xbox 360? Read on and see in the full product review.

Intercooler 360 – how it works

NYKO’S Intercooler for the Xbox 360 comes in a handy one piece unit. It attaches to the power plug and uses the Xbox 360’s power. It fits perfectly with a few hooks in the vents and stays in place. The unit also features an off/on switch in case you decide you won’t need the extra ventilation of the intercooler without having to remove the unit. It attaches in about a minute and at first you may notice a louder sound but in time this seems to go away.

You must make sure both the fan and the power plug are fitted securely before powering on the Xbox 360 to avoid any possible damage. It works simply like any exhaust fan and over time all you need to do is touch your Xbox 360 and you can tell it really works as promised. It also works vertically or horizontal.

Intercooler 360 Image
An image of what the Intercooler 360 looks like.

Claims to keep the 360 Cooler

I never hooked up a meter to test the temperature with the unit and without it. I can tell you that I have not had some of the issues that I had before using the intercooler including disc freezing, complete system locks, or a few other issues that some have blamed on the ventilation design. I have noticed that with the intercooler working, the Xbox 360 has always been cool to the touch. It’s made with 3 powerful fans of a sturdy plastic. Throw in the fact it attaches in the back, it is hidden and works as it claims to.

Here is a chart, from the manufacturer with their claims on temperature variations with and without the Intercooler hooked up. Note: I cannot verify these numbers as I did not test the unit’s tempurature, as most gamers will not either.

Intercooler Temperature Chart

The Advantages of the Intercooler

I had my doubts that this little unit would do anything more than make a noise with the 3 fans. I later noticed it does reduce the temperature of the inside of the Xbox 360. It’s inexpensive at $19.99 and several other magazines and gamers have praised this little unit. Unlike a fan stand or other cooling accessories out there, the one piece design and the fact it uses the Xbox 360’s own power is great.

There is no need to find or make room for another AC adapter and the unit stays in place. Throw in the fact my Xbox 360 is on for hours at a time and for me the choice is clear. I would rather have the extra protection than be skeptical. Throw in the fact NYKO has a great customer support team and offers replacements if indeed a unit stops working, it all adds up as a very inexpensive way to reduce possible wear of your expensive investment.

Overall Score

Overall Score: 9.4/10

Final Thoughts

It’s inexpensive and just by placing a hand near the unit you can feel the hot air being drawn out from your Xbox 360. For the price of a new faceplate, you can help protect your Xbox 360 and from my time with using NYKO’S Intercooler, the unit works as promised. It stays in place and is simple to remove if you ever take your Xbox 360 to a friend’s house or LAN Party Etc. The final word on NYKO’S Intercooler is that this compact unit has delivered exactly as the packaging and website states. Take a look at the unit and judge for yourself.

Review by: XBS Head Writer: Rich Reed

Filed under: Hardware • Reviews

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