Mine definitely runs quieter than my previous xbox. But it also uses a different disk drive from what I can tell so there are running changes in the actual components. My initial one sounding like a jet engine on start-up, that doesn't happen anymore. To clarify the model/features (arcade, elite) will be the same but it will not be the exact same unit with the same serial # that you send in.

I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne