Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 6:16 pm Post subject: Newb Looking to Mod My XBOX
I just bought an XBOX today with the hope of upgrading it with a mod chip and a larger hard drive. Also, I'm a complete newbie .
So anyway, help would be MUCH appreciated. First of all, I decided to look for hard drives first. Those have been quite easy to find, but what do I need to know before I buy one; will the ones made by big names (samsung, western digital, seagate, etc) all fit in the Xbox? Are there any reliable tutorials that explain when and how to install the new HD?
Next I guess I need a mod chip, heh. This is where I need the most help, because I have no idea about the differences between the chips and stuff, and so I'd really appreciate it if someone could recommend something to me or explain what flashing the BIOS is, etc etc. I'm a fast learner. I can't solder at all, I've never tried it, so I'd like to go solderless unless it's plausible for me to do it and get ir right the first time wihtout screwing over my Xbox lol.
Lastly, I guess I need help with files and stuff. How would I go about moving the info from my Xbox games to the HD? Could I burn music / movies / emulators from my computer to a blank CD and then put it on my Xbox, or do I need to invest in a DVD-R/RW drive? I have a Phillips DVD drive I know that (was hoping for a Samsung, but sadly I didn't get it ).
Your help is GREATLY appreciated!!!!
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 7:35 pm Post subject:
Hey there, welcome to the site. Glad you decided to join! Let's see if I can give you some direction.
As far as HD's, I used Western Digital due to the price at the time. However, if you find a seagate baracuda for cheaper, that would work too. As far as installing, here is a tutorial:
You will want to also check out other newbie tutorials to give you a further explanation of how the xbox mod actuall works. Before posting always make sure you try all the resources that you can first. That way we aren't just directing you to tutorials.
If there is something you don't understand about the tutorial, please just ask.
As far as modchips, they are all about the same. So whether you pick a Xecuter 2.3 lite or pro, a xenium, or other it won't make much difference. The major difference will be in whether you get a solderless chip or one that has to be soldered. That is up to you. People put way too much effort in choice of modchip.
As far as that install, depending on the one you get check our tutorials.
You then will need to join our VIP membership by donating 10.00 to the site. This donation helps in web costs to host all these files and forums.
The VIP section has all you need. You can download the latest bios to flash your chip with. Then, you can use an autoinstaller to set up the formatting of HD, the install of your dashboard and all your apps.
For any questions on that stuff just ask. But, be sure to check out all the newbie posts and tutorials. Anything you don't understand, just holler.
later man _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
Courthead Xbox-HQ User
Joined: Jul 12, 2004 Posts: 13
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:53 pm Post subject:
Lol, I discovered the tutorials right after posting. I read the Beginner's Guide to Xbox Hacking ( http://www.xbox-hq.com/html/xbox-tutorials-6.html ) which was very helpful. It seems that the most popular Xbox OS is the EvoX one. Am I right, or are there better/newer/more popular ones out there? If that's true then I definitely will need a mod chip that can use EvoX. I'm guessing that Xeniums and the ones you recommended probably DO use Evox so I'll just get one of those.
Quick question: what's a "cheapmod" chip? Why get a Xenium when I can get an AppleX V? Any specific reason? Also, why get a chip you have to solder when you can get a solderless one that makes for easier installation and removal if need-be? If there's no really good reason, what would you recommend as a reliable, good, and cheap solderless chip?
Just little things like this that confuse me. Thanks again for your help! I'll probably end up becoming a VIP member when my mod stuff ships!
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 9:34 pm Post subject:
I usually try to stick to the chips that have the best documentation. I have found that Xenium and Xecuter chips have great documentation and history.
Also, the Xenium allows you to still play xbox live without having to install a separate switch to cloak/shut off the chip. That is also something you want to take into consideration.
I have always found no matter what you do in life, you pretty much get what you pay for. Even though the Xeniums are a little more expensive, I use them. Also, something to consider is newer xbox's sometimes are version 1.6. Xenium Ice is the only chip to work with that version, so as you can see they are on the ball.
Again, if you would rather go cheaper that is up to you. Ultimately your options of what you can do like back up games to HD, play emulators aren't determined by your chip. They are determined by your bios. The popular bios usually is Xecuter2, as EvoX is the dashboard of choice. I recommend having two dashboards. When my machine boots up here is some pics of what you see.
I always suggest having more than one dashboard installed. EvoX is usually your default and is called up as soon as the hacked bios (Xecuter2) loads.
Your chip will most likely come with the Cromwell bios, but that is a legal bios that won't let you accomplish much.
Remember, you are not changing the xbox OS, or bios. You are installing a modchip that contains a different bios and then when booting your machine you are bypassing the MS bios and loading the modchip whicn in turn loads the hacked bios. Then, the hacked bios will do the rest such as let you run apps, read certain media, etc.. etc..
The MS bios will always be available. Otherwise, if you tried running your machine normally it would frag and you would get error 16. _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
Courthead Xbox-HQ User
Joined: Jul 12, 2004 Posts: 13
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 9:44 pm Post subject:
1. Why have two dashboards? Just for variety, or are there more practical reasons? I'm assuming from your profile that2 doesn't include the MS dashboard.
2. How can I tell if my Xbox is 1.6?
3. What is this I hear about fake mod chips?
DJB Administrator
Joined: May 23, 2003 Posts: 4031 Location: NSW, Australia
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 10:57 pm Post subject:
I'll help with this one:
1) There is no real reason to have two dashboards, it's mainly a matter of choice. I only use the one hacked dashboard (EvoX 3921) and ofcourse I still have my MS Dashboard. My setup is a little different though (I have the AppleX V chip btw), I just use my power button to toggle between to two BIOSes. I press it normal for MS, and hold it in for a couple of seconds for EvoX.
2) There are two ways it can be identified, either by the serial numbers on the bottom of the Xbox, or by physically opening the Xbox and identifying the motherboard. There are some pics of the 1.6 Xbox on this site in one of the other posts, I'm sorry but I can't remember where right at this moment (just seach the site for xbox 1.6).
3) A while ago there was a cheap rip-off company making Xenium chips from memory. There's an old news post about it which has some pictures taken of the fake chip and the real chip. Just search the News posts and you should find it (it was a couple of months ago I made this post too). I'm assuming this is what you meant by fake mod.
Hopefully this has helped you out...
spongebob Xbox-HQ Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 10, 2004 Posts: 26
Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 12:04 am Post subject:
I say go with the xenium chip. For 49 bucks you can get the xenium ice chip with some extras and it comes loaded with a pre-release of os2 wich will allow you to ftp thru your os. This will make it easy to flash bios and install your dash without needing to burn any install discs. I luv my xeniums! Good Luck, Spongy _________________ halo xbox ver. 1.4
xenium ice
160 gig maxtor
evox m8
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 1:36 am Post subject:
Quote:
There is no real reason to have two dashboards, it's mainly a matter of choice.
Actually, for me there was some practicality to having the extra dashboard.
I have two programs to back up games to HD. PxHDD Loader and DVD2XBOX.
I recently tried backing up Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and PxHDD Loader would not back up the game due to long filename being present within the game file.
So, I used DVD2Xbox to back up and all went well. However, I had no way to load the game since I wasn't launching it via PxHDD Loader as we all know PxHDD loader lists your games nicely and launches them as well. I also have Avalaunch Dashboard on my xbox as an app. All I did was launch it and go to games, and low and behold Harry Potter showed up in the games menu and I was able to launch it. Now, I am sure I could have configured my evox to point to this or that and list the game in a different menu but I hate screwing with config files.
That is why I always say it's a good thing to have that extra dashboard as not everyone has their EvoX set up the same. Whether you call that preference or a reason is up to you.
You can go to Xeniums website and get a list of approved vendors for the Xenium to assure you don't get a clone.
later _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
xboxhacker_uk V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Apr 23, 2004 Posts: 120 Location: Coventry, England
Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:30 pm Post subject:
A bit later than everyone else but welcome to the site To answer your questions, like realmcloy, I went for a Xenium. These are great chips and come with their own OS so if you totally screw up your xbox, chances are the chip will still load and you can fix it. Also as you want to upgrade your hard drive this chip is great. It has a function called smart drive upgrade. This allows you to copy the contents of one hard drive to another by temporarily replacing the DVD drive with it. So I would go with these and become a VIP member of this site as the downloads section has some really useful stuff. Also I would recommend downloading DC++ and joing the hub plexhub.dynip.com Good Luck _________________ V1.4 Xbox
Xenium Modchip
X2 4983.67 Bios
Evox V+3935 Dashboard
Maxtor 250Gb HDD
2 Front USB
Custom Jewel lit by blue cold cathode
Blue controller port lights
Blue/Red Front LED
Internal IR Reciever
CHEEZ_PUF Xbox-HQ Experienced Xbox Version: v1.1 Modded:
Joined: Jun 18, 2004 Posts: 151 Location: Morgantown, WV
Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:08 am Post subject:
solderless chips are so easy to add. i was amazed though at the small size of the mod. i had never opened my xbox prior to getting the chip so i expected it to be bigger.
follow the tutorials and take your time. when you get to the part where you have to uncover the d0 point you have several options: a fiberglass pen, flat-head (slotted) screwdriver, etc. i used a screwdriver. be careful not to remove too much of the coating.
get a hold of an auto installer for your first time, like the XBOXHQ AUTO INSTALLER. it will format a new hd, return a retail xbox hd back to its original state, inluded useful apps, and setup a network (for use with a router). The XBOXHQ AUTOINSTALLER is alot newer then slayers.. Slayers is getting really old now and has old apps, dashboards etc.
once you get the hang of how everything works. start trying new stuff. xbox media center is awesome. some of the apps from the auto installer are out of date. you'll need to upgrade them.
sign up for a vip member ship. i was hesitant at first, but when i had a question or needed a file, i got it here. it's a steal at $10. _________________ XBOX v1.1 - Philips DVD
Xecuter 2.3 Lite+ (that's a tiny d0!)
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary Xbox Version: v1.1 Modded:
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 6:12 am Post subject:
Yeah cheez, it's pretty wild how simplistic everything is. I too thought I would see a lot more when I opened my machine.
I do say though that they cram everything together nicely. PC towers take up so much more room than needed. I guess that's why shuttle cases are gaining in popularity.
What is it with human nature that we have such an urge to DISASSEMBLE...ha! Now, I know this statement is really showing my age, but I remember as a little kid even taking weebles apart!! I had to find out why the wobbled but didn't fall down!! Okay, so I believed my brother when he told me there were prizes inside. _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
Guest
Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 4:41 pm Post subject:
Ok, after opening my Xbox up I've determiend I defintely have a 1.6, and so I'm going to order a Xenium Ice and a 120 gig hard drive. I don't think there is a solderless kit for the xenium ice with 1.6 boxes, and so I'm definitely goig to have to learn to solder.
I won't have the chip for aroudn another week or so, so that should be polenty of time to learn right? Exactly what tools do I need and can anyone give me some tips and advice on this? Installation is what I dread most, although me and my freinds openeed up my xbox and removed and then replaced the HD and dvd drive which was suprisngly simplye. Thanks for all your help!
Courthead Xbox-HQ User Xbox Version: v1.1 Modded:
Joined: Jul 12, 2004 Posts: 13
Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 5:43 pm Post subject:
i'm "guest" btw, just forgot to login
CHEEZ_PUF Xbox-HQ Experienced Xbox Version: v1.1 Modded:
Joined: Jun 18, 2004 Posts: 151 Location: Morgantown, WV
Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:23 pm Post subject:
you'll need a soldering iron and some solder. and practice practice practice. the solder points are really small.
i bought an xecuter lite+ for the ease of instllation and removal. plus, the chip doesn't move around and get dislodged like i've heard. one person said once the chip is in the box shouldn't be moved at all. well, i installed mine and moved across the state with it and nothing happened.
good luck soldering. _________________ XBOX v1.1 - Philips DVD
Xecuter 2.3 Lite+ (that's a tiny d0!)
Courthead Xbox-HQ User Xbox Version: v1.1 Modded:
Joined: Jul 12, 2004 Posts: 13
Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2004 12:33 pm Post subject:
I just bought a soldering oiron and a thing of lead free rosin core electrical solder.
Thing is, I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing. How should I practice? It's not like I have spare motherboards and modchips laying around the house and I don't have the money to go buy them. Also, I have no idea what the chip will look like or how I'm going to install it and stuff.
I'm basically clueless. It would help to see step by step instructions for installing a Xenium Ice into a 1.6 with actual pictures (rather than drawings) - does such a guide exist?
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