Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 9:43 pm Post subject: Which Modchip Should You Choose??
Okay, I have seemed to get stuck in a rut here recently answering this one question about a thousand times, "What Modchip Should I Buy"?
It's not that I or any other Admins and Moderators don't mind giving advice, it's just there are so many more tangibles in choosing a modchip that it's impossible to answer. So, I am hoping that the information that I post here will be read and taken into consideration prior to asking what chip to buy.
First, KNOW YOUR XBOX VERSION. Too many times people don't realize that the version of your xbox may limit you to what you can buy. The first modchip that I knew of that was compatible for 1.6 xbox's was the Xenium Ice. Now a few other chips have jumped on board and are 1.6 compatible.
Second, when it comes to chip buying know up front if you would rather go solderless. If soldering scares you, there are chips that will help you. Unless of course you have a 1.6 version xbox. Soldering is unavoidable in this instance.
Third, understand how the chip works. Understand the flashing process and choose a chip accordingly. If you want to flash your chip via a programmer, or you want to flash directly from your Xbox's dvd/game tray. For instance, I chose the Xenium so I could flash it right from the DVD/Game tray. I didn't have to worry about buying a programmer or hooking it up to the chip to flash.
Fourth, read other members posts. Read tutorials. Read the glossary of terms for newbies and Evolution X for dummies. It will give you some basic knowledge that may help you understand what it is you are doing.
Fifth, decide how or if you want to use your machine for xbox live. Certain chips require switches to turn the chip off so you can access xbox live. Others just allow you to boot the MS Bios and dashboard and cloaks the chip so MS won't ban you from xbox live for logging in with chipped machine.
You should know what a bios is and what a bios does for the modchip. You should have an understanding that you will also need to upgrade your Hard Drive to fully take advantage of what your modchip can do for you. The stock xbox HD is around 10GB. You may be able to back up a game or two, that's it.
The bios you choose will also have to accomodate your HD size. This info will be realized when you read up on Evolution X for dummies.
I won't discuss dashboards, apps, or anything else you will be adding to your xbox as I am trying to mainly focus on the modchip itself.
When you start looking for your chip, you will find tons to choose from. Just compare it's features with your list of features that you wish it to have and see how they compare. If it has everything that you want, then buy it!! If you want more info, then go ahead and post a question like, "Buying a SmartXX chip, has anyone had problems with these"?
That is a lot better of a question than, Hello my name is Roy what modchip should I buy?
In closing, we are all here to help. Help us help you by being a little more informed prior to asking questions. Keep in mind that we have painstakingly added tutorials and replies to just about any question imaginable. Don't hesitate to spend an hour or so reading older posts and answers to a question that you are about to ask!!
If something you read is confusing, reply to that post as it will bring it back into an active status for everyone to see and we can answer. Be as specific as you can. Give us all the info that you can so we don't have to ask for details and we can just answer your question directly.
Good luck to all the new modders coming on board! Thanks for making this site so successful!
Cheers!
realmccloy
Co-Admin Xbox-hq.com
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custom-xmodz Xbox-HQ Freak
Joined: Aug 28, 2004 Posts: 796 Location: Wales, UK
Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 5:26 pm Post subject:
Also
You can now read reviews in the new hardware Review section
Just click on "Xbox Hardware" from the links near the top of the page
DJH
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:00 am Post subject:
I want to update this sticky with some new information. I am seeing a lot of people sending their machines out to modders, or purchasing premods and not really understanding what they are getting. So, I am putting a little check list together of what a newbie can do to assure they get their monies worth....and more importantly do not get ripped off.
First, I would say make sure you get as many references from your modder. I know that everyone starts somewhere and maybe your modder is new. But, personal references work too. Maybe this person is active in some forums somewhere and has helped a lot of people with their issues. Any good reference is a bonus.
See if they have an Ebay account for feedback. This can give you an indication how they treat their customers and what types of quality products they sell. Even if it has nothing to do with modding products, the apple never falls far from the tree! Make sure the Ebay ref they give you is correct. Click on "Advance Search" and request their contact information. Verify it.
Get a phone number. Call it and verify! If someone who you are about to give money to won't give you a phone number.....don't give him your money!
Ask for their refund/return policies. If they do not have a site with these displayed, or do have a site with no policies displayed get something in writing. An email from them with their address in the header is good enough.
Verify what you are getting done. If they say they are installing a mod chip, ask what chip it is. Too many times have I heard people getting their machines modded and they assumed a chip was involved. When they get their machine back...no chip.....softmod or TSOP flash only.
Make sure they are using quality products. No CLONES!! Find out who they purchase from. Follow up.
If you are sending someone your machine, make sure you send it with tracking and delivery confirmation. DO NOT use USPS. Use FedEx or UPS. Better tracking, better insurance. Been there, done that!! Trust me. Make sure that the modder sends to you the same way. Requiring signatures is always best.
Write your serial number down. Did you know that your motherboard, dvd drive, hard drive, and machine all have serial numbers.
Do you know what DVD Drive you have in your machine? What would stop a dishonest modder from taking your Samsung drive and popping a Phillips in there. Or swapping your good Thompson drive for an older one. Or, even swap your mobo for a different one.
Learn how to open your machine. When you do, open it up and get all of your serial numbers.
I am sure I will be adding more to this, but I just wanted to take a moment and give some advice to our new members and those who are trying to decide what modding route is best for them.
Later all!
TheModGod
------------------------------
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cap269 Xbox-HQ Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 17, 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Alabama, USA
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:54 am Post subject:
There's some really good advice here. A lot of people get scammed, and because this is a "gray area" regarding legality, some people just don't want to fool with using their legal remedies, if any, to recover their loss in the event they get ripped off.
TheModGod wrote:
Get a phone number. Call it and verify! If someone who you are about to give money to won't give you a phone number.....don't give him your money!
One thing I'd like to offer, though, the telephone thing may not be a good idea. Some modders (like myself) don't even have a phone. I do all of my correspondance by e-mail. First, it's always available with no busy signals, and second, I have a written record of everything said by both parties. Other modders that I personally know have phones but don't give out their numbers because they don't want people calling them at all hours of the day and night for support issues. Email and forums are really better for support, especially if the modder works by him/herself, plus the question and answer(s) are available for others with the same issue.
As for USPS, yes there have been horror stories, even in my own experiences, but they are still a valid and useful resource. If you put delivery confirmation and insurance on every package, they can be an economical alternative. Did you know that FedEx actually handles and ships much of the USPS parcels and express mail? And for a lower cost too... Personally, I like to use FedEx Ground, but I do use USPS Priority Mail (Insured w/Delivery Confirmation) occasionally.
Just my $0.015 _________________ Visit Mid-South Mods for expert mod installation, repairs, and upgrades
Author of the acclaimed Xenium ICE guide
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 7:32 am Post subject:
I use a Cricket Phone for my modding business. 29.99 per month. This way, I can turn it off when I don't want bothered and just return phone calls. It includes 600 Long Distance minutes for me to give my customers return phone calls. I think the phone support is what really helps me get work. I do also offer a forum and answer loads of emails, but as a consumer I still like being able to physically talk to a company.
I still believe that if you can reach someone by phone, the odds are they are legit...now I am not saying that if you don't have a phone you are a scammer. These are all just suggestions...not a bible.
As far as Delivery Confirmation goes, that's a joke. I purchased a Halo LE from someone off of Amazon.com MarketPlace. He shipped it with USPS with DC. After about five days I noticed that the DC info stated it was delivered the previous day at 11:47AM.
Since USPS only provides the city, state, zip code and delivery date/time in their DC information there is just too much room for abuse. What this seller did was ship a package to a known good address in my same city and state. He then got a DC number and forwarded it to me. Luckily, I was smart enough to scare him into fessing up to it. However, someone who may have not thought about that scenerio would have possibly assumed that it was left on the doorstep and stolen, or delivered to the wrong address.
His downfall was the scan weight at the post office was only 3.3 lbs. WhenI hit him with that information and the fact that Mail Fraud is a Felony he bit hard and refunded me immediately stating he accidently gave me a DC number for a book sale that he made on Ebay. The buyer just happened to live in my same city and state...yeah, right.
When I suggested using Fedex or UPS it had nothing to do with reliability of the carrier. Just the fact that there is no mistake to what address the package is going to. It's listed right in the tracking information.
I have seen way too many people in this forum alone think they are purchasing a machine with a mod chip only to realize it is a softmod or TSOP flash. The bottom line is ask the right questions, do your homework, get the references, and understand that no matter how many I's you dot and T's your cross you are purchasing a product from soeone you have never met. The more you are educated, the better off you will be.
later all...
TheModGod
--------------------------
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cap269 Xbox-HQ Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 17, 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Alabama, USA
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:21 pm Post subject:
TheModGod wrote:
When I suggested using Fedex or UPS it had nothing to do with reliability of the carrier. Just the fact that there is no mistake to what address the package is going to. It's listed right in the tracking information.
I've never seen street addresses, or zip codes even, in any tracking information from any of the companies. Only city and state. On UPS even, they'll leave packages on the step or yard and leave the signer's name as "F. DOOR" or "MAN" or "WOMAN" ... yeah, that's real helpful if it gets misdelivered or lost... At least with FedEx someone has to physically sign for the package.
I guess my point is, if someone is going to be scam artist, they will be a scam artist, whether they use FedEx and have a telephone or not.
I am not disagreeing with any of the guidelines you've posted. I wholeheartedly agree that the consumer needs to take every precaution to protect him/herself and their investments, especially in this arena. I was just (hopefully) adding something to the conversation, and pointing out that while these guidelines are excellent, they shouldn't be taken as hard and fast rules, as individual situations can be different. If the pro that is being considered can give good (and plenty) references to demonstrate through recommendation and reputation that their service is honorable and will provide what they claim, then the consumer can feel relatively certain that their transaction will be smooth and satisfactory. _________________ Visit Mid-South Mods for expert mod installation, repairs, and upgrades
Author of the acclaimed Xenium ICE guide
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:36 pm Post subject:
You are correct!
Refs are the biggest asset to any modder! That should be one of the first things anyone looking to get a machine requests.
As far as Delivery goes... As long as a signature is mandated at time of delivery I think you are safe. If someone refused to send me a $600.00 item with signature being required I would most likely think twice. You are correct about FedEx tracking not showing the exact address but at least it can be obtained. I do believe however the UPS tracking that I have looked at before has actually shown the exact address. I do like that I can also obtain a proof of signature with FedEx.
Ultimately, if someone is trying to scam you out of your hard earned dough there's really not any way to be 100% guaranteed you won't fall victim. But, the more hoops the scammer has to jump through the better off the consumer is. The consumer has many tools available, they just need to know how to use them
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Ranhead V.I.P. Lifetime Xbox Version: 1.6 Modded: Xenium ICE
Joined: Jan 01, 2005 Posts: 101 Location: South Jersey
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 4:11 am Post subject:
Since I am a Noob (had an Xbox for 3 weeks now), I thought I would share a noob perspective on choosing a chip. It is easy for someone who knows what they are doing, to decide what chip they want. But if you are completely clueless, like I am, then doing what I did may help you.
Look at members’ signature. The admins and moderators here have given you a lot of good info in their signatures. This will show you what version Xbox they have, what chip they chose, and often what dash they use.
Next, find the installation info on the chip you like, BEFORE you buy it. READ it and UNDERSTAND it. Too many people get a chip, and then ask what do I do now? _________________ Xbox Version 1.6
250GB Hitachi HD
Xenium Ice OS 2.3
Xecuter 1.6 LPC Rebuild
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary Xbox Version: 1.6 Modded: Xenium ICE
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 1:18 am Post subject:
Dude, you don't know the half of it.
I get probably between 100-200 emails a day from people that say, I installed my chip but nothing is different, or I installed my chip...now what?
Your modding experience will be so much more enjoyable if you just get a checklist together and abide by it.
Take your time during the install too. If you aren't sure about something STOP and ask someone for help. And something I have said before and will always preach... DO NOT buy a mod chip only for what you think you want to do today. Buy a mod chip for what you KNOW you want to do today and what you MAY want to do tomorrow.
I have seen people say, well all I want to do is play backups...then all of a sudden they are asking why they can't install an LCD or something.
Also, mod chips are a lot like other products we buy. Some are very cheap for a reason. Some are more expensive for a reason. And also, just because one may be more expensive than another in some cases doesn't really warrant the extra price.
Right now in my honest opinion the chips that have more bang for their buck are the chips put out by TeamXodus.
The best under 40.00 chip in my mind, even though I am not a huge Xecuter fan is the X2.6
But, keep your eye on the new SmartXX chip coming out. It is going to be a great alternative to cheap mods.
Anyway, good points brought up ranhead.
later all
TheModGod
-------------------------
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seankillu Xbox-HQ Newbie Xbox Version: Xbox V1.6 Modded: SmartXX
Joined: Jan 17, 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Rhode Island
Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 6:57 pm Post subject: buying a modded xbox
i have a friend who bought a modded xbox off ebay and i was amazed at how he could play almost any game without the game discs itself, and he told me it was illegal so i got a little sketched out when wanting to purchase one, i did some research and asked some more people about it, and i got to this website http://shop.system-mods.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=111 this seems legit but i thought id get a second opinion here, i want to be able to have the emulator capability in my xbox and store games and DVDs on the harddrive but i dont know what or how much space i need, i guess the xbox comes with 10 GIGs and u can upgrade up to 200GIGs, the chip i found best was the Xecution 3 which seems to be the newest chip out there? idk, id like some feedback if u check out the site i posted and ultimately my question is, if i buy this modded xbox with the Xecutioner 3 chip and however many GIGs, will i be able to burn games and or DVDs on my xbox and if not how can i? thanks for your time reading this
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary Xbox Version: Xbox V1.6 Modded: SmartXX
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 2:57 pm Post subject:
Well, the problem with purchasing a machine with the stock 10GB HD is you will only have so much space left to put one game on to FTP over to your PC. It will in most cases be enough to put one game on your machine, but you will not have room for emulators and roms.
Not too mention, depending on where you are from I or anyone else from here who mods could probably save you some money and load you up with thousand of froms.
Also the X3 is a good chip, but you can also go with a Xenium Ice or a SmartXX and get the same results. The Xenium Ice will even save you 10.00, the SmartXX is about the same price. My only beef with the X3 is the bios. I'm not convinced that the 1959 bios is completely stable. Plus, the X3 requires more solering than the other two chips. The X3, Xenium Ice, and SmartXX are all fourh generation chips. They all have built in web servers, are flash upgradable through the Xbox DVD Drive, the HD, or HTTP.
Their Premod with 120GB HD and a fourth gen chip will cost you 374.00
Mine is 359.00
A little cheaper, but the extras I put on the machine for you will make it worth you while. I have done many machines for members here and can give you refs if you need. Don't get me wrong, systemmods is a good company too. But, they are not going to give you the software that I am, that's for sure.
I have over 14,000 roms for various emulators including, NES, SNES, Atari, MameX, MameOX, N64, C64, Atari Lynx, Sega Genesis, and Sega Master System.
If you have any other questions about how to operate your machine, regardless of where you purchase it please don't hesitate to ask.
TheModGod
---------------------------
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seankillu Xbox-HQ Newbie Xbox Version: Xbox V1.6 Modded: SmartXX
Joined: Jan 17, 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Rhode Island
Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:17 pm Post subject: buying a modded xbox
thanks for the reply, i sent you an email concerning purchasing one of your pre-modded xboxes
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary Xbox Version: Xbox V1.6 Modded: SmartXX
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 4:39 am Post subject:
Got your order:)
You will love your machine!! I'll keep in touch through the entire process. I will actually be chipping your machine tomorrow in all likelyhood. I have two to finish first, but then will be right on yours.
Also, I am going to be donating $10.00 on your behalf to Xbox-HQ which will give access to the VIP sections for 1 full year
Keep an eye on your status, you can see it under your name. It will soon say VIP member and you will have access to the FTP server and VIP downloads, as well as VIP tickets. Don't forget, you can always call me, email me, or post here or in my forum for my support. Enjoy the VIP membership to the most complete modding site in the world!!
TheModGod
-------------------------
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seankillu Xbox-HQ Newbie Xbox Version: Xbox V1.6 Modded: SmartXX
Joined: Jan 17, 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Rhode Island
Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 11:53 pm Post subject:
you are the man!
tonydead Xbox-HQ User Xbox Version: Xbox V1.6 Modded: SmartXX
Joined: May 06, 2005 Posts: 15
Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 6:33 am Post subject:
What about executer 3 with 3xapr solderless? Is it worth the extra $23?
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