Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:07 am Post subject: How do you figure out which dvd drive you own?
Hey, I've had my xbox now since it first came out. I've heard that ms has horrible hardware so I went out and purchased a new xbox cause I plan to do some mods. Was this a wise decision? How do you figure out the manufactor of the dvd drive? What about what verison? Anyone familar with xbc, I'm not exactly sure on how to set up it or how to run it........?, the comp is wireless and they start talking about crossover cable from comp to xbox this is confusing....... do they mean ethernet cable? Also which system do you think would last longer, an xbox from when they first came out v1.0, or one purchased today v1.5-v1.6? My halo was lost (thanks to my parents) should I dish out the money for a new one?, I'm trying to get one for cheap off ebay.
I am also in the process of upgrading, here's my wishlist:
Monster gamelink 400x HD cables
Monster lightwave 100x fiber optic 5.1 cable
Mod chip, I'm not sure which yet, but I hear aladdin does the job and is cheap. If not I'm gonna get the xecutor 3 when it comes out.
250gb hard drive (which sparks some questions, can any computer hd be used in the xbox, or is there restrictions on what can be used? Should I get a better fan or cooling system? I've heard you can only use up to 138gb, is this true....even with 4th gen chips? I was talking to this kid about it and he said it wasn't true.)
wireless g adapter, either microsoft or linksys
two tone paint job
new jewel
dvd glass cut out
lcd screen (does anyone have any clue how much this would cost or how to go about doing it?)
leds
linux (can i install windows as an operating system for xb)
I have quite expensive taste unfortunately, best part is I don't have the funds for it................ this all depends on whether or not my dad approves. I hontestly had no idea mods could be done until 2 months ago, if not I would have a lot of this done already.
DJB Administrator
Joined: May 23, 2003 Posts: 4031 Location: NSW, Australia
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:54 am Post subject:
OK, let's see how I can help you here...
There's no real way to tell what Xbox has what DVD drive, as it's always been random. If you're real lucky you might have a Samsung DVD-Rom in your old Xbox, which in that case I'd continue to use that one.
I don't know a lot about XBC, but yes a crossover cable is a form of ethernet cable. There are crossover cables which go directly PC -> PC (or PC -> Xbox), and there's a patch cable which goes into a switch. With wireless you don't need cables obviously.
You could still mod your original Xbox, but ofcourse if you want to buy a new one and do it that's fine also. For the lifespan of them, I still know ppl that have the first Xbox's that came out and they're still running fine.
Now, onto your wantlist:
* For a modchip, the Aladdin chips are nice, but waiting for the X3 wouldn't be a bad option either.
* Yes you can use a normal PC HDD in your Xbox. There is support for larger drives too as another Partition gets created once it reaches the 130gb limit. You just have to make sure you use the correct BIOS.
* No need for better fans, never used them and I use my Xbox a fair bit.
* Wireless game controller, I don't think MS makes them. I recommend Logitech.
* Linux, grab GentooX Home Edition and install it on your E Drive of your Xbox, this way you don't do an install of it that will let linux completely take over the HDD.
Hope that helps you out...
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 6:04 am Post subject:
Quote:
How do you figure out the manufactor of the dvd drive?
Like DJB said, prior to purchasing an xbox there's no real way to tell what you get. But, once you have it here is something to help you out.
As far as fans go, my Xbox gets used several hours a day (unfortunately, I have to fight my daughter for it, Damn N64 emulator!!), and I have no overheat issues whatsoever. I just make sure my xbox is in a well ventilatied area. I know of users here that have 250GIG HD's 7200RPM and no extra fan or fan mod and no issues whatsoever!
The logitech wireless controller just got awesome reviews in August Edition of Xbox Magazine. I'll be sure to post the article in the news first chance.
later man...good luck. Don't worry, whatever you decide to do we'll be here to give you a hand. _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
DJB Administrator
Joined: May 23, 2003 Posts: 4031 Location: NSW, Australia
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 7:07 am Post subject:
realmccloy wrote:
The logitech wireless controller just got awesome reviews in August Edition of Xbox Magazine. I'll be sure to post the article in the news first chance.
later man...good luck. Don't worry, whatever you decide to do we'll be here to give you a hand.
Yep, no wonder they're getting awsome reviews coz it's a damn good controller
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 7:38 am Post subject: THANKS REALMCCLOY!
that little link you sent me was real helpful, I've figure out which box had which drive. My first xbox, v1.0, had a Thompson dvd drive, and I'm surprised but I only got the dirty disc error a couple of times. It very wasn't a factor too much at all. This box is 3 years old now and still runs like new, even with the crappy drive. My new xbox, not sure which verison, has a samsung dvd drive. I guess I made a wise decision, even though I haven't had trouble with my first one, the only thing I don't like about the samsung drive is the noise it makes when it ejects and closes. Actually when I said microsoft wireless G adapter, I meant 802.11g for wireless interent connection, it connects to the ethernet port and you get a signal from the wireless router. I dont think a wireless controller suits me right now. But if I find it for a good price on ebay I might get it. Thanks for the help guys, and congrads realmccloy on the new position.
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:49 pm Post subject:
The difference between the drives really won't effect the longevity that much, but what it effects a lot is the type of media you can use on it.
Here is a listing of which media works best with certain drive types. Keep in mind that this is based on data received from other users. For instance, it says that the Samsung can't read DVD+R's, but mine reads Memorex DVD+R's fine.
As far as wireless adapters, I have the MN-740. It's the one that says Xbox on it, but I only got it cuz of the great deal at Target. I picked it up about three months ago for only $39.95!! Linksys makes a nice wireless gaming adapter for only 68.00 at Wal-Mart. It has gotten great reviews for it's easy to use interface and connectivity.
Later all! _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
Howd you get it for 39.99 at target? Damn I'm over there today.
Well all my dvd-R's worked great in both drives, but I will try to use dvd+R's in this samsung drive and let you guys know my results. To tell you the truth I think it has to deal more with the software you use rather than the media type. I use a great program called DVD X copy platium, which retails at 149.99, but bestbuy had it on sale for 119.99 and I got another 40 dollar rebate...... final cost $80. Did I mention this software burns my movies complete with dolby 5.1 digital surround sound? Unfortunately I don't think they are sold anymore because of legal problems, but I'm not too sure about that.
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TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 8:43 pm Post subject:
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Howd you get it for 39.99 at target? Damn I'm over there today.
It was an insane sale they were having at my local Target. They were clearancing a lot of electronics. I put a post up when it happened and a lot of members went to their Target and only a select few were having the same sale. This was a little while back, maybe three months or so. I would doubt if you will find the same exact deal. It was originally being sold for 79.99 and they were offering 50% off select items.
I make a point to go to my Target twice a week and just go straight to electronics. Last year I caught the same sale and bought the last few Palm M130 Handhelds for $99.00 each. I turned two of them on Ebay for 169.00!! They were 199.00 at most locations at that time. When I grabbed up that MN-740 I also picked up a Lexmark All in One priner for $24.99!! Already sold that too..
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Did I mention this software burns my movies complete with dolby 5.1 digital surround sound? Unfortunately I don't think they are sold anymore because of legal problems, but I'm not too sure about that.
I use two programs for DVD movie burning. CloneDVD2 keeps DTS, Dolby 5.1, audio streams intact and also allows you to burn a movie on 1 DVDR by eliminating certain things like French, or Spanish Audio, chapters, extra content, crap like that. It is also DVD9 compliant so when you get around to upgrading to a DL DVD9 burner you can keep the entire movie intact on one DL DVD Disk. It will hold 4 hours of Mpeg2, 8 hours of Mpeg 1, or 8.5GB of data.
later man _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
midtownrock11 Xbox-HQ Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 22
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:34 pm Post subject: Wow, target is my new friend
I am gonna go to target once a week from now on.
Is this software free or does it cost money, cause I have a friend that tried to get the one I have but couldn't find it. Can you give a link of where I can get it?
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
I also use a program called DVD Region Free in conjunction with CloneDVD2. What DVD Region Free does it run in the background to patch any copy protected movies. Without it you get copy protection errors.
Just do a google search on DVD Region Free. You'll find it easily, but it is starting to get banned in certain countries.
I wouldn't bother grabbing up CloneDVD2 without some other program to allow it to backup copy protected movies. However, I have found it to be an awesome program for me to burn already created game .ISO's too! Very quick and easy.
FYI.... you can get CloneDVD2 free for 30 days at that site. You get to burn three projectes before you have to pay...or, look here for a bonus that I uploaded a while back:
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