dennyd Xbox-HQ Newbie Xbox Version: 1.2 or 1.3 Modded: X-Killer
Joined: Jan 06, 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Canada, eh!
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:27 pm Post subject: The arrivial of Super Noob! Now what the heck do I do?!
So here's my first post, here on the day I finally get my Xbox... stuck at work and dyin to go home and hook it up and have fun. I've been a PC gamer for ages but this is my first console system. This is where I transform into SUPER NOOB!
I see that there is softmodding and modchips. What I want to do is be able to play backups of games and install a large hard drive to run games, movies and mp3s from. I want to be able to use XBMC.
I've been trying to understand the whole modding thing and I hate to admit being such a lame noob, but what are the advantages of using a modchip over using a softmod?
I really don't care about playing on Xbox Live... Is there a softmod that will do all I want (above) and if so what is it and how do I install it?
I got a 160gb drive waiting at home to put in and fill up!
super thanks from super noob!
dennyd AT hotmail.com
cap269 Xbox-HQ Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 17, 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Alabama, USA
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:46 pm Post subject:
A softmod will be the easiest thing to do, since you don't even have to open the XBOX case ... but, since you want to upgrade your hard drive, you'll have to open it anyway. Also, a modchip will give you the easiest way to install and lock/unlock that big hard drive of yours. My personal recommendation is the Xenium ICE modchip. The installation of a modchip can be tricky on the most recent XBOX console version (1.6) since solderless solutions are not readily available, but, there are plenty of pro's around to either help you install, or install it for you. There is the Spider-Chip, which is a solderless chip that will work with 1.6 consoles, but I don't recommend them, and they don't come with nearly the built-in features or expandability of the Xenium ICE or the other "4th generation" chips. _________________ Visit Mid-South Mods for expert mod installation, repairs, and upgrades
Author of the acclaimed Xenium ICE guide
slick_j_2002 V.I.P. Lifetime Xbox Version: 1.2 or 1.3 Modded: X-Killer
Joined: Oct 29, 2004 Posts: 273
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:53 pm Post subject:
Hey, SuperNoob-- er, I mean... DennyD. Welcome to the community!
To answer yoru question, pretty much any chip available or a softmod would do what you stated. It's really not the hardware that allows you to do those things. It's the software.
From my experience, installing a chip is a great option, and there are plenty of good options to choose from. If don't mind spending a little green on your system, the Xecuter3 chip is an outstanding option, and as you can see below, that's the one I use.
Another popular choice is the Xenium Ice modchip. I would rank this one right below the X3 in terms of Total Awesomeness.
The SmartXX is the other 4th generation chip, but I've never used one, so I can't speak on how good a product it is. I imagine it's at the very least decent, though.
The next step is buying the chip (if you decide to go with a chip, that is). Any of the retailers available by links from this site are reliable sources, and you're guarenteed to not get a clone (bootleg chip) or get screwed over in general when buying from one of these sources.
You can also choose several ways to install your chip. Firstly, you can do it yourself (recommended) or have a "professional" install it for you. While I respect many of the pros on this site, I wouldn't personally recommend sending your system to them to install your chip for you unless you are physically incapable of doing it yourself (i.e., you have no hands or are blind). Doing it yourself is easy, and a great way to learn how your system actually works.
Just some stuff to think about, but please feel free to ask any more questions, and either I or the loads of other people on this site will be glad to help.
Once again, welcome to the community and the exciting world of Xbox modding!
slick_j_2002 V.I.P. Lifetime Xbox Version: 1.2 or 1.3 Modded: X-Killer
Joined: Oct 29, 2004 Posts: 273
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:58 pm Post subject:
cap269! I didn't know you posted here!
Your ICEguide was the document that single-handedly helped me get started in modding! I read tons of other articles that all confused me more and more, but with your guide, I had my Xenium up and running in no time!
Awesome work, man!
DennyD, if anything I said conflicted with what cap269 said, disregard it and go with his advice...
GTGene Xbox-HQ Member Xbox Version: Xbox V1.0 Modded: Xecuter3
Joined: Nov 11, 2004 Posts: 58 Location: Beach house on the moon
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:23 pm Post subject:
DennyD,
As a former SuperNOOB I can tell you without a doubt that installing a chip is the way to go. I have now installed a bunch of them for friends and if you spend a little time reading the process will take you about an hour to complete. My preference for chips is the xecuter X3 chip.... does everything and then some that I want it to do and has a solderless solution as well as a nice pro switch and LCD. Xecuter will also have a complete X3 control panel in the very near future that will include the pro switch and LCD built in.. lots of cool things that can be done with this chip.
Good luck from a former NOOB! _________________ GTGene
V1.0 Xbox
Xecuter 3.0 mod chip
1959 bios and 2913(separate banks)
Evox Dash
XBMC
120gb Maxtor HDD
Logitech Wireless Controller
50" Sony LCD HDTV
dennyd Xbox-HQ Newbie Xbox Version: 1.2 or 1.3 Modded: X-Killer
Joined: Jan 06, 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Canada, eh!
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:51 pm Post subject:
Now these were some quick responses - thanks! I've been wanting to try xecuter 3 but it's outta price range after buying the drive and xbox.
What is the best softmod and how do I do it?
funkydopeloven Xbox-Hq Genius
Joined: Nov 30, 2004 Posts: 1942
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 9:30 pm Post subject:
if you never plan on going on Live and looking for a relatively free option a TSOP flash is more reliable than a softmod but even a tsop flash or softmod isn't free. either of them require you to either use a USB drive as a memory card (you will need to make/buy a adapter) or you need a friend with a modded xbox to put the files you will need onto a M$ memory card. then you also will need an original copy (not burned copy or platinum versions) of 007, Mechassault, or Splinter Cell. a TSOP flash will also require a little bit of soldering on the motherboard, but i found this pen with conductive goo (like the stuff in a rear window defroster repair kit) that is virtually impossible to mess up your xbox with. it gets alot more detailed after that but i hope this is enough info for now to help you decided what you want to do. Whichever way you decide to go, we'll try and answer any questions you have.
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary Xbox Version: 1.2 or 1.3 Modded: X-Killer
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 10:23 pm Post subject:
Quote:
There is the Spider-Chip, which is a solderless chip that will work with 1.6 consoles, but I don't recommend them, and they don't come with nearly the built-in features or expandability of the Xenium ICE or the other "4th generation" chips.
The Xenium Ice is your best bet in my honest opinion. Also, use Cap269's ice guide if you are going to do the install yourself. You can find it here:
This will give you all the info you pretty much need and was the first tutorial that I, luckily, ever got my hands on.
A lot of people think modding revolves around installing your chip and then turning the machine on and all is good to go. There is so much more to it.
Firstly, you should get a better understanding how the Xbox works and why it does or doesn't do certain things.
The Xbox is basically a small computer. It has all the innerworkings of a PC when you think about it; Processor, VideoGraphic Processor, Network capabilities, HD, DVD DRive, and even the controller ports are basically USB ports. The bios that Microsoft uses is what ties everything together pretty much. It sets the rules for what you can do with your machine. MS only allows you to do what they want you to do. For instance, you cannot save a game to the HD. You cannot play games that are backed up to a DVD R disk. This is because the bios says, "no".
Now this is where a mod chip comes in. Mod chips are flashed with what is called a 'hacked bios". This is one of the parts of modding that MS is not real happy about. Why? Well, because the hacked bios is based off of MS's bios, except certain tweaks are made. Tweaks that will allow your machine to run unassigned code once the mod chip is installed and flashed. With the hacked bios, you can now add larger HD's and format them, launch programs, backup games to your HD, run games that were burned to disk, etc...
Some mod chips have to be flashed BEFORE you install them. These mod chips get flashed via a USB port connected to your PC or from a programmer that is connected to your PC. The fourth generation mod chips that cap is talking about such as the Xenium Ice can be flashed so easily. You can flash them from your web browser, from the xbox dvd drive, or even the xbox HD. The Xenium Ice is one of the easisest chips to install.
Now on your 1.6 machine you need to also do what is called a LPC rebuild. No point in me explaining why, just know that this is something you must do. But, this can be simplified by using what is called a LPC rebuild PCB. See this post for more info:
Using one of these will make your life so much easier, especially for your first time.
Once your mod chip is flashed, you then can add your new HD. You can then format and prepare your HD by using what is called an autoinstaller. An autoinstaller can also install your new dashboard, the MS dashboard, and every application/emulator you will ever need to start enjoying your machine.
Feel free to read up on our Autoinstaller Deluxe forum, and maybe even download the sucker.
Things you will need to know how to do besides chipping your machine:
Making of a bios CD if you want to flash from a CD.
Burning an .iso file so your xbox can boot it (the autoinstaller)
locking or unlocking the HD (can do it right from the Xenium Ice OS menu or the autoinstaller)
Understand that not all media can be read by the Xbox. It may take some trial and error, but if you stick to DVD-R's you are usually safe.
I know we just threw a ton at you, but we have all the recources you need to be successful. Or, like cap said there are many modders out there who would be happy to chip your machine for you.
If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to ask!
TheModGod
-------------------------------
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cap269 Xbox-HQ Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 17, 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Alabama, USA
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 11:09 pm Post subject:
TheModGod wrote:
Also, use Cap269's ice guide if you are going to do the install yourself. You can find it here:
That's a real old version of the ice guide ... check out the new one .. no downloads, no plug-ins, no .pdf viewers required! _________________ Visit Mid-South Mods for expert mod installation, repairs, and upgrades
Author of the acclaimed Xenium ICE guide
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary Xbox Version: 1.2 or 1.3 Modded: X-Killer
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2005 1:02 am Post subject:
Cool, I haven't seen that one yet
Nice work!!
TheModGod
------------------------
http://www.themodgod.com http://www.xbox-hq.com _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
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