Another newbie looking to mod his x-box. 2 questions: 1) I think I have V 1.5 X-Box (manufactured 9/03). I am leaning towards the x-bit mod chip because I like the usb connection and 2Meg memory. Most sites that sell the X-Bit include a footnote stating V 1.5 X-Boxes require soldering. Anyone had any experience (good or bad) installing the X-Bit in a V 1.5 X-Box? How much soldering did you have to do (for this "solderless" chip)? 2) I own a DVD+R writer. Is it possible to back-up games using DVD+R? If not, can I use CD-R instead, or are most games too big? (I know I can use the hardrive to backup games also, just sizing my options at this point). Thanks in advance for your help!
IMHO please stay away from the X-B.I.T. modchip. At first I installed it and it worked perfectly but now I am discovering: 1) The Dipswitches are too delicate. They will break in time, especially if you use XLive often. An external toggle switch will have to be installed to prevent this from happening. I may do this for all 4 dipswitches because the USB flashing is cool. 2) Unless you want to drill a hole in the side of the top cover, you have to crush the many black and yellow wires to re-assemble the box. The wire connections ( both black and yellow) do not stay plugged into the chip. Any movment and they will come undone. May have to use superglue. Also there is a round circuit compoent right in front of the wire that will cause you problems. 3) I superglued the USB circuit board to the back of the box. I reccomend that you install a 120G HD with Slayers V2.5 Don't use a small drive and think that you're going to replace it at a later time. 4) I placed my Xbox in a duffle bag to bring over to a friend and show him. When it plugged it in, it did not work. I later took it apart to discover that the wires did come unconnected. I also stripped the screw and now will NEVER use pogo pins again. I have to try and solder the pin header. Taking the motherboard out is no problem. Just make sure all of the screw are out. You need longnose pliers to pick up any screws that you drop. Your fingers will be too large. Another gripping pliers are needed to disconnect the power supply. Be carefull around the ethernet port and AV cable port. Wiggle the board from the back of the box. Since the yellow and black wire connectors that plug into the chip won't stay in place, I am going to an electrical store and look for another connector, strip off the old one and replace it. I'd suggest trying that other chip ( Xezium) Anything is better than the X-B.I.T.
Wow! Thanks for taking the time to reply and providing useful feedback. I'll keep shopping for my mod chip. I'm not opposed to soldering (have the equipment and a little experience), just figured why do it if I don't have to. Thanks again for the comments! Guess I'll search for the latest and greatest new chip design (not an x-bit!) and give it a try.
