Would a modchip and a hd save a damaged Xbox

Discussion in 'Xbox - Hardware mods' started by kevinle, May 12, 2005.

  1. kevinle

    kevinle Member

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    I get this error at startup with a flashing red and green led.
    This is what appears on the screen

    Your Xbox requires service
    Please call Xbox Customer Support

    It is than repeated in 5 different languages. There is
    no error number on the screen.

    This is a version 1.0 xbox unmodded and had never opened.
    Since this happened I've opened the Xbox and confirmed that all the
    cables are secure. I've also checked to see if the MCPX is
    hot - It just feels warm.

    I've read that the problem may be due to a defective hd.
    I lack any experiance with soldering so I'm interested in the
    XBox Xenium SPICE ModChip SP.ICE Solderless mod chip.

    I have 2 questions.
    1) Do I require a new unformated drive or can I buy a
    Maxtor 80GB Hard Drive - Maxtor DiamondMax® Plus 9 used from a friend.
    (It was used and formated/partioned with xp, side note I can get it cheap)
    2) Do I have any actual chance of creating a functional modded xbox from my original damaged xbox?
    Thanks


     
  2. djboogie

    djboogie Regular member

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    you know this is a VERY good question! Unfortunately there isn't a direct answer, it's a case of"maybe"
    sometimes a modchip can save a motherboard that had broken tracks near the d0 etc. It all depends what the actual problem is.
    It will mean that you wont be able to boot the xbox with the chip disabled (if thats the case that the modchip "repairs" the boot)
    What type of error are you getting? what number?
    It could be the hdd itself, or the dash on the hdd, if so then its perfectly "mendable" with a modchip
    you could fit a chip, flash it, swap out the hdd (if necc.)load the MS dash (if thats all you want) make a configmagic disc (or just use it from an auto installer) lock the hdd, remove the chip.
    Ive done this a few times for people that dont want a modded system, just want theirs "repairing"
    Personally if you're going to that trouble, I'd leave the chip in and get a nice big hdd, load all the, apps, dashes,emulators, file managers media players etc you want. Basically turn it into a multimedia system:)
     
  3. kevinle

    kevinle Member

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    This is what appears on the screen

    Your Xbox requires service
    Please call Xbox Customer Support

    It is than repeated in 5 different languages.

    There is no error number anywhere on the screen.
     
  4. kevinle

    kevinle Member

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    Could this error be due to a corrupt TSOP?
     
  5. WhitePryd

    WhitePryd Member

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    check the top left corner, it should saya number between 0x and 1x (x meaning the following number)
     
  6. PimpDawg

    PimpDawg Guest

    So basically, your getting this screen below,

    [​IMG]

    I have heard of some people replacing their IDE cable and this has fixed the problem. So you could try that. You also could mod your system, and re-image or replace the HD, since that is another common solution to this problem. Or else go the more expensive route and get a new motherboard + Hard drive combo.

    I would first try calling Xbox's customer support and see what they have to say about it.

    P.S. It is not uncommon that no error number is coming up on the screen.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 14, 2005
  7. kevinle

    kevinle Member

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    PimpDawg
    Thanks for the photo, its exactly what I
    have showing on my screen. I tried your advice
    and replaced my IDE cable but nothing changes, I
    still get the same error.
    I going to take your suggestion in regard to modding
    my system and replacing the HD.
    However since I lack any experience with soldering I've
    been looking at the Xenium SPICE ModChip SP.ICE solderless
    mod chip.
    I've seen a few sites that review modchips with regard to
    features but does anyone have an opinion in regard to which is the
    easiest to install?

     
  8. PimpDawg

    PimpDawg Guest

    Well I am a huge fan of Xecuter chips. So I would say go for the X3 w/ the X-Ecuter Xapt3r Solderless Adapter.

    If you are a beginner at soldering you could still install a solder modchip. It is really not that difficult, seeing that the only kind of hard point to solder is the d0. Other than that, it is VERY simple, and you'll be saving $25 because you will obviously not be needing the solderless adapter for the chip. But do whatever you feel more comfortable doing.

    Now that I think about it though, if you do not have a 15 watt soldering iron, solder, and desolder braid, then you might as well go solderless. Seeing that that stuff there costs around $15-20 total to get.

    Check out some of these sites to order your chip from...

    1) http://www.system-mods.com/
    2) http://www.divineo.com/
    3) http://www.modchip.ca/store/home.php

     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 14, 2005

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