How I modded my XBOX.

**venomX** · 2nd May 2003

I successfully modded my XBOX last weekend. Here are the basic steps I followed:

BTW, I have an XBOX 1.0, I used a solderless Matrix chip, 120GB Maxtor 7200RPM Drive, and I don't play or plan on playing XBOX Live.

1. Created the Autoslayers Boot disk on CDRW disk from ISO file. Used EasyCD Creator.

2. Flashed the Matrix Chip using Winlpc.exe and the EvoX.D.6.blue.bin Bios (Had to tell WinLPC.exe what Memory address my printer port was using)

3. Removed any game from Xbox

4. Disconnected connections for Xbox

5. Opened the Xbox (6 long torx screws on bottom, 4 under rubber feet and 2 under stickers)

6. Took Hard Drive out (Removed Screw connecting cage to the DVD cage, disconnected IDE cable, power cable)

7. Remove Harddrive from the cage (2 screws on each side)

8. Put new harddrive in cage

9. Took DVD Cage out (two screws on sides at front of DVD drive)
Removed screw in Main board closest to IDE cable (This is the Matrix Attachment Point)

10. Taped metal spacer to bottom of Matrix chip making sure not to cover any connection points (pogo pins)

11. Attached Matrix to Main board with screw, but kept loosely

12. Put Harddrive cage back in place (not attached to anything just for safety to cover power supply)

13. Re-attached power and turned Xbox on.

14. Slowly move Matrix chip so it lines up correctly (flashes red when it's not, flashes green when it's correct. You need to pivot the chip and then push down on it so all the pogo pins compress)

This was the hardest part, it's very sensitive. Once green is found, tighten that screw!

15. Disconnect power.

16. Put DVD Cage back in (You'll need move the HD cage and then re-attach the two screws in the front of the DVD drive)

17. Put HD Cage back (Attach cables and put that screw back in that attaches it to the DVD Cage)

18. Attach Power and make sure you can still see the Matrix Green light through the side.

19. Turn off Xbox

20. Put top back on and put in the 6 long screws.

21. Attach all cables

22. Put in AutoSlayers Boot Disk and fire it up. Follow the instructions for Creating a New Large HD on an XBOX 1.0

23. Replace Dashboard with latest version.

Done!

This procedure worked very well for me, and I based it on a lot of the tutorials found on this site. I'm really thankful I didn't have to solder to that main board, those traces and connection points are tiny!

-John

**4me2** · 2nd May 2003

nice one I still would reccommend soldered chips over pogo pins though as Ive seen so many posts about them becoming lose and moving over time causing nightmares for people trying to realign them.

**EvilBoB** · 2nd May 2003

Nice!

I agree, however, with 4me2 that soldered mods are much better. I know several people who had Enigmahs and upgraded to Matrix solderless and now want it soldered in.

Me? I went for the cheapmod with pin header. Solid, secure and reliable.

All that aside a great outline of how to mod an XBox

**venomX** · 2nd May 2003

Thanks for the feedback, guys!

I think I'll be okay, my xbox doesn't go anywhere. It just sits there on shelf with the rest of my home theater equipment. And, I tightened that screw pretty tight. I'll be surprised if it ever moves on me.

Also, the Matrix is more expensive than most solder chips, but you don't have to buy $20+ worth of soldering equipment/supplies!

IMHO, the installation is:
1.) easier -- you don't have to remove the main board or deal with D0
2.) safer --in regards to both personal safety and risk of ruining your xbox!

The prodedure I used isn't for everyone but it works for me!

-John

**Freaky** · 2nd May 2003

nice1 m8
another success story, were startin to see more and more of them now, probably due to all the excellent tutorials out there now, and a bit of skill of course.

i aagree with the others tho solder chips are better, but if it works for you and your happy with it then thats all that matters.

well done m8

**Goldberg** · 2nd May 2003

Just out of curiosity regarding the slayers disc, if you press prepare a HD for a V1 console but you have a v1.1 or v1.2, does this cause any problems?? Or can you load slayers back up and press the correct button??

**venomX** · 2nd May 2003

I haven't tried that, but I imagine you could always just re-run the HD prepare utility on the AutoSlayers Disk at anytime. (of course when you do that, you'll lose whatever's on the drive)

-John