The cost of modding

[AimForHead]

I spent some time to search for articles about modding a XBOX360.

One of the articles stated that, I need a SATA chipset/PCI SATA card ( $20 U.S) , a Kreon drive ( $ 40 U.S) for simple ripping and burning games, some DVD +R DLs ( $2 U.S per each) and a double layer burner ($50 U.S)

I wonder if all of these are necessary


20+40+2(10)+50 =130 U.S ...


So to mod a XBOX360, how much did you pay for all the parts?

[neonpolaris]

Which 360 drive do you have?

• I didn't need to buy the SATA card, as I already had a compatible chipset.
• I already had a compatible burner.
• Bought the Kreon drive, for about that much.
• A 20-pack of DL verbatims is currently 26.99 with free shipping at newegg.
• I bought a CK3 Pro ($50 or so) to make things easier for me (liteon) but there are cheaper solutions (takes more work) if you can use a soldering iron.
• Another $20 or so for the probe, again this can be done cheaper with a soldering iron.

It took forever it seemed for my CK3 to get to me (from Canada), so I almost used my Arduino Diecimila to dump my key with.  It already has the serial to USB on the board, easily accessible.  But I figured since I had already paid for the kit, I may as well wait and use it to eliminate any chance of error on my part.

[.ISO]

I modded my xbox 360 pretty much for free, except or the price of a set of torx wrench.

@neonpolaris
YOU DUMPED YOUR KEY WITH AN ADRIUNO?

[neonpolaris]

YOU DUMPED YOUR KEY WITH AN ADRIUNO?

No, no, I said almost.  I have a liteon, so I either needed a logic level covertor for my serial port, or a USB to serial @TTL level chip.  My arduino's board has this built in.  It would have been straight forward to pop out the atmega and wire into the pins.  You have to understand, I had been reading these forums, gaining knowledge for like a month before even getting my console, then I ordered my CK3 and it sat in canada for like two weeks.  I was really really eager to tear into this project.  I remained patient since if I had already flashed by the time I got my CK3 + probe, I would feel like I had completely wasted $70 bucks.  You could argue that I did anyway, but I don't regret paying for the convenience of the CK3.

[jelle2503]

kreon drive is nice. i have it. but i don't use it as much as i would have like to. instead i use newsgroups 

dual layer burner should not have to be 50USD... the pioneer 112D can come as cheap as 20euro here.. the via card about 20euro..
let's say i was all good to go for 65 euro, 25 euro for 25 DVD+R DL

last december i additionally bought the CK3, for convenience.. it saves a lot of time.