modified xbox instead of a PC?

**Mookey** · 05-01-2005, 09:32 PM

If anyone is still looking into this (like me), I found a VGA output for the xbox:
X2VGA

Little background real quick for those who don't know about HDTV output qualities. There are 4 different output qualities (all of which the Xbox can output with the use of component video cables): 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. 480i is the quality of traditional TV signal, the boot animation for the xbox is always displayed in 480i. 480p, 720p, and 1080i are higher qualities. If you have ever seen big screen HDTVs and stared at the picture and said "woah..." then you were most likely looking at a 1080i input. The last thing is that VGA-type screens cant display 480i, so it will need to be converted to one of the other qualities.

I had looked at some other Xbox VGA outputs before this one and found out that even through others take input from component cables, they still convert on the basis of 480i, reguardless of the quality. This one however correctly displays those higher qualities, which you can really make use of with modded-xbox applications.

It also boasts several other features, which you can read on the site, but my favorite is the ability to have pass-through VGA video and stereo sound at the push of a button. What this would translate to for me is having a real car computer later linked into the system and having a button that would switch the system from xbox to carcomputer and back. I figure by the time I have everything soundly installed, I'll have moved on to modding the Xbox 360.

**edraws** · 12-03-2005, 12:53 PM

The easiest xbox revision to mod is the 1.0, IMHO.

Get an Xecuter 3 modchip and do the wire install method.

It will take you literally 5 minutes to solder the wire harness in.

I've done both pin header and wire installs.

Wire install wins hands down for simplicity!

**CdRsKuLL** · 12-03-2005, 01:27 PM

I would recommend something like the x2.6 the x3 has alot of bells and whistles on it that you wont need. As for fitting, its quite easy. You will need to find a bios to flash on your modchip. now depending which model you have depends on how you fit the chip and also what bios you flash it with. I would be more than happy to help you along this road if needed.. there is also another option of a bios flash on all models below 1.6

cheers

CdR

**edraws** · 12-03-2005, 03:03 PM

I agree the X3 does have a lot of options but it's the only modchip you will ever need for the price.

It can do everything, and allow you to customize your box quite easily.

Keep in mind the X3 will drop price in time as well.

**lez** · 12-03-2005, 03:36 PM

x3. works fine for me.

took me a while to find a bios though, after I got it working I said I would never upgrade it again!

**viper24** · 12-03-2005, 06:25 PM

Edit: I am wrong about the Power supply info, check a few posts down

Maybe I can be of some help to you guys, I have a modded xbox in my truck.

First off, for a car xbox, you will want a motherboard version 1.4+. the 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 mobos use miniatx connectors for the power supply so you can plug an m1-atx into it.

Now for simplicity and flexability you will want the Xenium ICE mod chip. This will make it simple to mod and gives you a huge aresonal of features.

Heat will be a problem if you are slimming down the xbox. for my install i removed the hard drive and dvd rom drive from the case. I put the dvd rom drive up front and set the hard drive next to the mobo to make the whole system less than 1.5" tall. I relocated the fan into the top of the case right over the GPU and CPU. please se my pictures link at the bottom.

For the dashboard (OS), I am running EvolutionX and XBMC (xbox media center) both very easy to install and very reliable.

To turn on and eject, I took the button board from the front and extended the 3 wires (ground, power, eject) and just wire up 2 switches.

Now with all of this said, I am still in the install phase. I have everything ready, but im still doing some fiberglass, paint and troubleshooting. I have a few pictures in this album:
http://66.205.154.83/truck/recentmods/index.htm

Please send me a PM if you are interested in this. I can start a little website if I find enough people need this information.

**CdRsKuLL** · 12-03-2005, 06:36 PM

as far as i'm aware plugging a atx psu direct into an xbox will reslut in blowing your xbox motherboard up. All PSU's from v 1.2 to 1.5 are compatable with each other, but not compatable with version 1.6a and 1.6b. They are different.. dont do it.

Pin assignment of the output connector Xbox V1.0/V1.1
1: +12V
2: +5V
3: +5V
4: +5V
5: +3.3V
6: +3VSB
7: GND
8: GND
9: GND
10: GND
11: POWON
12: POWOK

Pin assignment of the output connector Xbox V1.2
1: +5V
2: +5V
3: +5V
4: None
5: GND
6: None
7: +3.3V
8: None
9: GND
10: POWOK
11: +12V
12: None
13: +5V
14: GND
15: +3VSB
16: GND
17: None
18: +3.3V
19: GND
20: POWON

Pin assignment of the output connector ATX
1: +3.3V
2: +3.3V
3: GND
4: +5V
5: GND
6: +5V
7: GND
8: POWOK
9: +5VSB
10: +12V
11: +3.3V
12: -12V
13: GND
14: POWON
15: GND
16: GND
17: GND
18: -5V
19: +5V
20: +5V

**viper24** · 12-03-2005, 07:28 PM

ok, i have been looking for that list for 2 months now! where the hell did you find it?????

**viper24** · 12-03-2005, 07:29 PM

wait a second, xbox v1.2 dosent have 20 pins.....

i am pretty sure it is v1.4 and above...

anyway, im glad you mentioned that, i was oing to test with a multimeter before i did it but it looks like i can go from that info and splice up my version 1.1 power supply to the m1-atx. we will see how it goes...

**viper24** · 12-03-2005, 07:38 PM

now my only problem with this is the atx power supplies dont have a +3VSB (that is the always on connection right?). So i just need to take the +5VSB on the PSU and step it down to 3V.

Does it matter where each ground goes? it dosent matter which ground goes to which right?