I don't think that you can do that for less than US$200. The v7 is a very good machine, some new parts and maintenance might be all that it needs. Also if it already has a chip in it much of the install work is already done and the difficult parts already soldered. A new chip could go in quite easily. The best chips themselves run about $40-$50, and anything less is really not worth wasting money on.
take that 100-150 that you wanna spend and get the laser replaced on a V7 which shouldn't cost you more that $50. I myself have a V7 with magic 3.1 (which I got installed when they first came out and were the best option at the time) while I wouldn't mind getting a different chip, the magic 3.1 works just fine for me and it works most if not all the time (so, maybe it's your laser that's causing it to not work by not being able to boot games?). or you could take that $150 and get the laser on the v7 replaced and a new mod installed.
Well, i agree. I do not think you are going to be getting a slimline that cheap. Even un-modded they are $130 in most stores.
So save your money up if you want one and do it right.
here are some options you have.
1. get a new laser. This is about $50, plus $35-50 for the install, plus about $30 for round trip Priority Mail shipping
2. Get the V7 fixed and chipped. same as above just add $50 for the cost of the chip. I had this done to my V5/6
3. Get a premodded slightly used older version. I know where you can get premodded, slightly used V7's with a top notch chip (DMS4 Pro SE) for $220, Matrix Infinity $210, and Crystal Chip 1.1 $200
Refurbished V12's premodded $215 DMS4 Pro SE, $200 for Matrix Infinity or Crystal Chip
4. or buy a new slimline premodded
$250 for DMS4 Pro SE, $240 Matrix Infinity GD, $230 Crystal chip
and if your looking for something cheaper, they also have all the above systems with Duo2 chips for about $10 less. This chip is good and stable but doesn't have all the features the better chips do like flash upgrades.
Or you can go to Ebay and buy something cheap and trake your chances as to if it will actually work when you get it. But the above are really your top options.
http://www.teammodders.com/ check out the install and premod pages.
