I see a thousand threads describing what to do. My problem is that it's information overload and I don't know where to begin. If someone has the time, could you please help me to get started?
I would appreciate that very much in advance.
I don't have an xbox 360 system yet. I have been wanting one, but I don't know if I should look for a particular version. Are the new 360's able to be used to run your backups? I won't buy a system that won't allow me to save my master discs. There are links on different drives with each system, so I'm concerned that I won't purchase the right system(w/proper rom-drive).
I haven't found a link that shows what versions will allow you to do what, so I'm at a standstill.
There are threads on mod-chips and there are threads on firmware. Do I need one or both? What software will it/they need?
O ya, and this hard drive issue. Does the console need a drive? I've seen some cheap on ebay without drives. I have read that drives can't be used to run backups so what's the point. Can I get away with buying one without a drive and using it normally?
all drives can play backups. liteon a little harder to mod and have to have certain hardware so it makes it a little more exspensive. but pretty much all new 360 come with this drive type. older ones have the other models but are more at risk for rrod depending on how old it is. dont modchip it is more expensive than flashing a liteon even with the added cost of the tools needed and mod chips requires a skilled solder job.
you wont buy a system that wont allow you to save your master disc? what exactly do you mean by that?
as far as harddrive goes you can install games to the harddrive but it is still required to have the disc in the drive to prove you own it. this is an official feature from MS with the newest dashboard/NXE. there is no way to load .iso to the hdd and play games that way, and it isnt likely that will change.
harddrive is usefull for saving games, downloading gameupdates, downloadable content, rip music to it, purchase movies over marketplace. you can get a memory card but that isnt viable if you plan on playing a lot of games cause eventually it will fill up with basic savegames and patches.
if you do not plan on being on xbox live or hooked to the net at all with the 360 then you can ignore the comments about DLC and game patches cause you wont be able to get them any other way.
but even if you arent on live a hard drive is usefull for loading the games to it cause this saves the life of your dvd drive and you dont hear it humming constantly and the games load faster also, unless playing halo 3 as it has problems loading from drive.
for more indepth info read the ultimate sticky at the top of the 360 forum section it has tons of tutorials and info on everything.
ok, i can then just buy a used console without the drive for $75 as long as I don't care to go online. And I don't need to worry about a mod-chip at all.
Thank you so much. That right there helped me make a lot of decisions on what to purchase.
You're right. I ended up paying $120 for a refurbished one on eBay. My local stores wanted $150 for used/not refurbished. I would rather take a chance on one that had parts replaced/repaired and for a cheaper price I think.
I think it's gonna work out great. Thanks a lot for the help.
