Who are x-mods.co.nz?
X-Mods is a game console and gaming accessories company specializing in Modchips.
A company devoted to low prices and customer satisfaction.
We put customers first, and guarantee that our service will be faster, friendlier,
cheaper, and much better quality than all others.
Our number one priority is to have your order shipped out immediately after
payment on either Courierpost, or Fastway Overnight Couriers.
This ensures your orders arrive safely, and promptly.
We have a Testimonials page up and running with unedited feedback from customers.
Try us, and see for yourself.
Can you modchip the XBox 360 Yet?
Yes. We now have Firmware Upgrades available for the Xbox 360 consoles. Checkout
the Xbox 360 Section!
What is a Modchip?
A Modchip is a small chip which is soldered into the Xbox's motherboard to
allow unassigned code/backup discs to run in the Xbox
What this means is that the Xbox will now be able to run discs which are not
'offical'. For instance, a burnt DVD-R.
This can allow things such as 'homebrew' and other programs/games to run in
the Xbox
A Modchip unlocks amazing potential in an Xbox, and lets you decide what it
should be able to do.
Why get a Modchip?
A Modchip greatly increases the amount of things an Xbox can do, transforming
it from a gaming unit into a very powerful music and video, entire multi-media
system with capabilities to play games from all over the world!
With programs such as Xbox Media Player, you can play VidX, .avi, and .mpg from
CD, or use the built-in network functionality to play music and video files
from your computer with your Xbox via your home network.
Run Linux - use your Xbox like a computer.
Do you get sick of always swapping game discs?
Why not load the games onto your Xbox's hard drive? This removes the need to
use, and possibly damage your games!
And of course, saves you money by never having to buy another game again!
There are hundreds of other great features and possibilities which a Modchip
can unlock.
We also have a new section of the web site called: Reasons
to Mod your Xbox
Have a look there for new, exciting reasons to get that machine modified!
How Does a Modchip Work/What Modchip is right for me?
In order to decide which modchip is right for you, you first need to understand
how a modchip operates.
The chip itself only allows copied games to run - it does this by running
it's own BIOS (information) through the Xbox when the Xbox starts.
Where the Xbox’s code says: “Un-Assigned Code will not operate”
the chip simply cuts in, and changes this to be “Un-Assigned Code will
operate” obviously it’s a little more complicated than that, however
this is the basic principle behind how the chip works.
A common misconception is that The chip itself is what allows you to copy
games to HDD/Play all region Movies etc. However it is in fact the software
installed with the modchip which allows you to do this. Software which can
only run because the Modchip is allowing it to.
When we install a Modchip we install software as well - the software we install
allows you to play All region movies/DivX/Mp3/Copied games/load games to hard
drive etc. If you want to install the Modchip yourself, then you will have
to install the software yourself. This can easily be found on the internet
(see below)
• All Modchips allow this software to run - so the difference in chips
is not based upon which can run this, which can run that. (unlike the PS2.)
All chips will run all programs - the only difference between chips is things
like:
• Easily able to re-flash chip if it has an OS on the chip (this is
available on the Smart XX v3)
• Able to edit EEPROM from chip (system settings such as Video Mode,
Serial Number, Lock/Unlock hard Drive etc)
• Inability to render the chip useless with a bad flash due to ‘Backup’
Banks on the chip. (this is available on the Smart XX v3)
• Lights on the chip
• External Switches
• Multiple BIOS’s (vital if your wanting to run Linux - or other
dashboards (a dashboard is the program that loads when you start your Xbox
which provides you with a menu).
• Ability to connect an LCD Screen or other external adapters. (Smart
XX v3)
Modchips vary a great deal in price, however vary only a small amount in
features. They all serve the same basic purpose:
To run un-assigned code.
This, in a nutshell means: Copied Games and Homebrew Applications. (as above)
If you’re a beginner, and getting into the Xbox Modification scene for
the first time, basically the best question to ask yourself is “How
much do I want to spend?”. Take time to look at the specifications of
exactly what the modchip will allow you to do. It may be that the cheapest
chip will do everything you need (which for the most, this is actually true),
or you may want to add external adapters and LCD Screens, in which case you
may need a more feature-filled chip.
What does X-Mods Recommend I buy?
Currently we have 2 different Xbox Modchips available.
They are:
Duo
X2
Smart
XX v3
The Smart XX v3 and Xecuter 3 CE are very much our premium chips. If you are
wanting to connect an LCD screen, have external switches so your Xbox looks
cool, or have the ability to boot into different dashboards from the modchip's
OS (through the use of multiple bios's) then the Smart XX v3 or Xecuter 3
CE are your best option
If you don't understand all that technical stuff that was said above, and
just want to 'mod your xbox' this then you would be best getting the Duo
X2.
People think that because the Duo X2 are so cheap there has to be something
wrong with them. They are wrong.
The Duo X2 is a fantastic chip which is very cheap because it is so popular.
We have sold around 2000 Duo X2's and have had less than 10 breakdown (which
are of course covered by our one year warranty). They do everything that the
average Xbox user could want. It's only when the user wants to get into very
technical stuff as per above that they are not sufficient.
Can you ship worldwide?
Yes – we can ship to anywhere. Generally we use standard economy post
for overseas mail, to keep the price low. However if you would like more expensive,
faster international shipping, please let us know.
What do the Nationwide Installers do?
x-mods.co.nz has Installers in Wellington, Palmerston North and Auckland
These are people who can install Xbox and Playstation 2 Modchips.
They are available only if your having an Installation done, and they can
be used to pickup store items.
Stock is now held on hand with the Installers, so they are ready for anything,
anytime.
We have set this up so that people in these places do not have to send their
consoles to Taupo, and can instead have them done in these locations.
If your interested in becoming an installer, please e-mail us: scott@x-mods.co.nz
We are currently looking for a South Island Installer.
Note: We select only the very best to become installers for us, so you’ll
need a very high profile.
Who do you use for shipping order?
We let you choose who you want your order shipped with.
With X-Mods you have the option of either Fastway
or CourierPost
for Small Orders.
All packages sent via CourierPost
can be tracked online: www.courierpost.co.nz
Shipping is Flatrate $8 or $12 if your address is RD.
Generally Fastway takes between 1 and 4 days to deliver, while Courierpost
takes 1-2 days.
For larger order, such as a Xbox console we use Fastway
couriers.
Note: We are currently using Fastway for 95% of our orders becuase CourierPost
has become very expensive and we want to maintain low prices.
When your order is shipped you will receive an e-mail notifying you that it
has been shipped, and you will receive a tracking number.
Simply enter the tracking number into the CourierPost or Fastway web site
to find out exactly where your package is!
Web sites;
Courierpost - http://www.courierpost.co.nz
Fastway - http://www.fastway.co.nz
How do I find out what version my Xbox is?
Xbox-Scene.com has a great version detection program here
Which Method of installation do you do?
We install all Modchips via Header Pins, as it is simple, and reliable.
Can Xbox play Playstation 2 games with a chip?
No. There is no such emulator. There is however there are emulator available
to play PS1 games, N64, SNES, NES, MAME, NEO-GEO etc.
Note: x-mods.co.nz does not have, or supply any of these emulators.
How long have x-mods.co.nz been in operation?
X-Mods have been online since July 2003, and have now sold over 5000 Modchip's
both in New Zealand, and Internationally.
Do you have all products in stock?
Yes, we carry all products in stock because we know that when you order something,
you want it straight away!
If something is not in stock, then that will be stated in the description.
What does 'locking' the Hard Drive mean?
The original Xbox Hard drives are 'locked' this means that there has been
a password put onto that hard drive, and onto that Xbox so that only that
Xbox can run that Hard Drive.
When an un-modded Xbox starts it will look for this 'lock' code on the hard
drive. If there is no hard drive, or the hard drive does not have that 'lock'
code on it, then the Xbox will not boot.
To fix this problem; when we install larger hard drives we Always lock the
hard drive we install so that it will still function when the Modchip is turned
off. This is vital, as it allows larger hard drives to run on Xbox Live.
How long do orders take to be shipped?
Most orders will be shipped the same day payments show up, or the next Business
day.
However console packages may take a little longer.
Expect it to be at your house within 4 days (unless if Custom Mods are purchased
– then it can take a little longer due to it having to pass through
Christchurch in order to be customized).
We do however, try our absolute best to have your console to you as soon as
we can.
If I send my Xbox to you, who pays postage to you?
You pay for postage to us, and return post (from us back to you) is just $5
on small orders, or $10 if a console/installation is ordered.
Postage to any of our locations from anywhere in the North Island should be
around $10 via Fastway Couriers (who we use for return postage)
How long does it usually take to chip an Xbox when I sent it to you.
Day 1: You send your Xbox to us.
Day 2: We receive it and modify it
Day 3: We send it back to you
Day 4: You receive it back again
Note: This is only a guide. Sometimes there may be slight delays due to couriers
or other factors, however we work around a 4 day turn around.
Do you have any Installation Guides for the Modchip's?
Yes, checkout Tutorials
Section, or look for a Diagrams/Installation section at the bottom of the
product page.
I bought a Modchip, and it is flashed with Cromwell. What do I do?
We have a tutorial available here.
I have purchased a Modchip from another store. Are you able to install
it?
Yes. Check out the Installs page.
I would like to purchase a chip I have seen elsewhere which you do
not sell. Are you able to start supplying them?
Yes, please tell us about the chip. We are always looking for new products
to begin selling.
Ok, so i've installed my Modchip, where do I get the software?
To get the software you need MIRC.
Get this from www.mirc.com
Then install it
Log onto EFNET
Join channel #xbins (type: /join #xbins)
Then type: /msg xbins !list
A private message window will popup and you will be given FTP details.
Then use FlashFXP (download from: www.flashfxp.com)
Install It
Run it, and Log onto the FTP with the details you were given by #XBINS.
Comments or Thoughts on the FAQ?
Please let us know; scott@x-mods.co.nz
