X-S's EB2K X-chip Previews, Reviews,, Software & solderless adapter reviews Options

[HSDEMONZ]

Not much is known at this time. (Feb 28, 2004)

Main features:
* 4Mb of Flash Memory
* 2Mb extra SRAM
* USB Programmable
* CPLD Programmable
* Solderless Adaptor (optional) is compatible with all versions of XBOX

[HSDEMONZ]

Review: EasyBuy2000.com’s X-Chip w/ Solderless Adapter
>> (formerly named Chameleon 2)



Buy Now: EasyBuy2000.com $49.00 without solderless adapter
Buy Now: EasyBuy2000.com $59.00 combo with Adapter


First.. I'd like to take the time and thank Easybuy2000.com for working with me to get this review finished in a timely manner. Their Tech Support was quick to help and diagnose the problems with the previous sample.. and shipping made sure I had replacements fast. I received the replacement samples hours ago and was able to spend some time with them to finish this review.

Pre-Installation Review (covers preliminary thoughts about the size, shape, and quality of the PCB and material used in the contruction of the chip.)

X-Chips Review Part 1(covers first attempt at getting the hardware working.. as well as an in-depth review of the USB Flash Software, and the USB Driver Installation for Windows Flashing Program XControl.)

With X-Chip in hand, I reopened the 1.1 and 1.3 boards I was testing this on the other day. Place the new chip on the included Solderless adapter, booted the units and was now formally introduced to the EB2K X-Bios Cromwell Screen.



From the main menu, you are presented options to select the various banks, Flash the System Bios (os) or to continue booting Cromwell (for the purposes of install Linux.

I opted to flash some banks from the hard-drive, navigating the X-Chip XBios is easy and simple, moving from menu to menu, selecting the drive, directory, and file to flash with. Flashing a single bank is quick and painless. You then return to the previous menu and optionally select to Switch to the Bios you just flashed. The CD Bios Disk Method differs little when flashing from a Bios CD that can be prepared ahead of time, burned.. and placed in the Xbox.

As you can see from the pictures and photos, the installation is trouble free and easy.

Pics:













Video:
http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/X-Chip_Revi...ll_DSCF0198.AVI
http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/X-Chip_Revi...ve_DSCF0222.AVI
http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/X-Chip_Revi...ot_DSCF0223.AVI
http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/X-Chip_Revi...ot_DSCF0203.AVI

I did however make a simple mistake that rendered one of the replacements useless for 5 minutes. I had accidently flashed the system os with one of my color mod bios, and the Chips OS appears to have no safety check in place. When the flash was completed.. and I rebooted.. I was unable to gain access to the cromwell based os. It was a simple matter to fix however.. as all you need to do is hook up the Chip to the USB on a PC and reflash with the included FULL.BIN raw image file that is included with the XControl Software.

No odd cromwell issues with funky hardware hooked up.

Hardware tested included:
- 7 Different Controllers (MS, Logitech, HipGear, MadMax)
- 2 remotes (Stock and third party)
- 3 USB Keyboards (one Wireless Logitech, one Ms Office KB, one third party mini keyboard)
- 4 USB Mice (one wireless Logitech, 2 MS, 1 third party)
- 3 light guns (MadMax, and 2 asian models)
- 2 different retail xbox to USB cable adapters (www.lik-sang.com and www.spotted-horse.com plus one homebrew one.)
- 3 memory cards including MS Stock, and two 3rd party no-name ones)
- 1 Xbox Communicator (stock)

(**I would have tested more hardware if I had more time.)

So.. here is my final rundown on this chip.

Postives:
+ XBios Cromwell interfacce is basic, clean and easy to understand and navigate.
+ Boots in 2-3 seconds to menu
+ Selectable Bios options, 4MB of Slots for any combo of hacked Bios and stock Bios you could ever want. (note: system OS claims 512k)
+ If Cromwell Fails, USB flashing fixes easily.
+ 6 direct boot options (A, B, X, Y, Power, Eject Buttons)
+ 2 MB SRAM ( we don't know what plans EB has for this yet.. but the potential for stuff like Dash on Chip or oDebuggin utilities etc down the road will determine how much of a positive this feature is.)
+ Thick PCB design, sturdy Solderless Adapter option
+ included rivits are nice, but really un-needed.

Negatives:
- Initial Delays in getting all the hardware, software, and guides, and issues with first sample. All were rectified in a timely manner.
- ease of which System OS can be destroyed by accidental flashing. Note: it's also just as easy to fix.)

Not much negative to say. It's a simple chip.. with simple features.. and it works.

Buy Now: EasyBuy2000.com $49.00 without solderless adapter
Buy Now: EasyBuy2000.com $59.00 combo with Adapter

This post has been edited by HSDEMONZ: Jun 22 2004, 05:40 AM