N00b Alert: Is Spider Chip Mod Worth My While? Options

[yelloguy]

I bought a used xbox (mfg: feb 2003) yesterday and the previous owner happened to have an unused Spider chip which he gave me. I wanted to do a soft mod using Splinter Cell exploit so I can run XBMC and use the xbox in my entertainment center.

The only thing I don't have for doing a soft mod is the Action Replay card reader and the memory card. Alternatively I can order a female USB adapter cable and transfer the game save using a USB Flash drive.

On the other hand, I have everything for the chip mod and I am thinking about trying that first. However, I need some held with that:

- How do I find my XBOX version without opening it first?
- Where do I get the firmware for the mod chip? All the links provided in old posts are dead/404 now.
- Is there any benefits to doing one or the other? Is chip mod risky?
- Since Spider chip is discontinued, would it be advisable to use it?