Just wondering... is there a particular xbox verison/revision that's more desirable than the others? Be it build quality, DVD drive, chips etc. Most consoles I come across are 1.0, 1.1 or 1.6. The 1.6's are usually the cleanest internally, but I'm assuming that's due to them being built towards the end of the consoles life.
The 1.1 is my favorite choice. It has the 1024k TSOP unlike the 256K in the 1.2-1.5. The 1.0 also has the larger TSOP but it has the USB daughter boards and I find them to be in the way for using LCD panels and modchips. The 1.0 also has a fan on the GPU and most likely at some point it is going to get really loud. I swap the GPU heatsink for the later passive versions if I have to use the 1.0 board. The 1.1 I feel is the sweet spot. It has the 1024k TSOP, no USB daughterboards, Passive GPU heatsink and still has the first gen PSU connector. I like the minebea PSU and that is also 1.0/1.1 only. Almost forgot that the extra RAM pads has the solder applied already making the RAM upgrade so much easier. Later version did not have the solder applied. Its down fall its the solder filled LPC ports. You have to remove all the solder from the LPC holes before you can drop a pin header in. Later versions did not have solder in the LPC ports. I would totally stay away from 1.6's when you can. You can not TSOP flash them and they do not have the extra RAM pads for 128 RAM upgrade. If you do want to install a mod chip in a 1.6 LPC you will need to use a LPC rebuild kit and that reconnects the LPC traces to the proper spot on the motherboard. Basicly rewiring the disconnected LPC. Now all these views are from a person that looks at motherboards for modding purposes. But if you were not modding then the version should not really matter.
I'd go also for rev1.1: 1MB TSOP Conexant video encoder revised board design from rev 1.0 No daugtherboard (comparing to 1.0) Solder on the extra RAM pads (harder to RAM mod) On a second choice I'd take 1.2 and 1.3. Connexant video encoder 256KB TSOP You can fit power supplies from rev 1.2 to 1.5 on them. No solder on extra RAM pads (easier to RAM mod) Connexant video encoder properly support custom VGA bioses and from what I read, Virtua Cop 3 runs better.
Agree with the others, 1.1 is certainly the best revision. They won't have good DVD-ROM readers, but nothing stops you from putting a better one in.
I like to use the hitachi drives. They were in the very last production run. When ever I get one of those I hold to them. But they are really hard to come by. After that would be the samsung 006 model then the 005 model. The 006 model has a much newer firmware.
Nice one guys, looks like the 1.1 is a clear winner! So it's also the best one for a RAM upgrade too?
It's faster to RAM mod a 1.2+ board. 1.0/1.1 motherboards have solder on the extra RAM pads by default while 1.2+ do not. I find it easier and cleaner to remove the stock solder and install the new RAM chips on flat solder pads. It's not that it's hard to remove the solder on 1.0/1.1 board but you must make sure to not knock-off any small capacitor close to the RAM pads while going crazy with the desoldering braid.
See I like to have the solder already on the board. I place the RAM chip and tack one corner. Then make sure it is really lined up proper and tack the opposite corner. I do not use the rework station for soldering the RAM in. I like to hand solder them in. So the amount of solder they already have on the board is perfect. I never have any issues this way. I only use new RAM, most of the problems that people have is either bridges or bad RAM. It is easy to damage the RAM removing it from the donor motherboard. The new RAM is not even that much money. about 20 dollars for the 4 pieces that you will need. Only problem is the shipping from china. It takes a long time to get it. About 3 weeks. I just make sure that I order enough for a few future upgrades also.
Just thinking about the RAM upgrade - if the 1.1 is easier, why are most of the ones I see for sale 1.4? Or is it just down to preference as above - some people prefer having solder on already and some prefer to lay on their own?
