Looking to mod a gamecube......(Don't want to use a Wii)

Basically I want to be able to utilize homebrew via SD or HDD. The ability to use the original drive would be nice. I read the V4 Megadrive could do that, but it doesn't look like they will be made again in the foreseeable future. Wii key/ wasp drives there is the streaming audio issue that is present. Is there anything on the horizon that will allow us to utilize homebrew via sd or HDD that will not have the streaming audio issue? Is there anyone here that has a modded gamecube that can speak on how satisfied they are with their setup? I know someone might suggest it, but no I don't want to mod a Wii.

 

I personally love using a XenoGC modchip because it will allow you to burn any discs needed to use SD homebrew and such, while still being able to use the disc drive. They're easy to install, work reliably, and add great functionality to your GameCube. I have a Japanese indigo console with a XenoGC and the region switch mod. I don't load homebrew using an SD, but I know with the XenoGC it'll help you out in what you're looking to accomplish @Olschoolgamer

 

Get a XenoGC and a SD adapter for a memory card slot.

You can build your own of both:
http://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=SDGecko
http://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=XenoGC_Clone (although these are cheap enough anyway)

Place homebrew/roms/backups on the SD card, burn Swiss to a disc, away you go.

 

So I took everyone's advice and bought a Xeno GC chip. I installed the chip successfully, adjusted the pot, and all I gotta say.........you guys were right, it's awesome! Was easier to install than I could've imagined. Only took me maybe 20 minutes to solder the chip and adjust the pot.

 

Xeno GC is affordable, reliable, and all that. If simplistic to a fault in some ways. As I own a component cable, forcing 480p is essential.

Make sure to read up about Japanese game compatibility. A modchip alone doesn't fix it.

 

I highly recommend getting an SD Gecko and a bootable Swiss disc for emulators, etc.

 

Your talking about the hdmi gamecube plug n play from badassconsoles? That's been something I'm eagerly awaiting! What's good thermal pads? Do I simply cut to size? Also for future reference, how often should these be replaced?

 

I use a megadrive v5 with a wasp fusion. Anything that absolutely requires audio streaming, you can use an SD gecko for, even though it's slow as shit. Also, the existing thermal pads still work just fine, even though I did replace mine with some thermal grizzly ones. Also, I have the HDMI mod as I got the Pluto IIx board and programmed it with Unseen's code, and soldered that bad boy in. Works like a charm.

 

I was looking into the megadrives and wasps before I installed my xenogc chip. Do they perform well? Any graphical or sound glitches when you use them? Megalomaniac is working on a plug and play hdmi solution at the moment I'm waiting for. Can Gamecube HDMI output 1080p? Also is there a specific size or any important characteristics I should be looking for when replacing the thermal pads? Sorry for all of the questions, you just seem like you have a lot of firsthand experience with this.

 

They perform remarkably well, and I've not come across a single game that doesn't work on a Wasp. I know that there are some, and you can find a list over on gc-forever.com, but none that I have tried refuse to work.

With regards to thermal pads, try to find ones with the highest thermal conductivity, as they will perform better, as far as size goes, 1.5mm thickness tends to do the trick.

GameCube HDMI doesn't output 1080p, only a maximum of 480p, or 576p in PAL mode.