Roll your own Xbox 360 HDD, save $100
by Tony Carnevale 
{ Apr 23rd 2007 at 8:53AM }
If you're not buying Microsoft's excuses for why their 120GB hard drive costs $179, you don't have to buy the drive either. A mysterious hacker called "TheSpecialist" has released a new version of his program HDDHackr, which now allows you to make your own 120GB drive for the Xbox 360. It's not perfect -- you can only use a Western Digital SATA drive and you need a certain file from an official Microsoft drive. But with some time, effort, and around $80 for the drive, you'll get to keep about $100 of your hard-earned money in your nacho-cheese-stained paws. (With a little more work, you can even install the drive internally.)[Thanks, XanTium]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jake @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:03AM
Here we go again. Nothing brings out the trolls and fanboys better than an article to do with the 360 HDD.
A serious questions. Is there a big quality difference amongst different HDD's from different companies?
Konny @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:12AM
Did you know that the PS3 can take any 2.5" HDD, any USB thumb drive, any SD/CF/MS flash card, any USB camera, any BT device, etc, etc... face it, MS creaming ya... they could enable USB HDDs for ZERO dollars and be done with it.
Tim @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:14AM
@1
The same goes for how the ps3 bluray articles bring out the trolls and fanboys.
Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:22AM
Great, the trolls like Sheppy & Neal will make their lame comments.
Hopefully MS will lower the price to $150 and make everyone happy.
Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:22AM
Great, the trolls like Sheppy & Neal will make their lame comments.
Hopefully MS will lower the price to $150 and make everyone happy.
Jack of No Trades @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:23AM
Konny
Thanks for reminding me why I love my PS3.
IslandLife @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:25AM
Come on now guys, we should know by now that it's all about "choices" (rolls eyes).
Jack of No Trades @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:37AM
When you got the games you got the power. MS got tha game down to a T playa's.
John C @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:42AM
Install the hard drive internally?!
Yeah, I thought my 360 could use something else that produces heat inside of it.
sheppy @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:45AM
Personally, my only issue with the 360s hard drive size is hunting through my memory and killing demos I no longer play. If games installed on the HD (like PS3), or I was interested in paying a huge premium for video marketplace, I would be interested in this hack. As it stands, my PS3 has replaced my 360s role as the media jukebox for my living room so the 20GB is working fine for me right now (6 months ago, though, I wouldn't be singing this tune).
Incidently, Smoke_Dawg, piss off.
Todd Rabanus @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:48AM
so what if the ps3 allows you to add your own hard drive (which the majority of gamers , ie. casual gamers do not care about). so the ps3 has tons of hard drives you can choose from and the 360 has tons of games you can choose from. i'm more than happy with my 20 gb hard drive for now and see no need to upgrade. I stream all my music flawlessly from my pc wirelessly and any demos I'm done playing get deleted, no need to keep crap on there that doesn't get used.
sheppy @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:56AM
@Todd Rabanus
No matter how blatant the flamebait, people like you will always bite. Amazing.
@Konny
Actually, PS3 doesn't accept any BT device. In fact, which ones it will and will not take remains largely aq mystery until some unfortunate bastard buys one and shares the incompatibility knowledge. Likewise, not all USB cameras work either. There are some rare ones with incompatibility issues. Just because PS3 is more open (keep in mind, only a recent firmware update allowed BT keyboards) doesn't mean it's completely open and yes, not having a PS3 branding on several of these devices IS hurting the console. After all, how many casual PS3 owners even know the BT headsets work?
bkvalheim @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:59AM
"2. Did you know that the PS3 can take any 2.5" HDD, any USB thumb drive, any SD/CF/MS flash card, any USB camera, any BT device, etc, etc... face it, MS creaming ya... they could enable USB HDDs for ZERO dollars and be done with it."
Did you know that the PS3 doesn't offer any HD movies for download because of it's open HDD architecture? The Xbox 360 can have downloaded HD movies and TV shows for sale because of the HDD security on the proprietary HDD. Sony can't offer that on their open HDD's.
Microsoft 1, Sony 0
Sinister Rouge @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:01AM
"Thanks for reminding me why I love my PS3."
I suppose you need reminding when you've no decent exclusives to play on. Keep the faith!
Konny @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:11AM
@13.. soo, you're going to spend $180 on an HDD so that you can spend more money on HD movies and shows that you dont actually OWN (you're licensing it from MS)... and 720p for movies is lame.. stick with DVD.
SuicideNinja @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:18AM
I was glad the PS3 had a freely upgradeable drive...but I've come to find that I'll never need it. The problem is...I don't use my PS3. Ever. Ninja Gaiden Sigma seems so far away...
I figured the Specialist would figure this out. It does suck we have to do it this way, however.
Xbots suck @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:24AM
LOL, look at all the xbots, "well at least I have Gears of War to play, Gears Pwnnssssss111!!!1!!!"......lol ok lets stay on topic, this has nothing to do with the ps3 so lets not bring it up..............unless that is the only way for you xbots to feel secure about your 360....by bashing the ps3......which is just sad
@ bkvalheim
"Did you know that the PS3 doesn't offer any HD movies for download because of it's open HDD architecture? The Xbox 360 can have downloaded HD movies and TV shows for sale because of the HDD security on the proprietary HDD. Sony can't offer that on their open HDD's"
.
Microsoft 1, Sony 0
LOL wait but whenever you hear about the awesome selection of Blu-ray movies that gets better each week and the massive studio support and sales that tripple that of HD-DVD....all you xbots scream "we don't care its all about the games, we don't care about movies, Greas of War PWNSS!!!!111!!!"
but now you are sitting here talking about downloadable HD Movies and TV Shows?
I thought of you xbots as many things but now I can add "hypocrisy" to the list
Jack of No Trades @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:25AM
Well golly gosh darn shit bird son of a beach! Hurry up Ninja Gaigen Sigma. I need a reason to play my movie-over-used PS3.
sheppy @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:30AM
@Konny, Xbots Suck...
Just shut up. You're making PS3 owners look bad. This news is about 360, not PS3. Nowhere in the article was PS3 mentioned. This is about hacking your 360 and saving some dough from the MS pricing scheme.
@bkvalheim
Umm, where the hell did you get your info? As in PS3s openness being the sole reason why the service isn't in place? This just smells like bullshit to me. I mean, they have security tagging on their game downloads and PSX games locking the DL to one console, why would movie downloads be any different? PS3 is lacking video downloads simply because PS3 is lacking the service. Period.
sheppy @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:35AM
"Well golly gosh darn shit bird son of a beach! Hurry up Ninja Gaigen Sigma. I need a reason to play my movie-over-used PS3. "
I suppose this is the worst thread to mention the demo for Sigma goes live on Friday in the Japanese Playstation Store this Friday, huh? Incidently, do you get into Dynasty Warriors style games, at all? Because if you do, I would recommend Gundam Musuo. I got nearly 30 logged in and when a friend of mine comes over, we still coop on it. The story isn't all that important and the prompts are fairly easy to understand. The field system from the PSPs versions of Dynasty Warriors integrates well with Gundam Musuo while keeping a huge battlefield.
rfom @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:38AM
Does this invalidate your MS support? If so, that would be a bad move, you dont want three rings and find out you have lost the right for a replacement.
Jack of No Trades @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:37AM
Sheppy...
I still have 1000 tickets to get in Motorstorm. Some of those Mud Pluggers are hard to get first place in.
nerrrrrrrrrd @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:47AM
WARNING! to anyone thinking about attempting this modification.
Installing your own harddrive and doing this hack could get you banned from Xbox Live.
First you need to buy a very specific Western Digital harddrive.
Second, it requires to install a unique number string to the harddrive. The only way to obtain this is from a retail 120 gig harddrive or find one online through various sources...however if people are sharing their unique number, it would be very simple for Microsoft to ban these accounts.
This is not like DVD firmware hack at all.
Digi Smalls @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:45AM
Sony won't support HD movie downloads for a while because it would reinforce the questionable need for Blu-Ray at all.
Game consoles should be about games. HD Movies have done nothing but add expense and confusion to console owners on both sides this generation.
thankfully with the 360, you can avoid all that nonsense by not having to pay for it.
.
Brent @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:46AM
@rfom
This would not invalidate your warranty. When you send a 360 in for warranty service, they actually tell you NOT to send in your hard drive.
Kizzle @ Apr 23rd 2007 11:48AM
"LOL, look at all the xbots, "well at least I have Gears of War to play, Gears Pwnnssssss111!!!1!!!"......"
Yeah. Gears of War, not to mention every other good game that's available right now that isn't named Zelda. Enjoy playing around with your multiple memory solutions...I bought my system to play games.
Dan @ Apr 23rd 2007 11:42AM
When will fanboys learn? No company likes you... regardless of how much you ejaculate while thinking about their chief execs... all they care about is your money... Nintendo only care about your money, Sony only care about your money, and Microsoft only care about your money.
Sure they try to make good consoles, but not because they like you... its because they want to get your money from you.
Please fanboys... get over yourselves and face facts.
Delive @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:01PM
@24:
If I were just a gamer, I could agree. But I have an interest in other things as well. I have played DVD's on my 360 and Blu ray's on the PS3. Both consoles would have been cheaper had this been left out. Putting music on the console? Not needed for games, but I use it. Trailers? Not needed. I like the idea that consoles are evolging from just Game toys so now they won't be associated with just for kids.
Delive @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:04PM
Last post was for #23, correction.
b.a.m.n @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:21PM
i have gears of war and i dont understand whats all the fuss is about. the game is over in 8 hours and if you dont play online (which i dont because $50 is too much when people can still cheat and fuck up my online experience) the game will just collect dust. i have all three systems. so im not a fanboy. alot of yall just upset that you cant afford a ps3 so yall try anything to make it look bad. if you remeber the 360 didnt have any good games until gears of war and that is still the only good game
solidt12 @ Apr 24th 2007 8:26AM
6. Konny
Thanks for reminding me why I love my PS3.
Same here, I love my PS3. I just upgraded my Hard drive to a 160 gig. I was able to back up my old 20 gig drive and restore it to the 160 gig with no problems. And with all that i still have a valid warranty because Sony allows hard drive upgrades. So who needs HDDHackr when you have a PS3. Microsoft=raping customers.
PS3 RULES @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:32PM
6. Konny
Thanks for reminding me why I love my PS3.
Same here, I love my PS3. I just upgraded my Hard drive to a 160 gig. I was able to back up my old 20 gig drive and restore it to the 160 gig with no problems. And with all that i still have a valid warranty because Sony allows hard drive upgrades. So who needs HDDHackr when you have a PS3. Microsoft=raping customers.
Keef @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:38PM
yeah.... im sure Microsoft are raping customers..... its not like its optional or anything.....
oh...wait....
man some of these PS3 pricks are anoying....
i love my 360, and my Wii, but fuck the over priced over hyped PS3 u stupid morons.
sheppy @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:41PM
@b.a.m.n.
Actually, I enjoyed the hell out of Saints Row, Prey, and Tomb Raider Legend. I keep my 360 around because I KNOW as soon as I sell it, something will come out that I would love to play. And trust me, I'm not a big Gears fan either, but Gears isn't the only thing 360 is about.
AirIntake @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:42PM
@PS3 RULES
Yet I don't feel raped, and have more money in my pocket than if I would have purchased a PS3. If I wanted huge hard drives, etc, I'd have a computer. Oh wait, I do have a computer, so my console doesn't need be one as well.
b.a.m.n @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:44PM
"i love my 360, and my Wii, but fuck the over priced over hyped PS3 u stupid morons."
people just upset that they cant afford it. how is it over hyped. yall give the 360 a whole year to produce a good game. should we expect the same for the wii and ps3?
b.a.m.n @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:52PM
@ sheppy
ok four game but how long did it take. should we wait for at lease a year before assuming its over hyped. developer still are not used to ps3. like i said i have all the system and the game that im playing right now is god of war 2. so really all about what you like and your taste.
FrankTheCrank @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:54PM
This is BULLCRAP.
Micro$oft should allow you to throw in whatever drive you want into YOUR SYSTEM.
It's almost as if YOU don't own your 360. They still own it, and will tell you what to do with it. Kinda sucks.
Sony will let you add a new drive, partition the drive and slam Linux on the PS3. 360 is like lockdown land. What gives?
Keef @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:55PM
b.a.m.n, dont give me that cant afford it crap.....
If you really wanted it, you would save up.....
Hell im 25 with a mortgage and i could piss on affording a ps3 haha
Khamikazi @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:08PM
So just curious.....with all those 160 gig hard drives the PS3 people have, what all are you putting on it? I mean, I know the PS3 has it where some games have to be partially installed on the hard drive to load at a decent speed (guess I shouldnt mention that right?). But after that, what all is on there? Im sure the broad selection of games uses all of that space huh? With all those grade A number one hits coming out, they are flying thru that memory almost as fast as they are flying out the door. Wait, they arent? Dang it!
On topic though, Im happy with my 20 gig. I've never been near using all my memory and when I wanna listen to music I just stream it. If I wanted to waste money, I'd buy a PS3 right now. Cause there are tons of things that I can only play on it......
razer @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:11PM
WTF is with the PS3tards attacking every thread about the 360?? Don't you all have a Blu-Ray movie to go watch or something?? Put in all the stupid HDD's you want in your flop of a console while I go and enjoy some games. This crap about good games for the 360 taking a year is a bunch of crap.. There were great games right out of door and it continues to hand Sony there ass everytime when it comes to game quality..
Buy a PS3 if you want to run linux and watch blu-ray movies. Buy a 360 if you want to play games!!
Damn the PS3 folks are desperate these days.. pityful..
You are lying @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:15PM
@ b.a.m.n
"and if you dont play online (which i dont because $50 is too much..."
"i have all three systems. so im not a fanboy. alot of yall just upset that you cant afford a ps3 so yall try anything to make it look bad. if you remeber the 360 didnt have any good games until gears of war and that is still the only good game"
you are a fanboy you faggot. you don't own all three systems. you own a ps3. no one who buys all 3 systems says $50 for xbox live is to much. gears of war is NOT the only good game. i don't own either system, i have a wii but you are so full of shit that it needed to be pointed out
Jack of No Trades @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:14PM
The same fuckers that are talking shit on PS3 were talking shit on the 360 before it had games. All you people do is jump on the banwagon.
Konchu @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:32PM
Well this is good news but I will wait to see what happens cause if there is any way MS can check HD revisions etc and turn around and void access to live accounts on that consoles serial number that would suck.
But this may be a simple as cracking open the HD enclosure and replacing the sata drive with the same kind they would be putting in the store bought 120 gig version and may be hard for them to punish people for it. I hope this is the case.
Jon @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:34PM
What was of interest to me is the following thing the guy who wrote this said:
"Q. Could you do this for my Seagate, Maxtor, Samsung or whatever drive too?
A. Yes, but I don't have plans to do so. The cheapest WD drive (40 gb) ships for about $50 and thus is one of the cheapest. It is a lot of work to
convert this tool for usage with other brands and I don't think it is worth the trouble."
Hmm...is he implying that you can use this method to use any drive between 20 and 120 Gigs??? Does that mean that if I purchase a 40Gb the 360 will allow me to format and use 40Gb???
Does the 360 then not enforce either a 20Gb or 120Gb size?
Digi Smalls @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:49PM
Delive - i agree with you, if you're an avid HD movie collector (note i said collector, not "watcher") than the PS3 is absolutely for you.
i like that game consoles evolve too, but MS managed it to do it in a way that was reasonably affordable. things like DVD watching were already a console commodity feature and wireless streaming, downloadable games/ movies and music ripping that work in all your games is another step up in this generation.
but they added in that value to what a game console would normally cost. other things that couldn't be affordably included are made available, only extra.
more importantly, they still put games first in its design, execution and philosophy. same just can't be said for PS3.
.
Digi Smalls @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:58PM
bamn - if you think gears was the only good game for 360 by that time then you are hopelessly ignorant and can thusly be safely ignored.
enjoy your PS2 game, we're discussing this generation.
John @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:11PM
@ b.a.m.n
You are sooo full of crap, I'm glad a few people have called you out already. I highly doubt you own all 3 systems, someone who can afford to just throw away over $1200 on video games can afford $50 for the best online gaming service.
Jake @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:29PM
bamn, people who spend $400 on a 360 plus $50 for a year of Live can probably afford $500 for a PS3. The game library for the 360 was better at this point in time than the PS3's is.
Heck, by far the best PS3 game is Oblivion, which was available a year earlier on 360. The 360 has equal or better games in every genre except for fighters, which Virtua Fighter owns. However, in a couple of months the 360 will again own that genre because its version of VF5 will have online multiplayer as well.
Seriously, if playing games is what you are into, why the hell wouldn't you want a 360. I will get a PS3 eventually, but if I had one now I know I'd be watching movies on it. Resistance isn't nearly as good as Gears and Motorstorm is very over-rated, imo (I've played both at my buddy's). And when you look at the Q2 release schedule, the 360 is mega-dominating the PS3. Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the only good "exclusive", and it is a remake of NG Black.
Once FFXIII, MGS4, and others are out for a PS3 I will get one. But it really would be collecting dust if I got it now. I'd play all of Resistance and that would be it. I'm not going to play Motorstorm when PGR and Forza2 are sitting next to my 360. VF5 will have online for 360. And Mass Effect will own the half of my summer gaming time. I just don't see what I'd use a PS3 for. It would be different if the graphics pwned and I had to have one. They don't. The PS3 is disappointing thus far. It is worth it in itself, but if you have a 360 you really aren't going to use the PS3 a whole lot.
The 360 was filling my HDTV with goodness for a year before the PS3 came out. It will be at least another year or more (if ever) before the PS3 has a quarter in which its exclusives trump the 360. By the time the PS3 "catches up" it will be a last gen system.
Vidikron @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:33PM
These PS3 fanboys may be annoying, but there really is no debating that the way the PS3 handles HDD swapping is indeed better than the 360. Being able to swap out anytime you want with virtually any SATA laptop drive is just better. Period. End of story. And $180 for the upgrade on the 360 is a ripoff. The fact it is optional doesn't change that. Period. End of story. This is one thing that Sony got right with the PS3.