Gizmodo
It's now possible to install third-party hard drives into the Xbox 360, but there are some caveats. A hacker created a DOS-based program that, for now, only works on Western Digital BEVS hard drives. Also, the 20GB storage limit is still in place. It can only be surpassed if Microsoft officially releases a larger hard drive (so the 360 "knows" to look for a larger hard drive) or someone hacks the system's kernel. Since a larger hard drive has been rumored for a while now, waiting for the official Microsoft patch is likely your best bet.
So what's the point of all this if you can still only use 20GB hard drives, and can only use one series of hard drive? You can save money. Right now, the official 20GB Xbox 360 hard drive costs $100, while for around $60 you can find compatible 40GB hard drives (and for around $100, you can find 100GB hard drives). This is a good start and complements the other Xbox 360 hacks we've seen.
TheSpecialist's HDDHacker v0.5B - Install your Own HDD on Xbox360! [Xbox-Scene]
Comments
Wow. That makes me want to buy a 360. I mean, I was very disapointed to find out just how easy it is to change the hard drive in a PS3. But this...now there's a challenge.
Given the choice, I try not to install Western Digital hard drives in anything.
Doesnt the 360 crash enough without having a POS western digital HDD exploding inside it? Oh god even the name gives me nightmares!
Given the choice, I try to only install Western Digital hard drives.
Only brand I've used that has never bit the dust - even my old 10 GB 5.25" unit from waaaay back is still purring (though slowly and loudly by today's comparisons).
20GB only? Also seems like an incredible pain in the ass. Atop that it doesn't come with the casing. YOU ALSO NEED A VALID 360 HDD FOR THIS TO WORK.
The problem is the 360 doesn't have a format utility built in like the PS3, which is easily accessible via the menu.
So essentially you'll likely need to connect this 3rd party HDD via SATA PC and format it via command line in DOS. But first need to copy sector 16 from the 360 HDD from a valid 360 HDD. Then unattached it and connect it the 360.
Compared to the PS3 where you can directly connect any 2.5" SATA to the PS3 and format via the menu.
Hmm, if anything they should just give an update where you can save (and transfer) games/music/video/etc via USB. Less muss, less fuss (that or a cable wire adapter from the HDD plug on top of the console to USB or firewire).
Actually, the Xbox360 has a format utility. It literally formats the disk. However, it doesn't touch the 7 magical sectors that identify it as an Xbox360 disk...
Is it me, or does that store model Xbox360 look like something Cuisinart made?
> theDagda says: Given the choice, I try to only install Western Digital hard drives.
Ditto, I've never had a single WD drive fail on me in 11 years of computing.
/I have a 1GB drive in my closet that still runs.
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