Chipped Original Xbox Fan Speed Issues

[Satoshi Matrix]

I just picked up a nice original Xbox locally that's been modchipped and given a 320 GB harddrive. It boots to XBMC, has sizable F: and G: partitions and even with controllers, component cables, and two USB to Xbox adapters.

 

However, there is an annoying problem. Whenever the system initiates a program such as an emulator or runs a disc, the fan speed goes CRAZY.

 

I can configure XBMC to override the fan speed to a constant 20%, but something - perhaps the modchip - is interfering with that, causing the fan speed to be more like 70%, which is extremely loud. In addition, whenever the fan speed issue arises, the system also cycles the eject LEDs from green to red to orange and then repeating. This is not as annoying as the fan speed issue, but I've been unable to change this either.

 

 

Some info if it helps:

 

When the system boots, the Xbox logo is orange, and instead of saying "Microsoft", it says "BOXX DR"

Originally softmodded using the mech assault 1 save exploit

Revision: 1.2 or 1.3

Modchip: DuoX 2 GS

Detected BIOS: X2 5035 137gb+

Kernel Version: 1.0.5035.1

 

dashboards installed: M$, XBMC, Avalaunch, UnleashX

 

 

I'm not really that knowledged in Xbox troubleshooting, as the Xbox I've had for years and years has never had issues related to the fan speed.

 

Anyone know how I can solve this fan speed issue? I already have gone through XBMC to override it to a constant 20%, but any time I'm not in XBMC because I've launched a program or game, the fan returns to its very loud 70% state.

 

Would I be better off installing another fan? I've read about 80mm fans that produce as little sound as 15dB.

 

thanks.

[MagitekAngel]

I'm actually experiencing a similar problem with the xbox my brother and I (mostly my brother; he really dug into it) hotswapped. LED is always flashing, and fan is running hard. We installed EvolutionX

[+RevEng]

The xbmc fan setting only controls the speed for the duration of your xbmc session. When it hands over control to another program, the fan reverts back to the bios setting. (if the new program doesn't try to set the fan itself)

 

It's possible to reflash the bios with another one patched for a lower fan speed, but I'd recommend just doing the fan mod. XBMC runs cool in an original xbox, but the same isn't necessarily true of other programs. Also, your original fan is more likely to fail than most of the other components anyway.

[Satoshi Matrix]

Ah. So it's got something to do with the bios. How exactly do I reflash the bios? Auto Installer Deluxe?

 

I just want the fan speed to be something more reasonable. I've never heard of anyone's original Xbox overheating, so I have no idea why the previous owner would have set up his system with such a high fan speed.

 

Is the constant LED cycling also caused by the weird fan speed? How do I fix that?

[+RevEng]

There are LED color and cycle patchable bios options, so I'm assuming someone setup your bios with them. I have one of my 2 xboxes booting with a red logo and red LED to easily tell them apart.

 

Also, it's been a dog's age since I actually did any of this, so maybe someone who has been active with it recently can comment...

 

First you'll need to obtain a bios to patch, and the "X2 config maker" software to patch it. You'll probably want to stick with the "X2 5035" bios, since you know your xbox runs it well.

 

You used to be able to obtain bios images and software from #xbins. If you google "xbins downloads" you should be able to figure out how to get access, though it's a bit involved.

 

Once you have the patched bios, you need to flash it to your chip. Here's some instructions on how to flash a DuoX2

 

Hopefully that gets you on the road. Good luck!