What is case modding?
Case modding is a much more technical way of modding then simply applying a vinyl skin. It involves opening up your Xbox 360 case and separating it from the contained hardware. Either you or a designer then draws out a design on the side of the machine and uses a proper tool to cut out that design, making the insides of the machine viewable.

Case modders can also install colored lights inside to make it glow and even change the color that glows around the power switch. There are also mods for the controller that can change the color of the grey base and even the color of the light surrounding the guide button. LLamma offers step-by-step instructions for doing these procedures.


What is hardware modding?
Hardware modding refers to tampering with and changing Microsoft’s standard, out-of-the-box specs. This generally includes modifying the CPU clock speeds, adding additional RAM, and installing different ways to cool the machine. Further, even more technical forms include installing chips that allow games not compatible with the preset DVD format to be read, as well as software enhancements to the dashboard not included in the shipped unit.


Is it true that some types of mods are illegal?
Yes, it is absolutely true. The only legal mod for the Xbox 360 is one which can be applied to the outside of the case, without tampering with the case structure or contents. While you may not be prosecuted for doing your own case mods, paying someone to do it for you is illegal, as is tampering or changing the hardware and its specifications. It is illegal to take part in a business or to profit from infringing on trademarks and copyrights.


Does modding void warranties?
Yes, certain types of modding will void your warranty. Any opening of the hardware case without a licensed technician will void any warranty you have standing for the machine. It is important to understand when deciding to mod your X360 that you might void your warranty. Should things go wrong, you will have no way of replacing your machine via warranty.



Can the Xbox 360 play DVD-Rs?
Very recently, “The Specialist” from xboxhacker.net discovered a way to make the original Xbox DVD drive ignore media checks by modifying its firmware and thereby allowing users to run backups off burnt DVD-R disks. It was thought that it might be possible to repeat the same results with an X360. This exploit has not been verified, as “The Specialist” has decided not to release it to the general community for fears that it will promote piracy instead of homebrew dev.


How can you back up saved games on the memory card or hard drive?

It's all explained on the backing up saved games page.

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See also

• Compatability FAQs
• Graphics FAQs
• Hardware FAQs
• Troubleshooting FAQs