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[HSDEMONZ]

 

http://www.gamersrep...be/complete.jpg
 
For awhile now, TeamXecuter have been sending pre production samples of their new ICEDCUBE GameCube Shell. It’s been an interesting experience looking at different versions of the shell as it come up the process from preliminary prototype to final Production model. I can say one thing, TeamXecuter takes their time, and doesn’t rush a product to market. At times, it was almost agonizingly slow, waiting to see how they were going to overcome design issues. They had a few.. but that is what the process was for.

Shortly after my last review, TeamXecuter sent a Final Production sample of their new ICEDCUBE Game Cube Shell Replacement. The Final Production model, was a thing of beauty, with some interesting design changes. For one thing, it is a FULL case replacement. This isn’t just the top, you get the top, bottom, and rear panels, as well as all the compartment covers. In Addition, you get Stickers for the rear panel, a sweet looking ICEDCUBE jewel for the top, and some other ICEDCUBE stickers including the Laser warning sticker.

Now top to bottom the Game Cube will have a consistent new look.

Some of the common complaints about other Game Cube Shells on the market, is the quality of plastic used. Other issues, are the small or non existent area to safely place your thumb to aid in the removal of the disc. Other issues, have been the placement of mold points, or posts in the interior of the shell that would need to be removed by the end user to make for a proper fit. (shame on manufacturers who don’t test their products properly)

The Xecuter ICEDCUBE, have non of these issues. In fact, it goes beyond fixing issues that have plagued other products currently on the market. They have improved on some good ideas. This happens a lot, Xecuter might not always be the first with an idea, but then they turn around, grab an idea, run with it and give us back something better.

Some of the current GC shells on the market have some space to allow for your thumb to aid in the removal of discs. One problem with any shell with a lid that opens 45 or so degrees, is can you get your hands in there and get those discs in and out. All the current shells on the market do that well enough.. however, Xecuter found a better method that required a radical change in thought and concept. Instead of making the classic cover all lid common on stock shells, and on the current competing shells, Xecuter made a sexy lower lip that recesses enough to allow you to clearly place your thumb. It might not sound like much, but it is a vast improvement over the Hush and Xtender designs.
 

http://www.gamersrep...dcube/jewel.jpg

When you look at the top of the ICEDCUBE, you’ll notice that this isn’t like all the others on the market. For one thing, it’s not flat or “square” on top. There is a nice slight curve to the top. Clearly, a sign that they took the stock design, and went somewhere new with it. The center of the lid, features a space for their ICEDCUBE jewel, or alternately, you can come up with your own Jewel. For this review I had a unit with a clear Jewel, and their awesome looking ICEDCUBE Jewel, and word is there might be some Xecuter made, or 3rd party Jewel options shortly.

Moving on, like buying a car, you’ve got to kick the tires and actually test the unit. Buttons work and feel as they should. Using the open button is a treat on this shell. The tension of the spring, with the resistance wheels Xecuter has used, allow for the lid to open slowly and controlled. As opposed, to other units on the market that fly open and even bounce. (bounce = bad) Some people may not notice or care about that feature, but it is a sign of care, thought, and quality. Xecuter cares, and to show it they give you a warning sticker to place on the lid reminding users to be careful, not to open the shell while reading (as the GC does have a laser..)
 


Xecuter, didn’t stop there when coming up with unique or innovative design ideas for this shell. They know some people want their modded Game Cube to be complete, including the LPT flasher. Xecuter, actually found just enough space to squeeze that puppy in ther. It took some modification of the rear panel, but as you can see, Xecuter went to town on most of the panels that comprise the ICEDCUBE. The LPT flasher is easily installed to the rear panel using it’s own 2 screws. Then, it’s just a simple matter of playing hide the snake with the flexible cable that connect the flasher to the chip.

Below the Flasher unit, is a hole that accommodates all models of Game Cube, whether you are like me with a DOL-101 with just the standard Analog AV Out, or you have the other style that also had a Digital AV Out. Xecuter gives you two plates to cover that hole that are a good fit to your video out connector(s). Below that, is a bulge I can’t determine a use for. I can only assume it’s for the units with the second video out port.

One thing I noticed, is how true the fit is. With the other shell review, I noted the slight flex needed to make a fit. That isn’t the case here. The plastic of this ICEDCUBE seems more rigid, and the mold/cut is definitely more true. They fit together cleanly and smoothly.
 

http://www.gamersrep...ube/collage.jpg

This isn’t a hard install, but it is time consuming, especially if you haven’t done it before, or if you did and put every single screw back in. When I last had my Cube opened, I only put back the screws necessary to keep it solid and functional. One thing you’ll have to do, is remove the heat sink from the motherboard of the GC. When I had originally chipped my GC, I didn’t need to remove the motherboard, and didn’t know that when you disassemble this bugger, the last 2 screws, are hidden, under the Heat sink.

Something I didn’t think of at the time while testing this, was that once I had the Heat sink off, I probably should have cleaned it and applied some new thermal paste. The Cube only hade some on the GPU and not the CPU. Go figure. Anyways.. watch the video below, and you’ll see the process of installing the ICEDCUBE. I really don’t have anything bad to say about it.. which for me is a bit rare, and I’m pretty picky and can find flaws or issues with most things that come across my desk.

WATCH REVIEW VIDEO
http://pictures.xbox...ew/ICEDCUBE.wmv

So.. here’s the round up on the ICEDCUBE

Pros:
- Price, especially considering this is a full Case Replacement
- Fit
- Style
- Front Lip
- LPT Flasher spot
- Rear panels accommodates ALL Game Cube Models
- Variety of colors available
- Customizable and replaceable Jewel.

Cons:
- Time it takes you to unscrew and disassemble the old shell/console
- Doesn’t come with disco lights…

I had to write something bad. Some sort of optional lighting would be cool though. Clear/translucent models are definitely a modder\'s dream.

I don’t like reading perfect reviews. I don’t like writing them either. I personally don’t trust a perfect review. When I read a perfect review.. I think one of two things, the reviewer is on the take, or the reviewer didn’t actually review the product. I’ve seen both those situations on that other Console site that is cluttered with a dozen flat rate ads, and claims to write a review, and give you usually Max 3 paragraphs of regurgitated hype from the manufacturer.

At GamersReports.com we try to give you more sizzle with your bacon. That means more details, more photos, and more video, and honest opinions and comments so that you can make an informed choice. All.. on an independent site not cluttered with ugly ads.

GamersReports.com, your only choice for independent and unbiased news and reviews for all consoles.

Originally posted on GamersReports.com

[atomiX]

I'd like to add that not all of us are ViperGC owners. I personally have a Qoob Pro and the LPT port on the back panel is useless for me. I would have liked to see an option to have a panel with a USB connector for the Qoob instead of the present connector. 2 different packages would have been ideal.

[gamerguy999]

QUOTE(atomiX @ Aug 6 2005, 10:55 AM)

I'd like to add that not all of us are ViperGC owners. I personally have a Qoob Pro and the LPT port on the back panel is useless for me. I would have liked to see an option to have a panel with a USB connector for the Qoob instead of the present connector. 2 different packages would have been ideal.

It does have a place for the Qoob Pro's USB PCB, I've circled it in the picture below.


I think that was what HSDEMONZ was refering to when he said

QUOTE

Below that, is a bulge I can’t determine a use for. I can only assume it’s for the units with the second video out port.

That "bulge" is where the Qoob Pro's USB PCB goes. They have also included two stickers with the case, one of them you use to cover the little hole of the Qoobs USB slot(if you have a Viper), and the other sticker, you cover the Viper's slot(if you have a Qoob Pro).

This post has been edited by gamerguy999: Aug 6 2005, 09:34 PM

[atomiX]

Thanks for the info. I recall my previous statement.

Sure is tiny.

HSD: You might want to add that to your review...

[XBL_SUCKS]

Just wondering if all version GC's will fit in there? and if the case look good led modded

[gilligansdingy]

After reading about all the types of gc replacements out ,I went with this one. From what I read it seemed like the best product. After receiving and attempting to install, I was totally disappointed. The case went together pretty easy, but the when a dvd was placed into the case it would scratch when spinning. I had to take it all apart again and remove a large amount of excess plastic so the case would fit tighter. After much trial and error and 3 hours of work it finally worked decent enough to use. But still on occasion the dvd scratches. No this was not my first attempt at installing an after market case. I have dealt with many 3rd party Xbox and PS2 cases and swapped out a few OEM GC cases. Never with so many issues as the Icedcube.

For looks I give it in A+
For functionality F

I would not buy again and would never recommend it to another person.

[Xb0XmAn]

oh man i just bought this case and it's just so frikkin hard to get the original screws in the new case.

you get the screw half way in and its stuck.. weird nobody mentioned this before