QUOTE(andysumm @ Mar 30 2008, 06:37 AM)

I am looking to get my Xbox 360 fitted with either having a modchip fitted or to get it flashed with the
iXtreme firmware. Which one would be the best?
...
Any help will be much appreciated
Andysumm
Andy, this is a complex one.
I have installed the NME2 into an elite machine with a BENQ drive. Other than the wrong connection point for the 'network off' in the Samsung/BENQ diagram (Fix uncovered by letsmod ->
http://forums.xbox-s...;#entry4238069), all has gone well and so far no bans. However, cost is ~$70 or $80 (or there-abouts depending on your supplier & location).
The NME2 is supposed to be full stealth and this is one of the reasons I purchased this chip instead of flashing.
The install is the hardest mod of either the original XBox and Wii combined. Its not recommended for the faint of heart. Experience is suggested with fine wire soldering to surface mounted components. Also, some thought is required in the location of the NME2.
QUOTE
Which one is easiest to update?
The NME crew say there will be disc firmware upgrades available in the future. So no flashing by opening and removing the drive. Also, with the NME2, you don't have to re-flash your drive with original firmware to go online.
Now, many have had install problems with the Hitachi drive. I think many, though not all, have ended up getting it to work (Guys - correct me if I'm wrong).
QUOTE
The easiest one to make backup games?
Making a backup for the NME2 can be confusing at first as you need to extract and re-insert the ss.bin file into another location for the NME2 to recognise the backup. However, once you have done it (guide by me here ->
http://forums.xbox-s...p;#entry4225114 and guide with screenshots here ->
http://forums.xbox-s...;#entry4233620) you will see it is not that difficult at all.
QUOTE
Which one would be the best for playing backed up games?
I imagine both ways are as easy to play backups, but to get back online you may need to re-flash your drive
or risk being detected by MS.
I hope this helps.
H.