Print

[cpt_pancakes]

What do you think about adding more memory to the Xbox? I've noticed lag in a few of my emulators including MAME.  do you think this will solve my problem? One other question, do you think that the risk is worth it? I have pretty good soldering skills but still don't like working with IC's with lots of pins.  Suggestions and opinions are appreciated. Thanks for any input.  

[oxjeremy334]

I haven't added more memory, but I think that if you want it done you may want to have someone do it who has experience, as it looks pretty complicated.

[Perplexer]

Don't like ICs with lots of pins?  You'll hate the RAM install (400 pins total)

In all honesty, don't try it unless you can handle the risk of losing your board entirely.  A RAM install is a humbling experience for many people (but satisfying if you can pull it off!)

If you want to give it a shot, practice by removing one RAM chip from a dead motherboard and putting it on an empty pad (also on the dead mobo).  Or remove and replace the video encoder chip.

There are a few people on the forums who offer a RAM upgrade service, myself included.

This post has been edited by Perplexer: Mar 26 2005, 08:15 PM

[cpt_pancakes]

i followed your advice Perplexer and removed and resoldered a similar chip on a piece of junk hardware. i think i can do it as long as i am careful enough.  I found a post with a video of someone removing and installing the chips. please i'm not interested in warnings, more in tips about the beat way to do it and your results. thanks again

This post has been edited by cpt_pancakes: Mar 26 2005, 08:58 PM

[A@ron]

ok so you don't want warnings but you want us to be helpful?

What you don't realize is that by Perplexer explaining the dangers he in-fact was helpful to you.
Perplexer, Lookformeb, and I have lots of experience in adding ram. Personally the best advice I can give you is; don't try it if you cannot afford replacement costs, use the proper tools (that video uses a pin slid under the pins on the chip to pop them off their pads, this when improperly done can bend pins, break pins, and become frustrating), and when you get frustrated go do something else and come back to the board tomorrow.

[Perplexer]

As A@ron mentioned, that RAM removal video can damage the chips.  I recommend a product instead called ChipQuik to remove the chips at a lower heat, or buy them from some of the RAM installers (A@ron, Lookformeb, KingViper, or myself, there are others including limtk55 and bbg518a who offers new chips (not pulls).

Try and upgrade a motherboard which has raised solder bumps already on the blank pads.  You won't need to add any solder this way.  Many 1.0/1.1 boards are this way, as well as newer versions.  It's hit-or-miss.

Use flux.  This helps "wet" the joint and solder flows better.  Don't overdo it though, not much is needed and too much is messy and hard to clean, also makes it harder to inspect your work.

[cpt_pancakes]

what i'm saying is that i know how risky it is, and i have a feeling that half the replys will only say that it is risky.  i don't mean to be rude. these are all good points and i will take them into consideration. i'm gona checkout chipquick.  i plan on doing this monday or tuesday. thanks guys  

[A@ron]

I don't think you could get chipqwik sent to you by monday or tuesday.

Also, if you screw up and you get a red/orange frag you've got a bridge, if you lift a pad or otherwise give up and want a functional board again send it to a pro. Know your limitations or when to send it out for help... unless you've got extra money lying around.

[cpt_pancakes]

i'm going to oder chipquik and wait till it comes, it's a real neat product.  i was just googling around and i found another way to attach IC's of this nature- cover all the pins in solder then remover the excess. it would seam to me this method is more prone to bridging.

[A@ron]

yes do not use that method! trust me... you're exactly right.

[bleugh]

practice a lot,

its VERY difficult and time consuming with 'removed' chips

it's not that bad if you use brand new chips, but patience is a virtue here,
take your time, be gentle and DO NOT use force on the soldering iron, just a gentle rubbing action

you will need at a minimum

- small bottle of flux, one of the chipquick ones is enough for 2 or 3 installs
- damp sponge (for cleaning the tip of the iron / wiping crud off)
- solder tip cleaner (small pot of stuff that tins and coats the tip)

NEVER do this upgrade if you can't get, and keep a fairly shiny tip wetted with solder,
if you can only get a dull grey tip on your iron, give up, solder will NOT flow on it and you will have a hard time getting the board done properly

[death_driver_911]

also after you have installed the ram check out THIS link. look right at the bottem where it shows the part with the Chips up to the light.