Xecuter's Blaster360 Review
Written by Ocean / Translated by Jones23
November 2007
( Read the Original Review from ModControl.com in Russian )
Features
Once installed never open up the case again to update firmware
Works with all flashable drives (including older Hitachi's with Hitachi Fix Adapter)
easy installation, no soldering required
Xbox Mode & PC Mode Switch, switches automatically to PC Mode when molex plug is connected
ModeB switch for Hitachi drives
Additional Eject button for PC Mode
High-quality SATA connection
Samsung MS28 Power on/off switch
Superior quality design
Ergonomically matched to the 360 case
LED light with switch: Glow On / Led Permanent On / LED Off
Contents
1. Blaster360 external module
2. Digital Sata Exchange (DSE)
3. Power Control Unit (PCU)
4. SATA Cable (ODD)
5. SATA Cable (360)
6. PCU to ODD power cable
7. PCU to DSE power cable
8. Xbox 360™ case unlocking tool
9. Torx-10 screwdriver
The Blaster360 ships in a cardboard box, which also contains all needed cables, 2 circut boards, an opening tool
and a Torx-10 screwdriver.
The Blaster360 is really well designed, not only the plastic case, but also all buttons, switches and circut
boards are high-quality. The cables match the usual standard quality. The Blaster360's color is not the same
as the original Xbox360 case color, the silver-gray looks more like the harddrive color. In addition, the
Blaster360 has the same chrome side plates as the HDD.
Installation
The installation of the Blaster360 serves absolutely no problem. The case can be opened easily with the opening tool
and the Torx-10 screwdriver. You can find a good tutorial on Modcontrol.com. Once you've opened it up, you have to
install the two circut boards, the Digital Sata Exchange (DSE) and the Power Control Unit (PCU).
When that's done you have to install four new cables. Two SATA cables, from the Xbox360 motherboard to the DSE and
from the DSE to the Xbox360 DVD drive. The old drive power cable has to be connected with the PCU, which gets
connected to the DVD drive with the third new cable. Last but not least, cable no. 4, which connects DSE and PCU.
Now you can reassemble the Xbox360, which should't cause any problems. Only the SATA cable that has to be passed
next to the DVD drive can be a bit tricky. When it's back together, you just have to plug the Blaster360 into the
DSE, and now we're ready for takeoff.
Usage
When you want to play games, just power on the Xbox360 like usual. To flash the drive, connect the Blaster360 with your
Pc using a molex power cable and a SATA cable. The Blaster360 automatically switches to PC Mode.
To avoid some frustration, you should spend a few more bugs for a controller with the correct chipset. For Samsung
drives (MS25 or MS28) the VIA 6421L and the VIA 6421A have proven best. If you have a Hitachi drive, you should get
a SATA controller with Silicon Image Chipset. The flashing procedure is the same as without the Blaster360, meaning
you can adapt to any standard flashing tutorial. For Samsung drives you should use the program iPrep, which makes
flashing a piece of cake.
For the pleasure of every modding fan, the Blaster360 features 3 LED modi. During the normal Xbox360 usage the LED
shines with a nice neon-lime-green. Of course Xecuter also included a Glow feature, which adds a pulsation to the
LED light. Those who don't like the annoying light ca nsimply turn it off with a switch. When the Blaster360 is
connected to the PC, it will shine blue.
Conclusion
The Xecuter Blaster360 really facilitates the flashing procedure. The Blaster360 design makes the Xbox360 look a bit
more precious, the LED feature, esp. the glow effect, is really nice. The only downside is the missing HDD connection,
which would've been really useful. All who don't miss that function, who enjoy LED modding and who have a bit more
spending money are well advised with the Blaster360. Everyone else should get the more well-priced "Xeno Top Gear".
Negatives
no possibility to connect the HDD with the PC
fix is needed for older Hitachi drives (v46-47), fix has to be soldered
needs an external power supply
much more expensive than the Xeno Top Gear Adapter
Positives
the Xbox360 drive will be perfectly recognized with the PC
flashing works flawlessly
good quality design (case, buttons, SATA connection)
additional Eject button
perfectly fitting the Xbox360 case
noble design, based on the Xbox360 HDD design
nice LED features
Digital Sata Exchange, not as faulty as analog ones
Links
Team Xecuter's Website
Original ModControl Review in Russian
-=[ Xecuter's Blaster 360 Review Discussion Thread ]=-
