Xtender's Full Case Review

Written by Brakken
December 2005

Introduction

Why would you need a replacement case? That is a simple question with two very simple answers. You would need one to use full sized DVD media in your Cube or could use one for modding purposes to make your case stand out in the crowd! As I’ve already reviewed Xtender’s top half replacement cases I will focus mostly on the bottom part along with some minor changes that improved the top halves overall design.

Features

Complete Replacement Case
Use Full Sized DVD Media
Custom Rear Panel for Chips
Custom Normal Sized Jewel

Contents of the Package

Top of the Case
Top of Case
Bottom of Case
Custom Rear Panel
USB Adapter
A/V Port Stickers (x2)
Custom Jewel

Installation & Usage

I first examined the top half of the case and noticed the old screw post that used to be an issue wasn’t anymore. So you could, in theory, leave your Viper GC chip in its default installation location (if you’re using one) without having it being in the way of the case. Due to the way you install the case and the programmer itself (if you decide to use it) you will have to relocate your chip anyway so this doesn’t really seem to matter, but I just wanted to point it out.


Since you will be replacing the entire case you will have to detach the Viper GC chip so having to move it really isn’t that big of an issue. I then looked over the bottom half and noticed it come with a custom USB adapter for the Qoob Pro chip (or any future modchips that are compatible with it) that allows you to use either a mini or normal sized USB cable to interface your GameCube to a PC with. This is a nice feature as the mini USB cable that comes with the Qoob Pro chip is very short and limits the location of your console if you planned on flashing the chips BIOS often.

The first step I took was to take apart the GameCube until I reached the motherboard. Once I had everything off of the motherboard I took a small flat head screwdriver and gently removed it from the bottom connector. After this was done I removed the bottom shielding , the three screw pegs and finally the interface port .

Next I took Xtender’s case and fitted the port, screw posts and then the heat shielding. There was a slight alignment issue with the right screw peg (the small metal brackets that fit over the posts to make sure they get grounded to the shielding), but after a little brute force with the flathead screwdriver it fit nicely into place.

Once I had everything below the motherboard back where it should go I snapped the board back into place and it fit great! I then continued on my way and soldered on the Viper GC’s wire harness (this isn’t required if you’ve already installed a modchip in your GameCube) and then replaced the head shielding.

After that step I pushed the Viper GC’s Flexwire (the flat wire that runs from the chip to its programmer) through the DVD assembly and then attached it to the Cube. Next I simply laid down some electronic tape and stuck the viper GC chip on the left side of the Cube right in front of the controller port using some double sided sticky tape. The chip itself must be put in this location for the Flexwire to reach both it and the programmer, but I used the tape to keep it in place along with preventative protection from it shorting out on any internal components.

Once this was completed I screwed the programmed into the custom molded back plate and then hooked it up to the Viper GC with the Flexwire. At this point in time the GameCube was assembled enough for me to test the chip and it booted successfully! Lastly, I put on the top of the case and was surprised that the four bottom gamebits screwed gently into place without getting stuck like other cases I have reviewed did!

Xtender’s case comes with two back panel stickers; one for the GameCube with both the digital/normal video outputs and the GameCube’s without the digital connector. GameCube revisions A/B came with the digital connector, but due to lack of development teams using the high definition output port Nintendo decided to cut support for it with Revision C of their hardware (this is why it’s missing on some GameCubes).

Operating the case should be a no brainer as all you do is put a full sized disc into it and turn your GameCube on. This is exactly what I did and I’m happy to report that the case opened correctly, the media spun correctly and when you closed the lid everything went fine. There were no stuck lid issues and/or alignment issues which I’ve come across in previous case reviews. Opening the lid is now fixed as it opens a slowly instead of flying open like a bat out of hell. Additionally, due to the extra space inside the lid removing media only required one hand!

Due to the fact that I had my Qoob Pro chip in another GameCube that has a custom case built onto it I couldn’t remove it for review purposes, but I did however manage to test Xtender’s USB adapter and am happy to report that it works just great using either a mini or full sized USB cable. I even hooked up a six foot extension cable and my computer could still detect and program the chip from such a distance!

Conclusion

Overall I’m satisfied with Xtender’s Full Sized GameCube case as it installs and functions as advertised and also looks great! If you’re in the market for a mid priced full sized replacement case I would add one of these onto your list. Although, there are better cases on the market this one gets the job done and will save you a few bucks.

  

Positives Full Sized Replacement Case Price & Availability Custom Rear Panel Lack of Defects Ease of Installation Custom Normal Sized Jewel

Negatives Mid Quality Plastic Based on Original Design

Links

Team Xtender's Homepage
The Mod That Cube Online FAQ



-=[ Xtender Case Review Discussion Thread ]=-

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