Home >> Internet Games >> Xbox 360

Xbox 360 Elite DVD Drive Types

The Xbox 360 Elite is one of several Xbox models released over a period of four years by Microsoft Corp. The Elite unit boasts a slick black finish and a 120 GB hard drive. Like other models, however, the Xbox Elite features one of three DVD drives: the Samsung TS-H943A, Hitachi GDR-3120L or BENQ VAD6038.

Samsung TS-H943A
- The Samsung drive tray features a U-shaped hole with grooved edges on the left and right. Available in two models, the MS25 and the MS28, the Samsung drives feature a large, square sticker on the upper face. A favorite for Xbox hardware modders, this hardy drive is very difficult to "brick" (permanently damage) during the flashing process associated with drive modification.
Hitachi GDR-3120L
- The Hitachi drive also features a U-shaped hole in the drive tray, but the hole is bordered with several round holes and indentations. The Hitachi drive features a round indentation atop the drive and a rectangular sticker on the upper face. The drive is also very easy to flash because of built-in scripting features, but is not quite as resilient as the Samsung drive. As a result, modders should take care when attempting to flash the firmware.
BENQ VAD6038
- The BENQ is the most easily distinguishable drive in regard to drive tray appearance. The U-shape hole in the tray has perfectly straight edges and a complete absence of any grooves or holes. The BENQ is notoriously difficult to flash because of enhanced security properties, but is also known as the fastest and quietest DVD drive available for the Xbox 360. Users who have no interest in modifications would be wise to upgrade to the superior BENQ drive.

Xbox 360