mod an X-Fi XtremeMusic

[Apokalipse]

basically, there are two mods I'd like to do:
* add a 64MB RAM chip to it (instead of the 16MB one)
* add LED's, shining through the 3.5mm audio ports, with corresponding colours.

The PCB of the XtremeMusic looks basically identical to the Fatality card (with 64MB X-RAM)
my card:
http://apokalipse.googlepages.com/X-Fi_1024.jpg
a Fatality card (from TheInquirer (http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2005/08/16/creative-x-fi-fatality-fps-is-a--funky-piece-of-kit)):
http://images.vnu.net/gb/inquirer/news/2005/08/16/creative-x-fi-fatality-fps-is-a--funky-piece-of-kit/croo3.jpg

The only differences I can see are:
* the SPU on my XM card is a CA20K1-PAG LF, and the card TheInquirer has, does not have the LF at the end of the model number

* the 64MB RAM chip is soldered to a different set of contacts - which do exist on my XtremeMusic card. (Also, the contacts used by the RAM chip on my XM card do exist on the fatality card.)

* there are less contacts for the PCI slot on my card

So basically, does anybody know if it's possible? or is there some difference on the XM that won't allow use of a 64MB chip?

I know I'd need a soldering iron with a very small tip, and a good amount of skill and patience with it.

Anyway, the other mod I wanted to do was put LED's behind the 3.5mm audio connectors, so there will be light shining through them with corresponding colours.
All I really need for this is a power source good for the LED's. I was just wondering if I could find one on the card itself, so I didn't have to use power directly from the power supply, or through a fan header or something.

[tiro_uspsss]

wasnt aware the XM has RAM on it....

never heard or seen of a mod like this - ur welcome to try & be the first tho :D - u'll either succeed or brick ur cards :D

gl

[YukonTrooper]

Head over to www.head-fi.org and look for the X-Fi modding thread. There are some circuit board pros over there who have tried millions of different mods on the X-Fi. They will be able to tell you what is possible. Look for Bichi, Germanium and Gnome. They're the modders.

[Demo]

I've always been wondering why that single capacitor is VERY tall.. can we possibly shorten it ?

And i noticed your X-Fi chip has an HS, is that stock or you placed that there coz during gaming with EAX the chip doesnt even get mildly warm

[YukonTrooper]

You can bend the capacitor sideways to make it fit better, but outside of that there is not much you can do. All possible power filter capacitor mods will be equally as large. I've replaced mine with a Nichicon unit but I'm still required to bend it sideways.

[Apokalipse]

I've always been wondering why that single capacitor is VERY tall.. can we possibly shorten it ?It's a power filtering capacitor, so it will be the biggest one there.

And i noticed your X-Fi chip has an HS, is that stock or you placed that there coz during gaming with EAX the chip doesnt even get mildly warmIt came with a heatsink on it. I took it off, and put three Swiftech MC21 sinks on it.
I've noticed that sometimes, it does get warm.

And I put on a 2200uF Hitano capacitor. It was basically the only half descent brand I could find over here.
But if I can get hold of a Nichicon, I'll probably put that on there instead.
It's bent sideways

Oh, and I also put on 3 x LME49720 OpAmps, and an LM4562 in place of the stock opamps.
I used a pretty crappy soldering iron to get them on, but they work well.

[hehee]

It's a power filtering capacitor, so it will be the biggest one there.

It came with a heatsink on it. I took it off, and put three Swiftech MC21 sinks on it.
I've noticed that sometimes, it does get warm.

And I put on a 2200uF Hitano capacitor. It was basically the only half descent brand I could find over here.
But if I can get hold of a Nichicon, I'll probably put that on there instead.
It's bent sideways

Oh, and I also put on 3 x LME49720 OpAmps, and an LM4562 in place of the stock opamps.
I used a pretty crappy soldering iron to get them on, but they work well.

try to get a blackgate for tat power cap.eventually it make the overall sound brighter....(after 500hours burn-in)
remember to apply some protection for the soldering point at the back of the card.this capacitor will easily came off together with the solder point...then the card will be messup ....maybe you can try some glue gun stuff..
the LM4562n was under power when u replace the default..
it needs extra power to perform better ,which you can draw from the power cap below right next to the 1st short slot of PCI slot...