Original Xbox FAQ
Which original Xbox DVD disc drive is the best?
The Hitachi Drive
The Hitachi original Xbox DVD disc drive is by far the worst drive. The next drive on this list isn't far behind it. However, this one has no redeeming qualities at all. These drives were used the least out of all others. This means they are one of the most expensive and rarest options when looking for a replacement. Even though these DVD disc drives were released late in the original Xbox lifespan they fail almost as much as the earlier ones. I have heard some modders and repair techs bragging how much they love these drives. For me, I don't see it. I've had tons of these drives thrown in the garbage because the lasers are bad. It can be impossible to find a replacement if you or a customer are determined to have this version. They just aren't worth it unless you already have one.
The Thomson Drive
This is nearly as bad as the DVD disc drive listed above. However, there are a few things that make the Thomson original Xbox DVD disc drive better. Even though it's still far from the best. This was the first drive released, and it shows. The failure rates for lasers are the highest. This is because they are the oldest, and the least refined. Dealing with these myself, I have also found them to be "clunky", Big, heavy, useless things. While they still have their purpose, I avoid these. That's especially true if I'm worried about longevity and reliability.
However, there are two benefits here that make this original Xbox DVD disc drive the best compared to the Hitachi. (and even the others too) The first is the cost. Being the oldest and least reliable you can typically find these as much as 30 percent cheaper than the others. If you can find one in good working shape you can save some money and get a Thomson. This makes the Thomson a great option for someone looking to have a back-up, or for those of you on a budget. Lastly, I typically find the Thomson drives have fewer problems with stuck disc trays and ejecting issues. These use a larger, beefier eject belt that tends to wear down slower than all other versions. This isn't a big deal to me as a bad belt is an easy, cheap thing to fix. However, I realize this will matter to some of you.
The Phillips drive
This is up for debate among modders and repair techs. Many say the Phillips is the best original Xbox DVD disc drive. However, I feel there are a few things that put this second to best. For starters the form of the drive itself can limit modders. This drive has an extension on the bottom of the drive used to house the laser. This takes up vital space modders use to install mod chips, internal WiFi boards, etc. Not only that but the form makes it a little more annoying to deal with in general. Another issue is the cost. This is usually the most expensive you can find and prevents this original Xbox DVD disc drive from being the best. However, the Phillips DVD disc drive is extremely reliable. I rarely have issues with these drives. The laser assembly and disc tray housing are just about the best you can find. You still see failures with these drives, but less so than all the others.
The Samsung drive
While I myself believe this is the complete package and makes it the best original Xbox DVD disc drive, this is also up for
debate regularly. The Samsung is slightly less reliable than that of the Phillips, but only slightly. Personally, I think it only
seems this way because the Samsung is the most common drive. It was used the longest during the console's lifespan. Thus
meaning I see quite a few fail simply because I see them 10 times more often than the others. I also see many more of these drives
in perfect working order than others too. So debating on the reliability of the Samsung with the Phillips is mostly based
on opinion, not fact. What puts this at the top of the list is the combination of reliability with cost.
The Samsung drive is usually right in the middle of the price range for a replacement. This means you get similar reliability as
the Phillips drive, but at a lower cost. These are also some of the easiest drives to work with, repair, and replace. The set up
is simple and that makes it easier to diagnose issues and fix. This also makes the Samsung a DVD disc drive that you can tinker
with and not damage. Over-all, I feel the Samsung clearly fits the bill when someone asks me which original Xbox DVD disc drive
is best.
To finish up...
Plenty of this is up for debate between modders and fixers. However, Breaking down each aspect of each drive can go a long way helping you decide which original Xbox DVD disc drive is the best. I feel the Samsung fits in better with most people and provides the best total package. Your needs, uses, and issues may mean one of the others will fit you better. Some people have the cost to think about. Some people want the absolute best money can buy. Some want a little of both worlds. Use this information to decide what is going to work best for you, not for me or based on what others say.
