Should I softmod xbox with faulty DVD drive?

[Tim4885]

My xbox has a dvd drive that has trouble reading discs sometimes. Specifically, the console will get stuck at loading screens in game and I can hear the DVD drive struggling to read the disc so I have to reset the xbox. What I plan to do is softmod my xbox with the hotswap method and install a new hard drive. My question is, should I still softmod my xbox if the DVD drive is faulty or should I just buy another xbox with a working DVD drive?

[Nextelhalo]

I say mod it up, you only need the disc to load the game and from there load up the softmod exploit. As long as the game loads and functions you should be all set.

[wchusky]

My xbox has a dvd drive that has trouble reading discs sometimes. Specifically, the console will get stuck at loading screens in game and I can hear the DVD drive struggling to read the disc so I have to reset the xbox. What I plan to do is softmod my xbox with the hotswap method and install a new hard drive. My question is, should I still softmod my xbox if the DVD drive is faulty or should I just buy another xbox with a working DVD drive?

You can replace the DVD drive easily so you should definitely mod it. Once you have emulators and games set up on the hard drive, you hardly need to use the DVD drive. You can run a modded XBOX without ever using the DVD drive.

[NeMesiS]

You should definitely try giving the drive a clean and
use a cotton tip with some window cleaner for the lens.
I have found this to work with a few of my drives.
You could go to the trouble of replacing the dvd drive belt
and maybe some dri-lube for the gears...
It is possible to order a replacement laser.
But if you could find another console cheap enough, why not...

[Tim4885]

I will try cleaning the drive and see if that helps. Is a replacement DVD drive expensive? Is it cheaper than buying another used xbox? Can I use any DVD drive as a replacement or does it have to be an official xbox DVD drive?

[Rocky5]

I will try cleaning the drive and see if that helps. Is a replacement DVD drive expensive? Is it cheaper than buying another used xbox? Can I use any DVD drive as a replacement or does it have to be an official xbox DVD drive?

Probably cheaper buying a new Xbox

You can also use any IDE DVD drive in the Xbox, but only for burnt media.
(there are PC drives you can buy that you flash with a custom firmware & they will read original pressed discs)

To be honest, use splinter cell as that's the quickest loading game of the bunch.
( I just sit tapping (A) )

[NeMesiS]

Is a replacement DVD drive expensive?

I meant a replacement "laser" not the whole drive
I found them for around $5 USD depending what drive you have.