Installing a Dreamcast Mod Chip...with a twist

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Mon May 23, 2005 10:41 pm

Basically, I need to know if anyone has instructions for installing a 4 Wire Dreamchip into a DC with a new version bios (MPR- 21931-X1). All the diagrams located on the net are for the other (much more common) variation of the Dreamcast board.

If it helps, the DC was built in November 2000.

Post by **Quzar** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:20 pm

it may not even work on it.

revengeofLaEternal · Post by **revengeofLaEternal** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:47 pm

Can you use a boot disc? Not a mod chip, but the next best thing

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Tue May 24, 2005 9:20 pm

I found a guide, but the link was broken. So there must be some way to install them.

arrowhead · Post by **arrowhead** » Wed May 25, 2005 1:17 am

The link might be broken because it wasnt a real guide. Im not too sure about it, but I am almost positive that the latest bios is not compatible with a 4 wire mod. One way to make sure is this: is your GDrom attached by a metal base and 3 screws, or a plastic base and a bunch of wires? If it is attached with the metal base I think there might be hope, if it is a plastic base, there is a no go on the 4 wire mod chip.

Ex-Cyber · Post by **Ex-Cyber** » Wed May 25, 2005 10:22 am

Yeah, AFAIK the 4-wire mod depends on having essentially an exact match between the mod and the BIOS's code path (not just the code itself, but the execution order etc. up to the point where the important bits are copied to RAM), otherwise it'll just patch some other bits. From an engineering standpoint it is an extremely gross hack, but impressive in its own way.