Modchip won't boot games

After a modchip install, imports/backups won't boot

Symptom: A retail game from your own region still works, but imports or burned backups show the original-disc warning screen, hang on a black screen, or kick back to the boot menu.

Likely causes

• A modchip wire soldered to the wrong point or to a cold joint that doesn't make contact.
• The chip's data line connected to the wrong drive controller pin for your board revision.
• Incorrect chip for the console revision, or a chip needing a "stealth" wire your board doesn't expose.
• A poorly burned disc, wrong burn speed, or a disc image that lacks proper subchannel data.

Fixes

1. Recheck every solder point against a wiring diagram for your exact mainboard revision. Revisions move the gate and data pins.
2. Inspect joints under good light. Reflow any that look dull, cracked, or bridged to a neighbor.
3. Confirm the chip is powered. Measure for the expected voltage on its power pin with the console on.
4. Test with a known-good pressed import disc to rule out bad media. If imports boot but backups don't, the problem is your burns, not the chip.
5. Re-burn backups at a low speed (4x or slower) using a tool that preserves subchannel data.