I've modified about 20-30 PS2, all v4-v10. I haven't wanted to mod a v12 because of all of the laser problems (I've been waiting for a good fix). I've finally decided I will use Summ0ne's fix (probably the Sub-Zero fix as well). I usually install Mars III MA502's in v7-10 & Mars II MA303 in v4-7 but robotpig was out of them on my last order so I got some DUo2's instead.

Now before anyone starts about using cheap clone chips let me say that I'm installing chips for cheap ass people. I'm pretty much the only installer in my area, so I guess i 'could' charge as much as I want. If someone brings in a chip I charge $40 to install it (only have had 3, 2 DMS3's and 1 DMS4Pro) or between $50-60 for one of my chips. I'd say that about 75% of the people who contact me about getting a chip installed never do, and I assume it is because of the price. A couple of people tried to haggle but I wont budge. It's not worth my time to install it for any cheaper.

Well a few weeks ago I was looking to place a new order and was thinking of getting the Matrix Infinity SE chips. While researching I found out that they were clones and that the config screen didn't work, just like the Modbo. I had read the forums that modbo's were going for less than $10. Understnading the problems I figured I would take a chance on them and warn my customers so I 'shouldn't' have any problems. Searching for the modbo I found a site (hkgtoys) that had them for like $9. They also had the Win12 chips for $11 and it sounded like the Holy Grail of chips (plus they looked kinda cool with their purple PCB and odd shape). The site also had good prices on Aladdin chips so I went ahead and placed an order for 10 Aladdin's and 10 Win12's, and also a spare LA chip incase I ever need it.

During the time I was browsing ownz posted a news clip about the Win12. After I ordered I read on here that it was most likely using the ice code and that it wasn't that good of a chip but it was too late.

They took an extra week to ship, but once shipped the chips came in about 3 days with EMS speedpost (Hong Kong to Japan).

When I ripped open the package there was an extra PCB that had what looks like a transistor, 2 resistors & 3 solder pads on it. I don't know what it's for but If anyone's interested I'll post pics later (I'm at work now).

Ok I decide to put it into my trusty v7 (SCPH-39001). I started out with a Magic 3.1 in Feb 2003, replaced it with a SmartChip Pro in Nov 2003 (since the Magic 3.1 & the v7 don't mix too well). About a month ago I put in a Duo2 (I had a v4 install I was doing and I thought the Duo2 I was installing was bad so I tried my trusty Smartchip and the same problems were there. I ended up having to adjust the laser)

After removing a few wires and adding a couple more it was installed. It was a little messy, many wires were too long but I figured it would be ok and it was getting late.

I forgot to remove my HDLoader disc, so when I turned on the system (crossing my fingers like I always do after an install) it loaded right up. I figured that was a very good sign. But that was about to change.

*Before trying each game, I would open the tray, insert the disc and then go to Standby (the tray would close). Then I tap the power/reset button*

1st: JPN DVD game (Jleague 2002 soccer). RSOD. Tried it about 3 times.
2nd: JPN CD game (Fifa Soccer). RSOD. Tried it twice.
3rd: USA DVD game (Gladius). Boot normally.
4th: USA CD Game (Timesplitters). Boots normally.
5th: USA DVD-R game (Rapala Pro Fishing). RSOD
6th: JPN CD-R Game (King of Fighters 2000). RSOD
7th: USA PS1 game (Spryo 2). Starts to boot, then it reboots and the game loads normally after that.
8th: JPN PS1 CD-R game (Front Mission 2). RSOD
9th: USA DVD Movie (Bringing Down The House). Boots normally
10th: JPN DVD Movie (Charlie's Angels Full Throttle). Region Code error
11th: My HDLoader disc. RSOD.
12th: Dev1 mode: Didn't do anything special

At this point I'm frustrated so I try to do some research. I can't find any info about this chip so I try the Ice forums and I still have no luck. I remember reading about Summ0ne's new chip and went to his page and downloaded the boot manager software. Burned it to a disc (with Alcohol). Tried to boot it. RSOD.

Right now I'm thinking it must be my install (and it could still be, I'll try a fresh install next week on a v12 & v9). I think back. What did I do when it loaded my HDloader cd??? I turn off the power switch. Turn it back on. My HDLoader CD boots! All right! I'm getting somewhere.

I then eject that CD, insert my DVD-R game and tap reset. It boots!. I then go to standby. Try to bood the DVD-R Again: RSOD.

So now I go back and try everything again, but in between each disc I turn power off instead of just going to standby. Everything works! But I am thinking that it is a pain in the ass to have to turn it off each time.

I tried to load the sub-zero cd again and it loads up. It has 2 options, upgrade firmware & install boot manager. I try to install the boot manager and it doesn't work (I didn't have a memory card installed). Then I try to flash the firmware and it does it. I'm hoping everything is ok. I reboot the PS2 and it still works. I then insert a memory card and am able to install the boot manager.

Now I try the Dev1 mode and it loads up the boot manager. I changed some settings and everything still worked ok. It wouldn't load games from the boot manager, but my R2 Charlies Angels loaded just fine. I could not get a PAL DVD (TMF Yearmix 2005) to load as it gave the error about wrong TV system. I was also able to load an app from the sub-zero CD to the boot manager (memory card) and it was listed under the applications menu. I may try my HDloader sometime next week

Ok, I know that was a long ass post. I hope I gave enough info. I'm not sure If I will try this chip again when I run out. HKGToys has some 'Original Matrix Infinity' chips for $12 I might try, or possibly the Modbo for $9.

Win12 Pros:
Cheap! Autoboot all games (PS2 CD / PS2 DVD / PS2 CD-R / PS2 DVD-R), (PS1 CD / PS1 CD-R) and DVD Movies
Dev1 Mode: Launch any region DVD's & Apps through the boot manager

Win12 Cons:
Funky chip layout: It looks cool, but I'd rather have a rectangle shaped chip.
5v & GND (primary) not labeled on the chip. I had to search around for a picture that showed them.
Does not automatically lauch other region movie DVDs.
HAVE TO TURN OFF THE CONSOLE (power switch in the back) to boot anything other than originals of the console's region.

I hope I covered everything. This review may change after I try a frest install in another console.

Shippy