Why do we use mod chips? (Semi-Technical Question)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quad5Ny

I'm curious if you have to solder all the connections for a mod chip than why not buy a flash programer, dump the memory, patch the dump and then re-flash the chip?

Does the the PS2's Firmware/BIOS have a proprietary (custom Sony) flash chip or is the chip read-only from the factory (...is it built into the EE/GS)? And even if it is read-only, why not dump it and replace it with something comparable that has patched code?

Sorry for the questions without contributing to the community first, I did a really vigorous Google search and was unable to come up with anything.

It's because of what the Modchips counter: The copy protection mechanism.

The boot ROM (aka "BIOS") of the Playstation 2 has got nothing to do with preventing copies of original Playstation software discs from being run.

Modchips interfere with the communications between the drive MECHAnics CONtroller and the DSP chip, to trick the MECHACON into thinking that the disc inserted has a valid security code where burned discs will lack.

Anyway, the OSD of the Playstation 2 has a mechanism for booting updates from a memory card, so we don't have to replace the contents of the boot ROM chip on the mainboard. Unless it's a late SCPH-90000 series model, which has that mechanism permanently disabled.