Trying to mod your Saturn but can't figure out exactly where to start? Then this is the right place to be. If you know what model system you have then select it in the menu above for a detailed guide otherwise continue reading to determine your model. It is important to note that not all Saturn models are guaranteed to be compatible with all Modchips models.
The first step to modding your Saturn is determining which model you have. There are 2 different models with many hardware revisions circulating around from different regions, but for right now for the purpose of identifying we are only going to focus on North American and European Saturns. To try to simplify things look at the following breakdown. The ribbon cable refers to the white flat cable that connects the CD board to the motherboard; the IC pin count refers to a chip that is soldered onto the CD board. Look at the pictures below for better identification.
Model 1 Saturn:
- Oval power and reset button / 20 pin ribbon cable
Model 2 Saturn:
- Oval power and reset buttons / 21 pin ribbon cable / 64 pin IC.
- Round power and reset buttons / 21 pin ribbon cable / 64 pin IC.
- Round power and reset buttons / 21 pin ribbon cable / 32 pin IC.
- Round power and reset buttons / 21 pin ribbon cable / No IC (AKA Sanyo Board)
As you can see it is nearly impossible to tell what hardware revision your Saturn is just by looking at the outside of the console. You need to open it up and get a good look at the inside to be 100% sure.
Opening up the Saturn is simple, remove any game CDs in the tray, flip the system over and remove the 5 screws on the bottom, flip it back right side up and slide off the top half of the system. Now compare you console insides with the following pictures to determine what model you have.
Model 1 Saturn
The following two images illustrate the inside of a model 1 Saturn. These two different revisions are grouped together because the technique used to mod both of them is nearly identical.
This model is by far the hardest because it requires re-routing traces on the modchip. You need to have some patience and skill with a soldering iron to successfully complete this mod.
Newly added Model 1 Guide is more detailed and up to date and also offers a new horizontal mounting method for the chip!
Dificulty: 5/5 Sucess Rate: 99%
Model 2 64 Pin IC (Updated 08/03/2010)If your Saturn looks like this it is a 64 pin IC Saturn. This model is pretty easy to install and requires about the same skill level as a 32 pin Saturn but the sucess rate is far less.
Difficulty: 2/5 Sucess Rate: 85%
Model 2 32 Pin IC (Updated 07-27-2010)If your Saturn looks like this then you have the model 2 32 Pin IC. This version by far has the highest success rate and is relativly easy to complete.
Difficulty: 1/5 Sucess Rate: 99%
Model 2 Sanyo Board (Updated 06-23-2010)If your Saturn looks like this then you have the Model 2 Sanyo Board version. This model requires a bit more work to complete the mod, but its nothing to terribly difficult.
Difficulty: 3/5 Sucess Rate: 90%Credits: Image credits go to Seal1, Gogou, and Mike G at Sega Xtreme The information is a combination of following various guides as well as my own experience.
Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for any damages or harm that you may bring to yourself or your Sega Saturn Console by making the above modifications. All laws concerning the use of these chips and the back-up games they allow you to play are to be followed and I take no responsibility for any trouble you could bring upon yourself.