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Choosing the right modchip for your version of Nintendo Wii: DMS, D2A, D2B D2C, D2C2 and D2E, D3, D2NOTHING Models

* If you don't want to read all this use our New Easy Wii Magical Modchip Picker *


There are alot of different Wii mod chips on the market and choosing the right one can be
difficult and time consuming.
We have written this guide to make it easier to understand the different choices available.

Aren't all Wii consoles the same?

All Nintendo Wii consoles look the same on the outside, but inside is a different story.
There are currently seven versions of Nintendo Wii. The main difference between them
is a chip on the dvd drive has been changed.
The model names DMS, D2A, D2B, D2C and D2C2, D2E and D3/D2NOTHING come from this chip
This is also the chip that affects which mod chip you need to buy.
D3 and D2NOTHING are just 2 names for the same version of dvd drive.
***Update*** There are now some modchips that work with all versions of wii and others that only work with some.
The DMS, DMA and D2B versions can all be modded with the same type of modchip.
The D2C, D2C2 and D2E need a different modchip. These modchips will also work on DMS, D2A and D2B.
D3 and D2NOTHING need a different modchip again. The modchips for D3/D2NOTHING will also work on DMS, D2A, D2B, D2C, D2C2 AND D2E.
The newest generation of chips are also solderless. They plug into the dvd drive cable and are completely secure.



How do i find out the version of my Nintendo Wii?

There are two ways to find out which version of Nintendo Wii you have:

1. You can open your console using our guide on how to dissassemble the Wii,

or

2. You can enter your Wii serial no. into the Wii Drive Chip Database to confirm your Drive Chip.
Wii Drive Chip Database



Finding your console version by opening your Nintendo wii:

If you follow the guide above, once you have removed the dvd drive in the Wii, you will see a large chip
and small chip next to each other.
The number on the small chip is your console version.
It will be written as GC2-DMS or GC2R-D2A or GC2-D2B or GC2-D2C or GC2-D2E.
It is the last 3 letters that give you your Wii version. The exception to this is the D2C2. The D2C2 looks the same as D2C.


How to tell if you have a D2C2:


1. You purchased your Wii in May 08 or later.



2. There is no 2nd code below GC2-D2C on the drive chip. (you could still have a D2C2 even if code is there)





3. The top of your drive has an extra piece of metal added.







WARNING

As of Nov 08, there have been new D2E drives found that have had a black epoxy resin applied to the DVD drive.
See photo below.

This prevents the use of the Wii-Clip style solderless modchips, but doesn't prevent the use of the newer solderless modchips that connect to the dvd drive ribbon cable.

Below is a list of the serial numbers from when these boards started showing up.
If you bought your Wii in Nov 08 or later you should make sure you have a serial number lower than the ones on the table below.
If you have a serial higher than the ones listed you will most likely have one of these new boards and you won't be able to use the Wii-clip style Solderless Wii Modchips such as the Solderless D2pro and Solderless Wiikey 2.
You can still use one of the newer plug-in style Solderless Wii modchips such as: Wasabi DX, Drivekey and Flatmod.
All consoles bought before Nov 08 will be safe and won't have epoxy on the boards.



Epoxy D2E Wii Drives
Serial Numbers For Epoxy D2E Drives
If you serial number is higher than the ones listed here, you wont be able to use Solderless Chips
UK LEH2247XXXXX
EU LEF1128XXXXX
USA / Canada Safe For Now
Australia LAH1088XXXXX


More information on versions:




Wii version information and modchip compatibility
North American Consoles (USA, Canada, and Mexico)- NTSC
Serial Number
Wii Version
Compatible Modchips
LU10000xxxx - LU10580xxxx
D2A/DMS/D2B No cut pins

Yowii, Wiikey, Wiikey 2, Wasabi v1 / v2, D2pro 5/9,
Solderless - Drivekey, FlatMod, Wasabi DX
LU10580xxxx - LU10613xxxx
D2B possible cut pins / legs
LU10613xxxx - LU1097XXXXXX
D2C
LU1097XXXXXX - LU1099XXXXXX
D2C2
LU1099XXXXXX and above
D2E
 



LU30000xxxx - LU31539xxxx
D2A/DMS/D2B No cut pins
LU31539xxxx - LU31546xxxx
D2B possible cut pins / legs
LU31546xxxx - LU31867xxxx
D2B with Cut pins / legs
LU31867xxxx - LU31874xxxx
Possible D2B with cut pins or D2C
LU31874xxxx - LU342xxxxx
D2C
LU342xxxxx - LU3485xxxx
D2C2
LU3485xxxx and above
D2E
 



LU50000xxxx - LU51522xxxx
D2A/DMS/D2B No cut pins
LU51522xxxx - LU51634xxxx
D2B possible cut pins / legs
LU51634xxxx - LU52386xxxx
D2B with Cut pins / legs
LU52386xxxx - LU52390xxxx
Possible D2B with cut pins or D2C
LU52390xxxx - LU565xxxxx
D2C
LU565xxxxx - LU585xxxxx
D2C2
LU585xxxxx - LU64xxxxx
D2E
LU64xxxxx and above
D3 or D2nothing
European Consoles - PAL
LEH1000xxxxx - LEH1231xxxxx
D2A/DMS/D2B No cut pins
LEH1231xxxxx - LEH1233xxxxx
D2B possible cut pins / legs
LEH1233xxxxx - LEH1347xxxxx
D2B with Cut pins / legs
LEH1347xxxxx - LEH1356xxxxx
Possible D2B with cut pins or D2C
LEH1356xxxxx - LEH1817xxxxx
D2C
LEH1817xxxxx - LEH189xxxxx
LEF1028xxxx and below
D2C2 Possible D2C
LEH189xxxxx - LEH2002xxxx
D2C2
LEH2002xxxx - LEH22xxxxx
LEF1028xxxx and above
D2E
LEH22xxxxxx and above<
D3 or D2NOTHING
South Pacific Consoles - (Australia and New Zealand) - PAL
LAH1000xxxxx - LAH1014xxxxx
D2A/DMS/D2B No cut pins
LAH1014xxxxx - LAH1016xxxxx
D2B possible cut pins / legs
LAH1016xxxxx - LAH1021xxxxx
D2B with Cut pins / legs
LAH1021xxxxx - LAH1044xxxxx
D2C
LAH1045xxxxx - LAH1058xxxxx
D2C2
LAH1058xxxxx - LAH1098xxxxx
D2E
LAH1098xxxxx and above
D3 or D2NOTHING
 


**These tables are updated frequently BUT may not have the latest information**

**The best policy is to check in the WiiDrives Database with your serial number.
We will not replace chips purchased incorrectly. If you are unsure please contact us first before you purchase as we are only too happy to help**



Ok, i know what version i of Nintendo Wii i have, Which modchip should i use?

If you have a DMS D2A D2B version Wii without cut pins /legs, the modchip we recommend is the Yowii modchip.
You can find a good review on the mod chip here.
You can also read about the Yowii modchip on the Yowii website.
The reason we recommend the Yowii Modchip over others is that it is easier to install and can
be updated with a programmer at any time. Its performance is rock solid and it's the highest quality
Wii modchip that we have seen.
Yowii uses Yaosm code, which is still being updated regularly.
Buy the Yowii modchip from our online store.







If you have a D2B cut pin / leg version Wii, the modchip we recommend is the Wasabi modchip.
This was the first modchip that could handle all versions of wii.
It connects to different points on the Wii drive, so the cut pins don't affect it.
Buy the Wasabi modchip from our online store.





If you have a D2C, D2C2 or D2E version Wii, the modchip we recommend is the Wiikey2 modchip.
The reason we recommend the Wiikey2 is that it can handle D2C, D2C2 and D2E.
It also protects you from accidentally bricking your Wii.
Buy the Wiikey2 Modchip for Nintendo Wii from our online store










If you have a D3 or D2nothing version Wii, the modchip we recommend is the Drivekey modchip.
The reason we recommend the Drivekey is that it works with all versions and it is solderless.
The Drivekey also has more features than other modchips currently available.
Buy the Drivekey Modchip for Nintendo Wii from our online store







***Updated 2nd March 09***
This guide has been updated to include information on new Wii drives and new Wii modchips.
* Some D2E drives have been released with black glue covering the solder points.
* There is a new Wii drive version called D2NOTHING or D3.
This drive is completely missing the solder points and gc2-d?? chip.
* There are 4 new Modchips available: Wasabi DX, Drivekey, Flatmod, Flatmii.



***Updated 28th August 08***
Warning: There is currently new version of the D2C drive which is being called D2C2.
Any console bought in May 08 or later may be the new version.
More recently there is also the D2E.

Please use the Wii Drive Chip Database.






Disclaimer: All information on this page is subject to change.
To the best of our knowledge, this information is correct, but it can become outdated quickly.
It is your responsibility to confirm which version of Wii you have before purchasing from us.
We do not offer refunds or exchanges on chips that have been installed into the wrong console.
If you are unsure, please contact us and we will do our best to help you.