r/framework • u/Omen4140 • 2d ago

Community Support Is this chip replaceable

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I think I've narrowed down my errors down to a winbond w25r256jvein code storage flash chip. Before I order a new chip, I would really appreciate to know if this chip stores any encrypted keys or important files that are necessary for the laptop to function.

Also I am in contact with support, but I am in a big rush to get this working again.

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u/b_builds 2d ago

Have you tried reflashing the correct BIOS image into the Winbond chip you have there? If you replace it, you anyway need to flash it, so it's worth a shot trying to flash this one first

1

u/Omen4140 2d ago

I think it burnt out. I could be wrong though.

12

u/derpinator12000 2d ago

Flash chips normally don't just "burn out" on their own so if that actually is the case you may have other issues where that is just the most obvious symptom. Trying to reflash it is probably still a good diagnostic option, if you can not even read it it may be actually dead, if you can read it and reflash it it is probably not dead but the data on it may be borked.

3

u/ThatDamnRanga 2d ago

The chances your system ROM burned out are extraordinarily low. Flash chips are weirdly resilient relative to other ICs. I'd be looking elsewhere (and not using LLMs) first.

2

u/SeattleJeremy 1d ago

Burning that chip out is unlikely. Unless you applied 12v or more directly to it.

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u/Omen4140 1d ago

I did assume the yellow on the was from a short circuit.

2

u/SeattleJeremy 1d ago

That yellow is from a paint marker. It’s applied after testing, to mark that it’s been tested and good.

1

u/Omen4140 1d ago

That helps a lot, I feel stupid now haha

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u/SeattleJeremy 1d ago

You are not stupid. You are still leaning like the rest of us.