Like the PlayStation 4, the PlayStation 5’s optical drive is paired with the motherboard. When the PS5 cannot communicate with the Renesas chip, the console cannot update the system firmware, resulting in errors such as SU-101312-8.
You bought a disc-based motherboard, but you cannot reinstall the firmware.
The Renesas chip is faulty.
As of May 18, 2025, it is impossible to pair a new optical drive with the console. The only solution is to convert the motherboard to a digital version.
Note: This guide only applies to the standard PS5 (FAT).
Special Equipment Required
To convert the console from disc to digital, you need an EEPROM reader/writer. The most popular model is the CH341A.
You also need an SOP8 adapter to connect the BIOS chip to a programmer.
Repair Steps
To convert the console to digital, you need to modify specific values in the PS5 NOR (BIOS).
The BIOS chip (25Q16JVNIM) is located next to the southbridge.
Step 1: Remove the BIOS chip. Locate the BIOS chip (25Q16JVNIM) next to the southbridge on the PS5 motherboard. Carefully desolder the chip using a hot air gun. Be careful to avoid overheating, as this may damage the chip.
Step 2: Connect and Read the BIOS Chip
Solder the BIOS chip onto the SOP8 adapter.
Connect the chip to the programmer.
Connect your programmer to the computer.
Read the chip and save the BIOS file to your computer; this will generate a .bin file.
Step 3: Modify the BIOS File
Important: Create a backup copy before opening the BIOS file.
To convert the motherboard to a digital version, modify two specific offsets (0x1C7011 and 0x1C7038) in the BIOS file. Follow the steps below.
Open the BIOS .bin file in a hexadecimal editor (such as HxD [1]). Press Ctrl + G, Enter, and then Enter again. This will navigate to the first address. The cursor will show a value of 02. Change that value to 001C701103. Press Ctrl + G again, Enter, and then Enter again. This will navigate to the second address. The cursor will highlight a value. Change that value to 001C7038898D. Save the modified BIOS file. Your modified file should look like the image below.
Step 4: Write the Modified BIOS File
Load the modified BIOS file into the programmer software. Use an EEPROM reader/writer to write the new BIOS data to the chip.
Step 5: Reconnect the BIOS Chip
Solder the BIOS chip back onto the motherboard, ensuring its orientation is the same as before. Reassemble the console. If necessary, you can disconnect the optical drive.
Step 6: Reinstall the PS5 Firmware
Reinstall the PS5 system firmware. Please refer to the official guide on the PlayStation website for detailed instructions: PlayStation Support.
Online Connection: Connect your PS5 via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection to confirm a successful connection.
PlayStation Store Access: Open the PlayStation Store, log in with your PlayStation Network account, and confirm that you can browse and download digital games or apps.
Game Launch: Download a small free game or demo from the PlayStation Store, install it, and confirm that it launches correctly.
