this post was submitted on 22 May 2025
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As long as you have a backup image, you can just order a new flash chip from Digikey and restore the backup.
they're not socketed, are they? i have virtually zero soldering experience
edit: the chips are the W25Q32FV & W25Q64FV. both are rather cheap wholesale, at ~$0.40 / chip. i've just never replaced a chip like this. i did buy a pencil a while back, though, so it could be good to learn.
No, they are not socketed. They are 8 pin SOIC packages, which are not too hard to solder.
Look for an SMD solder practice kit that has SOIC packages and practice with that. The motherboard will have a lot more layers, so it will take more heat than the practice board though.
To remove the old chip, I would carefully cut the pins off and desolder them one at a time with some solder wick. Then clean the pads up with the wick. Use lots of flux and don't drag the wick across the pads. That can damage them.
Get a soldering iron tip with a flat surface on it. The round, fine pointed tips don't transfer enough heat. You will also want a wide chisel tip for the solder wick.
To solder the new chip, hold it with tweezers and align it on the pads, then tack one corner pin down. Then solder the opposite corner, then the rest of the pins. If you bridge any pins, just clean it up with solder wick.
thank you very much! upon more thought, i think the chips are probably fine. i'll try flashing a known good in ~2hrs.