I think I may have answered you on psx place. it shouldn't affect the modchip, but sometimes the modchip is the problem (not the laser). I replaced the laser on my original ps2, which lasted about 12 years. after 2 years, it couldn't read anything again. I asked someone more knowledgeable about it, cuz I didn't want to have to replace the laser again. it's not very cost effective then. anyway, he thought it might be the modchip, so I bought a brand new everything, system, laser, and modchip (matrix infinity clone). this system is very fast.