Socketed vs Non-socketed chips
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 11,134
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From: Los Angeles, CA
GIAC is socketed. The difference is...
...a socketed chip actually has a socket installed with an encryption key on it, and then the fuel chip is inserted on top of that (it is encrypted so you have to have the socket to use the program)
a non-socketed chip is usually where they physically load the software onto the stock chip by removing it, programming it, and then re-soldering it on.
The non-socket guys claim that their method is better because if you open the ECU, it looks stock, and there's no encryption to worry about.
i used to have a non-socketed chip, which I removed when I got the Tip chip (I went with GIAC for the new fuel chip), and I can tell you that it's VERY obvious that the chip has been removed.
a non-socketed chip is usually where they physically load the software onto the stock chip by removing it, programming it, and then re-soldering it on.
The non-socket guys claim that their method is better because if you open the ECU, it looks stock, and there's no encryption to worry about.
i used to have a non-socketed chip, which I removed when I got the Tip chip (I went with GIAC for the new fuel chip), and I can tell you that it's VERY obvious that the chip has been removed.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
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Re: Socketed vs Non-socketed chips
You can replace the stock chip yourself on a socketed board. If it's soldered in (non-socketed), it's more "permanent"--needs to be taken to a shop to be removed and reprogrammed.
New Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12
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do chips speed up the shift time of an automatic tranny?
It takes forever for my a4 2.8 to downshift when i floor it. It takes about 1.5 seconds from the tim i hit the kickdown switch to the time the car actually moves.
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AudiWorld Super User
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Likes: 1
real answers
The stock ECU is soldered.
APR is soldered
GIAC is socketed
APR will tell you that 'the reliablity of a socketed chip is not as good as a soldered one.' i.e. you have to worry about more than one connection between the chip and the ecu - you be the judge.
the apr chip is pretty obvious when you open it up. they do not simply flash the stock chip and put it back in. you do not need to have anything resoldered to upgrade your programming - you can even do it by internet with their at home kit.
you can use the tip chip with any ECU chip.
GIAC's remote kit will include a battery operated remote and a reciever in or near the ECU.
APR's uses the cruise control stalk to change programs (no it doens't mess anything up)
i say choose who is nearest to you, customer service is always important, they are both good chips.
APR is soldered
GIAC is socketed
APR will tell you that 'the reliablity of a socketed chip is not as good as a soldered one.' i.e. you have to worry about more than one connection between the chip and the ecu - you be the judge.
the apr chip is pretty obvious when you open it up. they do not simply flash the stock chip and put it back in. you do not need to have anything resoldered to upgrade your programming - you can even do it by internet with their at home kit.
you can use the tip chip with any ECU chip.
GIAC's remote kit will include a battery operated remote and a reciever in or near the ECU.
APR's uses the cruise control stalk to change programs (no it doens't mess anything up)
i say choose who is nearest to you, customer service is always important, they are both good chips.
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