Well, I'm happy to report that I've just received both Saturn's and have verified both machines to have 21/32 pin boards after close inspection (how ****ing lucky am I?). Soon after that, I immediately installed the mod-chip that I got from Jandaman without any problems. I then ran some preliminary tests to make sure the unit was receiving power, sure enough it was. I then placed a CD-R and, VOILÃ, the damn thing worked flawlesly... Now I'll be able to play Ikaruga Lite, AKA Radiant Silvergun, without any of that shitty slow down that's oh-so apparent on Giri Giri.
BTW, here's the 411 on both Saturn's for those of you who'd like to know:
Model No.: MK-80000A (Both)
One was Manufactured in the month of October, 1996 and the other in September, 1996. Both made in the Philippines. I'd say any Saturn manufactured in the Philippines during that time frame is a sure shot to have a 21/32 pin board, but hey... Don't take my word for it. 😉
Anyways, I've got a lot of catching up to do on games I missed out during my teenage years. Till then... Peace.