Editing Data Crystal Chip

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[[Image:Data Crystal chip.jpg|right|thumb| A Data Crystal Chip]]
[[Image:Data chip.jpg|150px|right|thumb|[[Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] holding a data crystal chip]]
'''Data Crystal Chips''' are a form of file storage device used by the [[UNSC]]. These data crystal chips are used for transferring "hard" data, meaning data that cannot be transferred over [[Slipspace]] or through a transmission because of the data's sensitive or complex nature. Examples of such data include [[AI]] data, navigation data, weapon technological charts, etc.

==Uses==
The Data Crystal Chip can be utilized for many things. Here are a few of its uses:

*Carrying the [[Riemann Matrix]] for an Artificial Intelligence Construct, like [[Cortana]] or [[Deja]].
*Carrying star charts, maps, and other navigational data. These chips must be destroyed if contact is ever made with the [[Covenant]], as per the [[Cole Protocol]]. This did not happen aboard the {{UNSCShip|Circumference}}  during the [[Battle of Reach]], so [[Blue Team]] were sent to destroy its Data Crystal Chip.
*Carrying sensitive data, such as intelligence. [[Dr. Catherine Halsey]] had compiled two of these with all known information on the [[Flood]] (one had the complete information on it, including how [[Boren's Syndrome]] affects the Flood's ability to assimilate an individual into the Flood super-organism. The other had this data omitted, in that if the complete report were to be found, [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery J. Johnson]] could be killed and dissected by [[ONI]], because of his being afflicted with the disease).

==Appearances==
The Data Crystal Chip was seen extensively throughout ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', as the [[Master Chief]] uses a data port on the back of his helmet ferry Cortana between his armor and other computer systems. However, it is not seen or mentioned at any point during ''[[Halo 2]]''. The Master Chief is instead seen directly downloading Cortana via physical contact with his new armor. 
[[Image:7466272-Full.jpg|thumb|150px|Cortana moving inside a Data Crystal Chip in ''[[Halo 3]]''.]]

In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the Data Crystal Chip is seen once again. However, unlike the transfer in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', which required physical contact with a system, an AI can now "jump" from chip to system and back, in addition to the physical transfer. This can most noticeably be seen on [[Halo (Halo 3 Level)|Halo]], the final level of the ''Halo 3'' [[campaign]]. A possible reason for this is that the the Data Crystal Chip was upgraded along with the Master Chief's new [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]].

==Trivia==
*A Crystal Chip is seen on some of the Cafeteria tables on the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' level [[Pillar of Autumn (Level)|Pillar of Autumn]].
*In ''Halo 3'', the color of the Crystal has changed to a blueish-purple hue as opposed to the aqua color of the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' Crystal.
*The Data Crystal Chip did not make an appearance in ''Halo 2''. Instead, Cortana could transfer from the more advanced MJOLNIR Mark VI armor straight to any electronic system in direct contact with the suit. However, despite the armor in ''Halo 2'' being the same suit as in ''Halo 3'', the Data Crystal Chip makes a reappearance, and the direct-transfer system no longer seems to exist. It is possible that this was a deliberate choice to more resemble the transfer system seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', although it is also possible that it was merely for dramatic effect; in the opening cutscene, Johnson, thinking the Chief dead, is able to yank the chip out of the suit, and then ask the Chief about her whereabouts when he realizes the chip is empty.

==List of appearances==
{{Appearances|Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo 3|Halo: The Fall of Reach|Halo: The Flood|Halo: First Strike|Halo: Reach}}

==Sources==
<references/>

==Related Links==
*[[Armored Matrix]]
*[[M4 Field Disk]]
[[Category:UNSC]]
[[Category:Human technology]]