I fried the motherboard on my ps2 v9. A guy at a shop told me that I'm better off buying a whole new ps2 because if I buy a new motherboard and try using it, the laser won't work with it because the motherboard has to be the original for the laser/mobo to be compatible. I found mobo's for $73 online, which is a lot cheaper than buying a new ps2. Is he just trying to get me to spend more money at his shop, or is this true? Please help.

also--can anybody find cheaper v9 mobo's

As long as you buy I V9 mobo you will have no problems. Just to let you know, I am speaking from experience and not just repeating something I heard. I replaced a laser from a totally screwed V9 system and but it in another one I was building and that ps2 is in my living room right now working perfectly. I have also done this multiple times with other versions as well. As long as you use the same ver. mobo as the laser you will be fine.

thanx DaPhoenix