What is the best Modchip or other backup-playing solution for the Slimline Playstation 2? I need to play DVD backups, and not a lot else. I dont know a lot about PS2 modchips, so if anyone could help, that would be great! Thanks.
I am fairly new to the backup scene, and just got my V7 (not slimline) PS2 modded. I decided to take the modchip approach instead of the swap magic path due to the fact that there seems to be a lot less effort involved in backing up games when a modchip is provided versus the disks. If I understand right, there is no rebuilding disk images if you have a modchip, where as you may have to rebuild some games if you have the swap magic disks. I have made 4 successful backups (Midnight Club 3, The Warriors, GTA: San Andreas, and Metal Gear Solid 1) of my own games using nothing but DVD Decrypter. I did not, however, install the modchip myself and do not recommend doing so, due to the fact that you can have to solder nearly 20 wires on some chips. I used Modchipman's "Mod your PS2" service (Mod Chip + Install Service + Shipping = $130). Although it is pricey, I think it's reliability is worth it. I went with the DMS4 Pro chip because its features appealed to me more than other chips. As said before, I have yet to have a backup that doesn't work with this chip, and strongly recommend it. Before I forget, here is the link to his page. I am not trying to advertise his stuff, just helping you out, check it out if you want to. http://www.modchipman.com Also, as mentioned earlier, please any swap magic users do not be offended by my comments, they are just my opinions formed from what I have seen so far. Thanks.
You chose well scmdslngr. Definitely sounds like you did your homework. Swap Magic is a good product. It works well. A modchip is the ultimate upgrade for your PS2 though. If you get a DMS 4 or Matrix Infinity, you'll be able to play backups just like they were originals, simply by inserting your disc into the tray. 26. Q. I'm in the market for a modchip or premodded console. What are some reputable sites I can order from? A. http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/251223 In addition modchip.com and norcalmods.com are supposed to be reliable. 31. Q. I have bills to pay, go to school, or have an expensive drug habit, what is the best mod solution for me, factoring in price? A. Swap Magic 3.6+flip top=$35. Duo2SE modchip=$20 (if you solder it yourself, NOT RECOMMENDED, unless you're a pro), $55 (if you pay pro). 47. Q. Should I get Swap Magic or a modchip to play PS2 backups/imports? A. Depends. Swap Magic is inexpensive and works well. It isn't compatible with DVD-9 games. For games above 4.38GB's you may have to rebuild the iso or do a TOC refresh to boot it. This is a small percentage of games, around 5%. In general Swap Magic 3.6 is an excellent product. After rebuilding there isn't a single game which Swap Magic won't boot. A good modchip is the ultimate upgrade. It'll play PSX/PS2/DVD/CD backups/imports automatically. It's compatible with DVD-9 games, makes your PS2 a region free player, supports multi disc games, and you'll never have to rebuild a game or shrink a DVD-9 to DVD-5. The conversation about good modchips begins and ends with the DMS 4 and the Matrix Infinity. They both do everything I mentioned above. For that functionality you would have to spend $100 to $110 for a professional install. It's expensive but you'd be able to play anything the PS2 is capable of reading. If you get a modchip make sure you use one of the reputable installers posted above. 7. Q. What do I need to use Swap Magic? A. With Slim PS2 v.12-14: Flip top: http://www.chipzone.com/installation/playstation2/fliptop-v12/pag... Magickeys (also referred to as slide tool, slim tool or, magic switch): http://magickeys.net/ or tape and tissue mod: From Pretense: If the fliptop doesn't work, just give up on it and do a tape and tissue mod. Open up your case again and tape the back sensor (toward the upper left and beneath the hinge part of the lid) with duct tape or even regular Scotch tape (I use several layers to be on the safe side), put the case back together, and stuff a small ball of tissue into the hole for the front sensor (lower right just above the power button). Pics (Thanks to PSPness): http://www.geocities.com/pstwoslimline/tapetissue.htm my tape and more tape Just about the same, just a change on Censor 'A' and Censor 'B' Censor B - http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/572/dsc010703xc.jpg keep the top closed, while you tape down the disk stopper, using a few layers of duct tape Fur Censor A - http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/4342/dsc010698we.jpg use tiny strips of duct tape to patch over the tiny censor. I used a screwdriver to help put on the tape. Here's some additional pictures (Thanks to xhardc0re): http://www.console.com/product_ps2_pstwofix.php
I hear a lot that the slimlines are very fragile and the lasers burn out. If I buy a new one, is this still an issue or has it been rectified? I can get a 3 year no-arguments guarantee if I buy from one particular store which may be good if they have problems.
The site I got mine from mentioned this issue with the V12 and V13 (I think) Slimline PS2. If you buy what they call a "premod" (a system that has already been modified professionally and brand new) PS2, he performs a fix where he installs a resistor to prevent the laser from going bad. He also might fix one if you send him a slimline that needs this procedure done to it when you get a modchip put in from him. Which store is it you're wanting to buy one from, if you don't mind sharing it's name. Most retailers who offer warranty services can and proabably will void the warranty if they find out the PS2 has been modified. I have always heard that no Official Playstation Repairman will touch a Playstation if it has been modified at all. I hope that answers your questions, but if not, please respond back.
I was thinking of Argos. If you are English thats a household name, if not you will never have heard of it!
okay can anyone tell me a website where they show you a step by step tutorial with pictures about the tape and tissue mod?
tape and tissue mod: From Pretense: If the fliptop doesn't work, just give up on it and do a tape and tissue mod. Open up your case again and tape the back sensor (toward the upper left and beneath the hinge part of the lid) with duct tape or even regular Scotch tape (I use several layers to be on the safe side), put the case back together, and stuff a small ball of tissue into the hole for the front sensor (lower right just above the power button). Pics (Thanks to PSPness): http://www.geocities.com/pstwoslimline/tapetissue.htm my tape and more tape Just about the same, just a change on Censor 'A' and Censor 'B' Censor B - http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/572/dsc010703xc.jpg keep the top closed, while you tape down the disk stopper, using a few layers of duct tape Fur Censor A - http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/4342/dsc010698we.jpg use tiny strips of duct tape to patch over the tiny censor. I used a screwdriver to help put on the tape. Here's some additional pictures (Thanks to xhardc0re): http://www.console.com/product_ps2_pstwofix.php