Best mod chip (or mod) for a slim PS2?

I did some searching around on the web for this question but a lot of the discussion was pretty dated. Also, I want to keep my options open. Maybe the best thing for me is using an external drive (not reallly sure how to do that, but I hear you can) and not a mod chip. Either way it goes I'm brand new to this so please be as descriptive as you can and let me know the best way(s) for modding a slim PS2.

 

I, too, would appreciate any more current info on how to play backups on PS2 slims.

 

There's a good and a bad for both method.

*Mod Chip*(assuming it is a good quality chip)

-good-
>plays all forms of backups: PS2, PSX, black, silver, blue, DVD5/9, JAP, USA, PAL, all
>easiest and least complicated way to boot a backup game

-bad-
>can wear out the lens quicker than it's supposed to
>can void the warranty (like anybody really cares about the warranty anyways)
>possible of burn out of lens after so many hours of continuous gameplay

*Hard Drive*(Unlike the fat PS2, with a slim, you need an external HD enclosure to hold HD, and needs to use USB Extreme)

-good-
>can save a crap load of life on the lens
>does not void the warranty
>waiting/loading time gets cut in half

-bad-
>can be get a little pricy
>If MC (memory card) Exploit is used, it can be a pain to setup (if you're not familiar with the scene)
>can not store game files that are too large into HD
>some stored games requires a patch to even be able to play
>requires a network adapter
>will not be able to store PSX games

That's some of what I can think of. The whole PS2 modding thing is based ultimately on your perference. I have both, a modded fat PS2 with a 200GB HD istalled. I used HD Loader version 1 to format my HD and also, only HD Loader V.1, besides HD Avance, will allow you to use full space in HD. After my HD was formatted, I have 186GB of free space. I lost 14GB of space but it could have been worst. I could have lost between 50-80GB if I used HD Loader V.2 or 3. Well, good luck in your decision.

 

the best mod for a slim ps2 is just get a quality modchip a crystal chip or matrix infinity green dot don't get a dms4 for the slim i'd only get that for a fat ps2.but if u could find a v7 i'd get that instead of a slim and get an HD and put games on their and play ur psx and emulators on cd and it'll save ur lens like crazy.if u have a v12/13 then get an hdcombo and install a crystal chip SLE v2.0.i personally have a v7 with an HD and my laser works like a champ because i rarely use it due to my HD.

 

Thanks for the information guys. I did a good amount of research from when I first started this thread and now I'm pretty weary about mod chips for my version 12 pstwo. The general consensus seems to be that modding that model is trouble for the laser. My question is would something like swap magic to play back ups be overly hard on the laser aswell?

 

So, it sounds like, if I went with the HDD method, I wouldn't need a modchip installed? That seems to be the best way to go first, and then as needed add a modchip in later? Can you have dual methods? I don't see us playing it hours on end, but the increased game load time is really nice.

Thanks so much for all your help.

 

the hdd method doesn't require a modchip but if u have a modchip installed that has dev mode then use that to launch hdloader from the memory card and then u can play games without any disc at all!

 

Alright here's a question.. With Dev modes on the chips, are they able to read off a usb hard drive? (I have a slim ps2, internal is not an option.)

 

yes dev mode is being able to read off the usb stick,hard drive and memory card.

 

That's correct. It's not so much that a mod chip or swap magic disk is causing the lens to burn out. It's the fact that the "reading of burned disc" causes the lens to burn out. Both method causes the same amount of stress once the lens start reading back-ups. Anything that is forced to do something it's not originally programed to do, always get damage more easily/quicker.

The break down and purpose of all these different type of methods are:

Mod Chip - convenience/plug & play
Swap Magic Disc - affordable alternative for mod chip
HDD - to conserve life of lens & programming/brew/apps/extras

Hope this answers your question.

 

Thanks 6ixtynin9, that answers my question. I'm curious about something else though now. I was looking at the DMS4 EZI and even DMS's website warned against using this chip for the version 12. Is this specifically because of the weak laser, or because of internal compatibility issues with the chip and the system? I've been hearing a lot of people complaining about DMS in general--but it's hard to discern whether people are unhappy about the actual chip, or the decision makings of the company. Any happy DMS4 EZI users out there?

 

I believe its because of the laser.. now they have fixes as well, but not sure how well they work. It's amazing that they can make something so weak like that though, since I've had a generic cd player thats read burned discs for 6 years and is still going strong. :x

 

I'm not even sure weak lasers apply to all version 12 PS2s though (correct me if I'm wrong). Just speaking from my own experience I haven't had any problems with mine and I've accidentally left the thing on overnight more times then I can count along with playing games for hours on end when I get a mind to.

 

That's not necessarily true about DMS. Regardless what brand of chip you decide to go with, the Slim's laser are crap. The DMS line of chip is actually one of the better quality ones (not saying that it IS the best). Yeah the DMS mod chip will eventually burn out the lens as well as all other leading brand. Another high quality chip is the Matrix Infinity. I had it in my slim for at least hour until it burned out my lens. And thing was, it all happened one hour after I got my slim modded. Now the chip is in my older PS2, and is still working. So basically, this is more of an hardware issue. My honest opinion, older PS2 are better in almost every way. I think a lot of people also agree with me. Anyways, like k3rizz3k said, you'll probably have to consider a Laser Fix. It's not required, but would probably be a good idea. I guess Laser Fix is supposed to control the laser by sending unnecessary signal to somewhere or something. But even with the Laser Fix, it's not a guarantee that the lens is safe. Again, it's not the brand of chip that will cause a the lens to burn out or not burn out. Each chip have different features. And it really depend on what features you're looking for. Certain DMS chip have some HDD support feature where as the Messiah or Matrix Infinity don't. Hope this help.

 

to conserve laser lens get a v7 or any fat ps2 that is over v7 then mod it with a dms,crystal chipv2.0,or matrix then get a pretty hefty sized HDD then put as much of your games and homebrew on it.then with psx games and other media that can only be played from disc burn that to HIGH QUALITY media like Taiyo Yudon or verbatim Use 8x dvd-r burned at 4x.this will insure that ur ps2 will have years and years of life and by then it'll be time to move on to a next gen console anyway.

 

Just my 2 cents..I have a Messiah 2 pro and never any problems at all. Its older chip with 23 wire install but never failed me. Plays cd-r, dvdr, psx, etc. I had a swap magic before and it was a nightmare. Glad I went with a professional chip.

Though Ive heard good things about Matrix chips.

 

Do all modchips can run Dev1?

 

no not all modchips can run dev1

 

hi all i was just reading some of the stuff about mod chips,and i wanted to ask about a chip called modbo 4. i just ordered one,and i wonder how well they work and how they are to install.if anyone has any info on these chips can you please let me know.thanx

 

I also would like to know an ideal chip for my PSTwo. I know for sure I want a mod chip (always had them in my PS and PS2s) Direct booting with no interaction of all media types is my main need, I don't have a need for flashable bios or on board ram etc. Just need a good solid boots all chip, one that won't kill my laser.