I have a 3-year-old ps2 and I am going to get a new one. The one I have has trouble with backups (skipping and stuff) now and ps1 originals too. I want to get a slim one because it seems like it would work better than the fat ones. And because they are newer I think they would work better (Do they?). I am going to put a modchip in it and I want to get a HDD for it as well. I am thinking a DMS4 because of the built in HDD loader. I want to know what ps2 version is best for compatibility and longevity. What ps2 works the best and where can I get it. Places online to buy them don't really have version information. If I were to walk in to a local Gamestop and buy a new ps2 what version would it be? Should I just get a new laser for my old ps2, clean it out a bit and then mod that? What HDD should I get and where should I get it from? I want as much capacity as possible but I remember reading on the ps2 HDD compatibility list that with the HDD loader program you can only use 137 GB is that a problem with a mod chip? What is most compatible and works the best because that list is long there is a lot of information there. And I think I might want to get the HD combo thing to keep it cool and such should I worry about that? (Especially because the HD combo is only compatible with certain ps2 versions) There are a lot of mod services I plan to mod it myself (I do have soldering experience) but are there any mod service that I can get a warranty from or not void the manufacturer warranty or any extended warranty I get? Wow that is a lot of questions. Most of the FAQs focus on fixes for people that already have a ps2 I want to get everything I need strait before I spend money and right now after reading through some things I am very confused about these subjects. I don’t know if I have read everything I could have about this subject but after looking through FAQS here and trying to research on goggle I still feel a bit lost. If I missed something please direct me to somewhere I can find this information. Thank you very much in advance if you can answer any of my questions.
If you're buying new console I think you'll get a version 14, but you cannot add an HD to this (excluding USB but it's slow and not worth it). Your best bet is to get a used one, version 1-11 uses the network adapter to install the HD, version 12-13 you need a HDCombo. Generally speaking you can use HDs more than 120GB, but I think the file system has to be formatted in a different way for some loaders. You can find more info on http://www.sksapps.com. Always check the compatibility chart at http://ps2drives.x-pec.com. And as far as which version is more reliable, I can't tell. There is no way to mod them without removing the manufacturer's warranty. However there are online services that provide extended warranty for nominal cost. http://www.teammodders.com can give you 90 days warranty for 8 dollars more. While 30 days warranty is free. Goodluck.
Teammodders.com (provided you are in the US) Get a premmodded V7 (used fat model so no need for the HD Combo case which only works with the V12 & V13 anyway) you can either pay them to put a hard drive in or get one yourself. Look at this chart and make sure the model you are going to buy is there first. http://ps2drives.x-pec.com/?p=list
So I am thinking of getting a v13 ps2 and then using the HD combo seems like it would work very well. I wonder because I am having trouble finding them where online or otherwise can I buy these products? (Preferably new) There does not seem to be anything to order the HD combo on the site for it. And what about ps2 versions? I checked 2 gamestops and an EB games didn’t have the v13 console. Is there somewhere online I can get them from or should I just call all the gamestops within a 50-mile radius and ask them to check the serial numbers? Thank you very much for the responses and any further help would be greatly appreciated.
Teammodders.com like i said above. But you are not going to find a new V13 most places as they are up to V16 now. Plus why would you want to when it would cost you a small fortune to mod it the same as the V7. The HD Combo case itself is about $55-$65. Trust me, i did all this and you will save at least $100 or more just buying the V7 premodded instead. Yes i know that no one likes used consoles, but as long as it does what you want it to, why should it matter. If it has a scratch here or there just go to Decalgirl.com and buy a $14 full skin set and slap one on it. Trust someone who has both systems, you will save money and be much happier with a V7 and so you know, the used systems they sell come from Gamestop so they are in perfect working order.
