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(Long post, apologies in advance. Feel free to answer some or all of the questions, any information is appreciated.)
I have a PS2 that I bought around X-Mas 2002 but I have no idea what version it is, perhaps the purchase date will enable someone to tell me, or someone can tell me how to find out. I've recently become interested in installing a hard drive and/or purchasing a mod chip or even possibly purchasing a pre-modded PS2 depending on a few different factors. I'm also interested in installing a network adapter (I have broadband already). I've been reading these forums and have picked up some useful information, but I figured it would be best if I just laid everything on the table and asked for some advice and answers to a number of questions I have.
First I'd like to start with the hard drive option. I found a list of compatible drives and see a 200MB Maxtor that is on the list and is very cost effective. It would be my drive of choice if I were going to install one. My questions regarding a hard drive are as follows:
1. Is anything else required for installation besides the drive (and a screwdriver presumably)?
2. Do I have to do anything to the drive before I physically install it?
3. How difficult is it to install the drive? I'm very technically proficient when it comes to PCs, but I have never touched my PS2 for anything other than to play a game.
3. Do I have to install any software onto the drive in order to use it?
4. Will I be able to copy all of my games to the hard drive and run them without every requiring the CD?
5. If so, what's to stop people from renting games and copying them to their drive (Not that I would do that of course, just hypothetically speaking? :-) )
6. Is there anything else I need to know about installing a hard drive that I haven't asked?
Next topic is network adapters:
1. Based on my purchase date, does it appear a network adapter will work with my version? I beleive they were being offered when I purchased my PS2.
2. Is there more than one make/model of network adapter or are they all the same?
3. Do I have to pay for any service other than my cable ISP (Time Warner)?
4. Do I need any other cables or does the coax cable connect directly to the network adapter?
5. Is there anything else I need to know about network adapters that I haven't asked?
Mod solutions:
1. At this point in time, what is the recommended mod solution for being able to use backup copies of PS2 games? (I imagine I'll get a few different answers to this one)
2. Where would you recommend I purchase the mod solution that you suggest?
3. What is the installation difficulty level associated with whatever mod solution you're going to suggest?
4. Does the mod solution you suggest result in any parts existing outside the original PS2 case?
5. What's the EASIEST mod solution?
6. What's the downside, if any, of using a solution such as the slide disk and Swap Magic? (I don't know much about this solution)
7. If I installed a HD into my PS2, wouldn't it pretty much eliminate the need for a mod chip, assuming I was only going to utilize original PS2 discs that I either own, rent, or friends bring over? In other words, the main (legal) argument for installing a MOD chip is to ensure that I'm protected if my disc gets damaged or lost, but if I install the game to the HD and put the disc away in a safe place, it serves the same function the way I see it. Is it "legal" to install a rented game to a hard drive, and if so, is it "legal" to continue to use it after the game is returned?
8. If I were to install a HD and a mod solution, are there any issues I need to be aware of?
9. Will the PS2 physically accomodate a hard drive, network adapter, and mod solution simultaneously? Are there certain mod solutions that will interfere with an installed HD or network adapter?
10. Given the difficulty level associated with some mod solutions and the fact that my PS2 is nearly 3 years old, would anyone recommend purchasing a new, pre-modded PS2?
11. If so, where would you recommend I purchase one and are there any benefits to the new slimline model? (I haven't looked it up at all)
12. Is there anything else I need to know about mod solutions that I haven't asked?
Copying PS2 discs:
1. What software would you recommend for backing up/copying PS2 discs? Is Alcohol 120% a good program?
2. Which media are the majority of PS2 games using? (CD, DVD5, DVD9)
3. Can I copy a CD to a DVD-R? (I'm sure I can technically, but will it work properly if the original medium was a CD and I copy it to a DVD +/-R?) The reason I ask is because for example, many DVD players will play MP3 CDs, but will not play MP3s copied to a DVD-R, even though the DVD player can of course play DVD +/-R discs, as long as it contains a DVD-Video project. I'm guessing though that since some PS2 games are on CD and some are on DVD, it doesn't matter if you copy a PS2 game from CD to DVD +/-R.
4. Do I need anything other than a high speed computer, CD/DVD +/-R drive, backup software, DeCSS software (in some cases), HD space, and media to backup my discs?
5. Will both DVD +R and DVD -R discs work, and are there issues or advantages with either of the two mediums such as speed, compatibility, etc?
6. Is there anything else I need to know about backing up my PS2 discs?
I think that covers just about everything. I know that's a lot of questions but I think they're all relevant and necessary for me to get a complete picture of my options. Thanks in advance for any help.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 21. August 2005 @ 05:47
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