The next step??

[trig]

I've only been on the board a few days but have come to the conclusion that like me there are a lot of people who are getting confused. The first area of doubt seems to be the system board version number, i have just recently bought a PAL 30003R which being new am assuming is version 5. The second area of doubt would then be what chip to use. Well firstly my ideal would be Messiah, well as most of us know for now this option is out of the window for the time being. Next on my list would be the Origachip, no wrong again that seems to have problems with DVD-R's on the v5 board, so what next? Neo 2.2, sounds like my only option or is it, people are saying that it is the only chip around at the moment that can handle v5 boards is the PS2 X-Key (Neo 2.5) - DVD Version any better do i assume that it's the next model up from 2.2 or what? The next area of doubt is then what boot disk system do we get, well there areas to be 3 main runners in this section Gameshark, Action Reply and DVD Region X. I'm sure these all work in pretty much the same way but then to add to the confusion on some chips only v1.7 or 1.9 work help!!! Now at this stage i'm begining to wonder is it all worth it risking 160 quid and a years warranty just to save a bit of cash, of course it is don't be silly that's what we are all on this forum for, so it's like this before i get out my screw driver and soldering iron i want to make sure i've got all the right bits. This is my plan;

PS2 X-Key (Neo 2.5) - DVD Version

Action Reply 2(Whatever version they sell me) i've burnt v1.7 to a CD-R as i understand i can boot with the original disk and then boot with the burnt image?

Now with the addition of a DVD burner etc i'm hoping that i will be able to play DVD-R backups , PS2 originals, PSX originals and backups etc, etc or am i even more confused than when i started!!

Is it possible for people to add to this topic, solutions that they have working so that we can build up a database for idiots like me!! Don't answer that!

[Charlie]

Yep - you've got it right. Choose your modchip carefully though. What you have in mind is top of the line second best and that second best is going to expand the capabilities of your PS2 by at least 100%.

If you can get hold of a Messiah, that goes up to 250-300%% because you can boot import originals and you don't need to do a swap for anything.

Any advice you need. come to the Forum.

[dust2dust]

messiah rules
:)
i bought another ps2 for other child yesterday
its a r guess v5
messiah must come charlie
:)
if not i gutted ct chucked my neo2.2 in bin when i got my messiah
it would done scott he can boot it np

[wildthing]

Action Replay 1.9 & DVD-Region X won't boot on a new V5 PS2( I know I've tried) Only disk that works is the new AR2 Version 2. I had an X-key installed & had nothing but trouble with it (timing issues & laser problems) Neo 2.2 works fine as does NEO 4 (which I had installed last week & am more than happy with)

[NightStalker]

It's my understanding that the neo4 isnt compatable with a v5 board. I also have a 30001r v5. I have been waiting on a better chip than the 2.2 because it doesnt support the ea boot method on a v5. If what you say is true post the site that did the install, i may be interested.

[bangy]

in reply to your question on the best chip at the moment, the only answer there is is the neo 4, but you can Not put the neo 4 in a version 5 board, you will have to wait for the neo 4.5 which is due out in mid january 2002. I have just put one into a version 4 and the only thing that doesnt boot from scratch is dvdr copies you still have to use a game with a large TOC like GTA3, other than that its lovely.
as for fittin i used a small shop in glasgow called gametech, situated right in the middle of the barras and the service was superb, takes a couple of days for your machine to be returned to you but other than that its excelent. Also the only disc that your machine will boot at the moment is the action replay v2 grand theft auto pack, and it works fine with the neo 2.2, but personally i would wait for the neo 4.5, its well worth it..

[trig]

Neo 4.5 sounds good but is this going to be effected by the old Sony boys?? You also mentioned the AR GTA special pack will just the latest ordinary AR v2 not work? Last but not least if you go to www.easybuy2000.com they have for sale Messiah chips due to arrive Boxing Day, do we think they are going to be bogus chips?

Laters

Trig