i am totally new to this (BG: want your participation)

[Serpent]

Hi!

I know nothing about consoles so please excuse my ignorance.

I plan to buy a PS2.

Have access to usenet and all the ps2 games posted. Most are in .cue/bin format.. some are dvd rips.

So question time:

1. Is it safe to install a mod chip on the unit? I assume it voids your warranty. Does it hurt beyond that? Like there were rumors with the xbox that MSFT <i>might</i> scan XBOX units for mod chips through their XBOX Live service.

I don't want to get caught in a position where my ps2 is unusable for online play or they come out with games that detect mod chips and don't work.

Excuse my lack of ps2 hardware knowledge but are my fears unfounded?

2. Is it possible to turn the modchip OFF when playing online or playing an original game? And turn it back ON to play burnt copies?

3 Of course, for a new PS2, what would be the best mod chip?

4. I understand that mod chip will let me play games that i burn on CD-Rs (using Nero). Also, games bought from outside the US (original). Am i correct?

5. Any installers in Northern CA.?

6. Any links to read for using mod chips for a newbie?

I think that will be all for now, I will definitely be back :)

Thanks for your help! :)

[BG]

1st.... Yes it is safe to install a mod chip in you PS2 (Providing whoever installs it knows what they are doing and doesn't screw it up)
There are many users on this forum that are playing "ONLINE" as we speak.
Excuse my lack of ps2 hardware knowledge but are my fears unfounded?
In my opinion, your fears are unfounded at this time... Maybe later down the road, they may come up with something to detect mod chips while your playing online (I doubt it) but then the chip makers will come up with a way to bypass it...:D

2. Is it possible to turn the modchip OFF when playing online or playing an original game? And turn it back ON to play burnt copies?
Most INTERNAL mod chips operate transparently anyway. Meaning if you put in a original game, it boots just like a original. If you put in a copied game, then you have to use the "specified boot procedure" for your paticular mod chip in order for it to work and play the copied game...

3 Of course, for a new PS2, what would be the best mod chip?
More than likely if you go and purchase a new PS2 now, you will be getting a V7...
If thats the case, you could get, the Apple, Magic 2, (or if your patient) the NEW Messiah 2...

4. I understand that mod chip will let me play games that i burn on CD-Rs (using Nero). Also, games bought from outside the US (original). Am i correct?
Most mod chips will boot import originals... As far as burning cd-r's. Yes the mod chip will let you play cd-r copies of games (Although I would suggest burning from a original game using Clone CD instead or NERO)

NOW: For my 2 cents worth.... You will find that the mod chips that I have rec to you are more expensive than other chips... If you do the research, you will find that they are worth EVERY LAST PENNY....
:cool:

[Serpent]

Thanks for your post BG. Lurking, i knew i could count on you for help :)

I have access to Nero, CDRWIN, CloneCD but CDRwin has a problem with my Liteon 48x burner so Nero might be my only option.

Cost of the modchip doesn't matter since it will pay off for itself. So you recommend Messiah 2, eh? What features does it offer that you base your recommendation on?

See, i am a PC gamer, i am thinking from that mindset. You can't play multiplayer unless you have a CD key. If they implement that in PS2, aren't we all screwed? WORSE, they come up with some technique to detect chips and your console locks up or something?

Paranoid? Maybe. But it is a $200 piece of equipment + $100 (at least) on the mod chip.. i just want to get my stuff cleared up right now.

One thing you didn't answer: is it possible to "turn off" the modchip? I remember reading an article on the Register regarding MSFT. scanning for mod chips where some XBOX hacker said that mod chips can be turned off when playing online. Is same true for PS2?

Thanks!

[BG]

The NEW Messiah 2 wil be the GOD of all chips..(IF it gets released this time)

It is supposed to boot EVERYTHING just like it was a original game. Put the game in the tray, close the tray, the game boots.
It is also supposed to have the capability allowing you to turn it OFF.....
Also, the chips I mentioned are all "Direct Boot chips", meaning you put in the backup copy and usually all you have to do is press reset.
If you want to see what is involved in playing a backup with some "other" chips, look at the top of the PS2 forum for a "Stickey called: PS2 boot procedures for all mod chips"
I posted this earlier (its still unfinished) but it will give you a idea of whats involved if you DON'T get a "Direct boot" chip. (ALOT of BS in my opinion)
The mod chip scene has always been on the same page with the console manufacturers. They come up with something to keep you from playing copied games, the chip people come up with something to defeat it.
This goes ON & ON & ON....
I'm not sure if you are aware of it or not, but on the PS1, game manufacturers produced games that would not play on a modded console...Shortly after came the "STEALTH chip" The you could play the anti-mod games no problem...

I understand your concern, BUT if you continue to worry about things that "MAY" happen, you will never get your PS2....

[Serpent]

LOL!! You are right, i think i worry too much ;)

No, as i said, my knowledge is very limited (always a bad thing) so i never heard about the STEALTH chip.

Interesting that you say that Messiah 2 is yet to come out and there is a post on this page from an installer who says he has 2 units with Messiah 2 installed?

If Messiah 2 has this ability to turn it off, i think i'll wait for that (I'll get the PS2 now though :))

1. Any installers you know of in Nor. Cal?

2. Any further tips O Wise One? :)

Thanks, really appreciate it.

[BG]

Who posted that he has a messiah 2 installed?
OR did you see "Magic 2"?

As far as your knowledge, you are doing the right thing in asking questions..Too many people rush out a buy a chip, then come on the forum crying cause it wont do what they want..etc..

I don't know of any installer in Cali.... I always rec people to Bill @ freedomlives.com (http://www.freedomlives.com)
He's in Chicago..Shipping it to him is not very expensive...He comes VERY HIGHLY rec.....

[Serpent]

Oops!! Magic 2 it is :o

So when is the expected release date for Messiah 2?

And is it smart to get a new, just released chip installed? I normally wait for the revised version to come out for my PC hardware.

[BG]

There is no confirmed date for the Messiah 2 YET...
My extremely close source, who deals with the G-Man himself, says it may be within the next 2-3 weeks...
(He knows who he is!!!:p )
He will have test units of the Messiah 2 before anyone else..

As far as it being smart to get a newly released chip.... Most of the time I would say NO....
But in this case, I would make an exception...The Messiah team has ALWAYS done a excellent job with their chips....
If it makes you feel any better, I will be getting one as soon as they are released....
I've already informed him that I want it.....:D

Also: If you notice in my signature, I've already pre-ordered the A05 (dvd burner)
So I'm not scared....:p
I'm just a glutony for punishment....:D

[Serpent]

If it makes you feel any better, I will be getting one as soon as they are released....
I've already informed him that I want it.

That's good enough for me! :)

I think I'll get SOCOM for now, Vice City with Messiah 2 :)

Any tips for a newb? :)