Newbie (who read before asking) - Need V9 Modchip Advice

[BQuicksilver]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and would greatly appreciate some help with my choice of modchip. I've read up quite a bit today, so hopefully these questions are in order.

I have a PS2 that I believe is Version 9 (model: SCPH-50001)

Money isn't a major concern, I just want the most reliable modchip out there that boots all discs with minimal special procedures for the sake of my kids (who've just killed off too many originals). I plan on having freedomlives.com do the install.

Here are the chips I'm considering in current order of preference, and my concerns which I would like to have addressed:

1 - Messiah 2 V1.33b - Seems to be what I want - Concerns: Are the 1.33's 'tried and true' yet, and no longer suffer the issues of the v1.31's? Are the issues mentioned on the socalmods website referring to the v1.33 or v1.31 with PS2 v9?
2 - DMS3V9 - Looks to be good but has features (mp3, multiregion) I won't use - Concerns: DMS's Website didn't mention V9 support http://www.dms3.com/faq.htm, also they seem to be a little more involved to boot than the Messiah chips? Also do these chips truly put less wear and tear on your PS2 than others, as DMS claims?
3 - Smartchip Pro - Seems straightforward and I haven't heard complaints - Concerns: I've heard it's like a Messiah, so does it resemble the V1.31 Messiah and have the same issues with PS2 v9?

Should I consider ANY other chips? (Neo4?, Magic V?, Apple Pro?, Ripper?)

Will the chips I'm looking at boot up EA games and the 2x copy protect games I keep hearing about without any special procedures using the backup method (recordnow) mentioned in the ultimate info sticky?

Apologies for the barrage of questions, and thanks in advance for any coherent and intelligent replies.:)

[spedmetal]

Hi BQuicksilver
And welcome to the forum

The messiah 2 1.33b is a great chip although over priced compared with the Magic V 50k you get the same performance for less cash. If this is for your kids don’t even consider the DMS3 you will be paying for features you will never use and most people that buy it don’t either. As for the neo4 it’s not compatible with the V9 and you wouldn’t want it any way as it burns up lasers. The Apple team has yet to produce a V9 compatible chip (I’m looking forward to when they do). As for the ripper I cant comment on that one never installed one and haven’t been concerned with keeping up on it either. My last word of advice would to be to seriously consider the Magic V 50K as it is a great chip. The Magic boys have really stepped up to the plate with this chip and are doing a great job of keeping costs down. Any way good luck and let us know what you decide to do. Happy new year to ALL!!

[BQuicksilver]

Thanks for the reply!

Yep, my kids use it most, but I play at times.

DMS - Is there any validity to their claim of it being a more 'PS2-friendly' chip? Outside of unused features, are the boot procedures less intuitive than those of other direct boot modchips?

Messiah - Just to be extra sure (since it's still my #1 choice), are the 1.33's okay? Was the burnt board issue limited only to the 1.31's or is the jury still out on the 1.33?\

Smartchip - Any experience with it?

Magic V 50k - Would you mind detailing the feature/reliability/performance differences between it and the M2 v1.33b? An extra $40 (or whatever the price diff is) doesn't mean nearly as much to me as just having the absolute best modchip installed. thanks for bringing this chip to my attention, I'll try to get a little more background on it.:cool:

[spedmetal]

Well as far as DMS claiming they are a more 'PS2 friendly' chip is true but this is also true of ALL the current popular mod's that we asre speaking of. The Messiah 2 issue was only related to the v1.31 version and all the reports of dead motherboards that I heard of where coming out the PAL regions. The Messiah 2 v1.33b is safe. As far as features that the messiah 2 would have over the Magic V 50K there are none they both do the exact same thing wich is boot your back ups and imports. Both are very reliable. Hope this helps.

[BQuicksilver]

...and two last questions:

Are the EA and 2x TOC games direct boot on both the Magic and M2?

Where is the safest/best place to shop for these chips. Modchips.cc doesn't seem to carry the exact models I'm looking for though they appear to be the most trusted site for this type of item. Any other good modchip distributors?:cool:

[spedmetal]

Yes the M2 and Magic V are direct boots for both EA and the 2x cheak. A great please to buy both of them from in the US is www.the-console-corner.com