ps2 mod help please

[alucard001]

I'm thinking of modding a ps2. I can get a v1,v5 or slim. What would be the best model to install a Matrix infinity? I want to install a hard drive to run homebrew/backups. The matrix supports a HD now, right? It sounds like most chips do. If you could build an ideal setup, what would it be (chip, ps2 version, software ect)? Also, does the ps2 have 'dash' software?

[Warlock]

If thats the choices you have then I would say go with the v5. To me the best setup would be a v7 with Infinity modchip along with a 300gb HD running a Patched HDL :) .

[alucard001]

So the v7 is better than the v9? I only say that because it seemed that there were chip features available on the v9 that are not on the v7, mainly the ability to play certain ps1 backups. Is it worth trying to get a v7 or are the differences not all that big of a deal?

[seaneyb2003]

v9's have some falls, Theres The la chip. When the laser struggles to read the cd it strugles sends to much voltage towards the chip and maybe even the laser coils thus blowning up the chip and frying it.
V7s are top quality, there the best quality playstation laser and motherboard are perfect just sony wanted to be cheap and screwed around with the component costs and really didnt . But yea id say v5 if i was given the option.
The only fall down is if the lasers in good condition.

[drifter-in]

Ok ive been moding for about 9 years, V5, V6, V7, There great, But so are the V9 and 10, Do the large protect to LA6508, use a good chip, I like the H2O
its a good mid range chip you can look around the net and pick it for about 18 -24 bucks, It allows DL + media playback of backups, But if you want a little better go crystal you can usually pick up one of these for about 48 to 59
depending on if you buy more than one, The 5000 units are good units, it wasnt just laser strain but the constant reseting of earlier chips, But now the chips are better, But I still always do the LA protect,
I only had one blow that was using a magic pro, before I had heard about the la large protect, Ive seen others though, and fixed them, To me I like the V7 and V9 these are my two favorite versions, But the 5 and 6 have never let me down either,
The H20 has played every ps2 backup ive done, But it will not play anti mod ps1 originals or backups without patching the image file,

[seaneyb2003]

v9 v10 mmm bit hit and miss tbh the installs not hard at all, always had problems soldering to v10 mobos trying to solder the power line for the matrix infinity the solder never ever wanted to connect on it. Does in the end, very thick laquer protection on this board me thinks.
v4 5 6 7 8 piece of cake :) v12 v13 mehh there not hard just a bit of a pain.