So then with this software disc (HDD Loader) in the PS2, if you dump the images onto the HD over the network or by hooking the disk directly to my computer, I wouldn't even need a mod-chip installed to play the images?

I just ordered a Matrix Infinity, was this a waste of money? And just to clarify with a 3rd party hard drive and the Infinity chip I could already dump and play my games via the HD (so long as it's not the official PS2 HD)?

No, no... You still need a mod to boot the copied games, and they cannot be run from PC like Gamecube. You can't dump games across the network either - just PS2 executables (.elf). The loader loads originals (or backups with a mod) to the HDD via the PS2 DVD-ROM. The backup discs won't even be recognised by HD Loader without a mod.

At the end of the day, you still need a mod, and you've ordered the best, and there ain't no other way other than HDLoader of dumping games to HDD...

You are the man, thanks for all your help.

You're very welcome, :)