Looking to get a mod chip...
 

and I seriously need some opinions/pointers...

I'd like the mod to play backups, have a minimum of soldering, not need swapping, and (if possible) play imports. the last is just a bonus, if I can do it...

specs:
SCPH-39001
PT5462.....
U4629...

given that, what are my options?

Basically you have NO OPTIONS.....
The part that screwed you is when you said " have a minimum of soldering, not need swapping" in the same sentence.... The Messiah, Magic 2, Apple, and a few others will get you the no swap, play backups, and play imports, BUT they all require soldering (basically 23 wires) and are very DIFFICULT to solder...
I would rec. getting a no swap chip and have a professional install it for you.... Depending on where you are located, Bill @ Freedomlives.com can do the install for you..... Or Charlie_PS2 or Dust2Dust could....:cool:

Well I live in Seattle, WA .. the other side of the US from Freedomlives... :(

Unless you know someone else closer to you that you trust it will only cost about 20-30 dollars to ship your PS2 to him....

but... but.... I don't want to be without my PS2 !!! :( :( :p

Believe me ,It will be well worth the wait.

I guess I'll let my friend finish playing through Oni before I deprive him of the system. :p

Don't deprive YOURSELF.......DEPRIVE YOUR FRIEND.... Go ahead and ship it.........:o

I believe bill has a turnover rate of about 7 to 10 days.

ACtually it's just an excuse... I have too many other things hapnin right now to think about it.

I made excuses also, before I finally broke down and got mine.... NOW i wish I hadn't waited so long....:mad:

Finally gonna do it
 

Well I've found a local friend that has both experience and tools nessecary to do a PS2 mod... now I just need to get the chip.

I talked with the guy at FreedomLives and he recommended the Apple chip (v7 for me).... but now there's a Magic2 v7 and a Magic3 out as well ... what would you recommend?

(yes I did read Charlie's chip review... so I'm kinda leaning toward the Apple)

Is there a handy chart that compares/contrast the capabilities of the currently available modchips?

Messiah 2!

Nuff said......

:D

Not 'nuff IMHO ... what advantages does Messiah 2 have over Apple or Magic?

It works in almost EVERY console.....

It boots DVD-9 games such as Xenosaga, 100% of the time...

Look at the boot procedures at the top of the PS2 forum (in a sticky post)....

That will also tell you some differences....

This is the Magic 3 boot procedure:

With the disk assumed in the tray and the tray closed:

• For PS2 games, power up normally from STANDBY with RESET button. A single tap is required.

• For PS1 games & DVD Movies, power up from STANDBY with RESET button held until the blue EJECT light comes on; then release RESET and the disk will boot.

• Please turn off the PS2 (to standby) before changing Mode (PS1/PS2/DVD)


This is the Messiah 2 boot procedure:

ALL games load just like a ORIGINAL....

Put the game in the PS2 and it loads....(Nothing Else to do):D