Ok guys I am seeking your counsel!
 

Ok there all, I will admit I am new to the ps2 'backup' scene, but have had considerable years experience around isos, so am not technologically stupid. I have been considering buying a pre-modded ps2 (seems to come with the Magic2 chip), and a dvd-r burner (dvd-r is what is needed instead of dvd+r, correct?). I was going to go pre-modded since i have never soldered anything in my life (hell I think I even spelled it wrong). Anyone out there using a Magic2 chip, and what is the synopsis on it? What type of DVD-r drive is recomended I have done some research and pioneer seems to make up the majority of the market, but any specific models that people have used and are tried and true to making quality backups? Wish a modded ps2 and dvd-r it is a simple case of following one of the 2 methods (nero or primo) to back up all my games? Any and all info is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Ohyeah

The Magic 2, Apple, & Messiah are ALL "Great" chips...
If you do buy a pre-modded PS2.....Make sure you get one of these chips in it....
As you stated, you are DEFINATELY better off getting a pre-modded one...The soldering of these chips is extremely difficult...
Go with the Pioneer A03, A04, or A05 (will be released this week)... They are the -R format you mentioned and have been the PROVEN winners in the PS2 backup scene (Except for the A05 since its not out yet)...
I would definately rec. using Primo DVD to backup your PS2 dvd based games...
Also something you may consider, is purchasing (if you don't have one) a 100% Clone CD compatible burner...
You should use a seperate burner for CD based PS2 games...
Well..This should get you going in the right direction...:cool:

another quick question then...
 

Thank you kindly for your quick reply. I have been looking at the options you suggested, and I was just wondering if there is an easy way to determine if a game is dvd or cd based? I already have cd-r/w that has servered well with pc game backups and such so I wouldn't have thought thtat would be a problem. Just wondering how to tell so I don't try to back up a cd game with a dvd and vice-versa.

Ohyeah

there is a logo (CD-Rom / DVD-Rom) on PS2 case on the back and on the disc.

Re: another quick question then...
 

psx_paul has told you how to determine if the games are cd based or dvd based....

Another thing.....You need to MAKE SURE that your cd burner is 100% compatible with Clone CD....(This is a MUST in my opinion)
Check here to see if it is: Clone CD compatible writers!

If it is not....GET ONE THAT IS!!!!:cool:

Thanx again guys
 

I checked my CD-R and it is clone cdclone compatible. found out about a firmware update that I gonna take care of, but thanx for all your info. I think I gonna go with magic2 modded ps2, with an ao4 dvd-r. Should be a pretty pimp setup. I also plan on delving into the ps2 when it arrives and trying to learn to do the modding myself, as lots of ppl around here could use it. I have a friend who is supposedly good at soddering stuff. Anyway, I digress, Thank you again for all your quick responses.

Ohyeah

good luck :D

Re: Thanx again guys
 

If you are serious about learning how to mod PS2's.... I would suggest you check out E-Bay.com and look under the Video Game section...Do a search under that section for "Broken".... You can get the broken PS2's for a decent price.... This way you could tear apart the PS2 and SEE if you are able to solder all of the connections and not have to worry about screwing up you new PS2....
Fairly cheap insurance...:cool: