Hi new to board

I have a question about my play station model 5501 and I'm trying to decide if I need the mod chip or the card that plugs into the back of the unit. the play station has a cover on the back that can be removed? and I think this is where the card is pluged in. ? Any ideas. Is it correct that even if I have a plextor 12/10/32 with burn proof tech, and using clone cd s/w that I still have to have a mod chip or card to back up orginal psx disk?
ps I did sent an email to mod chip .com a couple days ago but no reply to my question. Thanks