How to backup PS2 DVD games

[HaruMakiRyo]

Hi all experts,

I've been reading a lot about backing up PS2 games. I'm still very confused. I need some kind of top to bottom explanation to how to do this.

- I have Pioneer DVR-A05
- I have Generic 1x DVD-R media
- I want full DVD game backup, I don't want watered down CD versions of the game

Please help me clarify the following:

1. I plan to get Magic 3 or 3.5 chip, since it's universal, there's no need to worry about the model/version of my PS2. Does anyone suggest otherwise?

2. Are rip kits only for DVD games ripped to CD size? or for games that are already a CD format? Do ripkits apply to DVD images?

3. What software do i need or steps I need to take to back up a DVD PS2 game if I start from the following sources:
a. I have the original game, how do i rip it and how do I patch the image if it's a CD or DVD?
b. I obtain the image from elsewhere, how do I patch the image and back it up?

4. Different patches have swap trick or other tricks in them. If I use a modchip that doesn't require/use swap trick, then what kind patch do I need or do all games require patches?

5. I've seen too many different kinds of swap tricks and rumors about using the utility disc to boot backup games without modchips. Can anyone please clarify whether there's compatibility issue between modchip, rips and patches? And is it true that it's possible to play backup games without modchip?

Any suggestion is appreciated, thank you.