Need Help on HDD Buying

[Geoduck]

I decided to get a HDD for my PS2 (thanks Tyler!); problem is, I don't know the first thing about PS2 HDD's.

1) First off, which brand should I get as far as reliability and affordability is concerned?

I checked the HDD chompatibility chart, and the only ones that are compatible for a V7 are maxtor, MDT, and Western Digital. I know I'm setting myself up to look stupid, but are these mentioned harddisk drives different from the ones in a PC (like I said, I know next to nothing)?

2) BTW, what's th average price for one of these?

3) Secondly, I heard you need a software (HDLoader--again, thanks Tyler! ) to install the HDD. Does it come with the HDD, or sold seperately? Can I get it at the same place I buy the HDD?

4) Most importantly, can anyone get me a link on a step-by-step installation guide for setting up the HDD? I don't trust my common sense enough around a Lego set

Thanks in advance! If this weren't virtual space, I'd buy you all a round of whisky for this barrage of questions.

[Geoduck]

Almost forgot to mention, in case this might be relevant:

My console is a V7, PAL (Australia/New Zealand) version

Thanks!

[TylerDurden]

I would recommend looking through our Ultimate Info Sticky. There is a link to a site with many tested and tried hdd's. If your gonna buy one I would also recommend waiting till right after Thanksgiving, most stores have really really good deals then.




Tyler!

[gtapex_trueno]

I'll answer what I can at the moment (Have to leave soon).

1) Any brand HDD will suffice. That being, your best bets would be Maxtor and Seagate. Western Digital HDD work, but they don't fit with the PS2 Network Adapter and need some modifications done to it. You can get any size HDD (The more the better). These HDD are the same ones used in PCs. Just remember that if you get one over 120 or 140 gb, then you need to patch the HDL Elf file (48 bit LBA) (More on that later or if someone cares to explain ).

2) I don't really know the average price. Most are about 100 or so (US) for about a 150 gb or so HDD. I got mine for $130 off of eBay. (200 gb Seagate)

3) You need to BUY HDLoader to run games off the HDD. Just don't get HDAdvance. If there's one thing you learn, is not to buy that crap. Ask me for help if you need or Tyler or any other member for help....just don't turn to HDA. You won't be able to find HDL in stores (at least in retail stores, you'll have to turn to online shops if you want to buy it).

4) Setting up the HDD is a matter of seconds. Get your Network Adapter (NA) and put the HDD on the NA. The molex pins and IDE pins should line up with the NA (Except if you get Western Digital, then you might run into problems.)

Check out the HDL review, it provides some insight to HDL and gives some idea to what is going on. I'll post more info if need be later on. Hope this helps a bit! (Currently running 3/4 of my PS2 games on my HDD! Ran out of space though.... . Can't wait for MGS3!!)

PS: It's definitely worth it to get the HDD! No more fiddling with DVDs and such! Except the few that aren't supported.

Edited by bighap: You know better than to recommend that gtapex

[spedmetal]

Get your HDloader here.

www.foundmy.com

Get this HDD

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....1&type=product

Have fun!

[gtapex_trueno]

My mistake! Won't happen again!

Just make sure not to buy HDAdvance!

[MoBiUs]

well since you live in aus i would get the hdd from MSY http://www.msy.com.au/

Seagate 8M IDE HDD 120G $124
Seagate 8M IDE HDD 160G $138

[SleeplessHunter]

I wanted to start a new topic, but since someone asked about PS2 hdd,I figured might continue it here, shorter, easier to manage :P

ANYWAYS! Does the cache size matter when buying a hard drive for ps2?

I mean, OBV, more is better, but does it REALLY make a difference if I get an 8mb to a 2mb cache hd?

Does it affect gameplay?

Thanks!

----SH----

[secondlook]

how many games approx. can a 120GB hold? Do most ea sports games work. or should I ask which ones don't.

[TylerDurden]

Divide 120 by about 4 and thats your answer.



Tyler!

[Geoduck]

A million thanks, people!

Will be getting the HDD within next week (if all goes well)!

BTW, does the HDD and HDLoader include a user manual? Or is it user-friendly enough to figure out by yourself? Wouldn't want to go by trial-and-error for a hundred-dollar piece of equipment....

Thanks

[skykid]

yes the HDloader does have a user manual and intrructions on how to install but it is very simeple.

[gtapex_trueno]

If you know what you're doing and have everything properly setup, then the HDL is a godsend..... Just have patience and don't expect every game to work, just a small fraction of games don't work with HDL. You'll love it....

EDIT: If you plan to play MGS 3, use the HDD. Reported skipping during codec messaging for many ps2 users with somewhat older ps2 systems. New ps2 systems run the game fine.