Laser OK???

[fmb2000]

I think I have a neo modchip which I am told could cause me laser problems. I bought the system second hand (could not find a many options in the UK that did not involve soldiering). I think the system is about 12 months old but not used much in the last 6 months. How can I check the state of the laser. I have had a few ps1 but this is the first ps2. Is the drive a little noisy when loading?

I am thinking of changing the modchip to to a swap magic no soldier kit. What do u think.

I bought the machine for my son and do not want it to break in the first month so any help would be great.

When I boot I boot with a regionX cd not ar2 or GS2 - does this mean that it is a neo chip. I can not found any guides that mention the region X option.