noobie PS2 HDD question

[worto03]

OK I'm a complete noob here & have only just registered so kick me in the right direction if I'm posting in the wrong section etc.

What I've sussed so far is that I can get any pc HDD (preferably on the compatable list or by taking the screws out of the network card)

I then need HDloader, I take it this is a CD that I have to boot off.

After this I can then play backups of my games from the HDD which is plugged into my ps2 network card.

If I'm right with all of the above then things are looking good but I have no mod chip. do I need one or is the whole point of the HDLoader software & HDD to save me having to do this ?

Thanks for any help,
like I said I'm very new to this & am just working out what I do or don't need to do.
worto.