Version of ps2 and bootchip

[argo]

There's been a lot said on this topic of i d ing your console and you can look back in the other threads if your still not sure.
Here's one easy check , pull of the expansion bay cover at the back,
if it's made of plastic and thin metal strip it's a v4 board inside.
If it's just plastic then it's a v5 board.
Like i said there are other checks regarding srews and stuff but this seems an easy way to me.
If you can get hold of the Messiah clone and you should be able to.
See Charlie or Dust to Dust, then you won't need anything else to boot up with.
The chips are remarkable and direct boot everything,
you won't even know it's in there.
Hope this helps.

ARGO.