Swap discs, mod chip?

If you look at the costs and risks of mod chips, doing it yourself that is or the HDloader thing if you don't use windoze or have an extra drive just buying a NTSC-J PS2 is in the end only slightly more.

I only play GT, no other games so I just bought GT4 for $300 (NTSC-J racing pack with 2-4 days shipping), I actually own more NTSC-J games than NTSC (4 to 1). I got sick of swap discs (which lasted me over 2 years), etc etc.....

If in doubt. Import. Mod chips are sketchy anyway.
 
Yeah I'm highly tempted to just get the NTSC J PStwo...But I can use HDLoader to play all my current games w/o using discs not to mention I won't have to pay alot for shipping...gah. stupid dvd9
 
There are NTSC-J PS2s being sold WITH the GT4 for $250.00USD on eBay I believe. If you can't solder then don't risk it, it's not worth screwing your original PS2 over for one game (even if it is GT4). If you already bought your copy of GT4 via Lik-sang or Play-asia, then just spend the $199 and get the NTSC-J slim PS2 like I did. It's definately worth it since it saves me the stress of mod-chips and slide cards, soldiering and copying to HD and schtuff. :D
 
The White Supra
There are NTSC-J PS2s being sold WITH the GT4 for $250.00USD on eBay I believe. If you can't solder then don't risk it, it's not worth screwing your original PS2 over for one game (even if it is GT4).

I'm not at all worried about risks. My soldering experience and skill is such that I could replace any chip on that board if I wanted to... :sly:
 
neurokinetik, what's the difference between the DMS4 Lite and Pro versions? I'm looking at the DMS4 Lite as a very good alternative...mainly due to the price. I can't afford to pay up $160 more for GT4 :( Like you my soldering skillz are top notch ;) But I dunno about being able to replace any chip on the board!
 
neurokinetik
I'm not at all worried about risks. My soldering experience and skill is such that I could replace any chip on that board if I wanted to... :sly:

Well aren't you special....hahaha.

Then if that is the case mod chip will work for ya.

That level of soldering skill isn't exactally the norm.

:)
 
ewitspaul
anyone know good place where I can trust enough to install modchip into my ps2 in NYC?
I'm going to Manhattan tomorrow night. I'll let you know if I see anything.

neurokinetik
Since your level of soldering is high, a modchip is the way to go then. Just follow the instructions well because one wrong wire and you're fked. :D
 
ewitspaul
anyone know good place where I can trust enough to install modchip into my ps2 in NYC?

i hear there are a lot of import shops in china town that do it. if not i did my own and it works great. if you can't find anyone to do it there (very doubtful) IM me and we could work something out. later-
 
Found out the differences between the Lite and Pro versions.
One more question: Does the chips come pre installed w/ the BIOS? Or do I have to specifically upload it to the chip when I receive it?

I plan on getting the DMS4 Lite (if I do decide on the modchip solution), can I just solder it up and its ready to go? Or do I have to do other stuff to make it work (ie. load the BIOS, or some other stuff similiar to it)?

This is too frustrating, now I'm beginning to think importing is a bad idea lol

EDIT: I need to be more patient lol. Just found out I can use a CD to flash the chip. So yay, I don't need any crazy gadgets to flash the chip. Looks like even w/ a nice soldering iron, wick+vacuum and chip it'll run me at $100. At most.
 
Hey all,

Of course I am a GT nut as well - and had to prep my PS2 for playing GT4. I found someone on a couple boards who does installs of modchips...seems very reputable and responsive. I should have the system back by Wednesday of next week. I will report my findings back and give a huge recommendation for those that are interested.

Just a heads up if anyone is interested...I am no soldering king - and wanted to get my PS2 ready for my Play-Asia order that has shipped and should be at my place next week. The person I sent my PS2 to is in California. Here's to hoping and trusting.

PM me if interested in more information - at least letting you all know what I know. He is going to also send me some pics of the installation which I will be happy to share.
 
Ordered the DMS4 Lite, will get in a few days so I'll let you guys know how the install is. Going out tomorrow to buy a soldering iron and other necessary items.
 
Barnabas, thanks for the site but I don't have DMS modchips, I just ordered Ripper 4 and I have version 4 which it says it is harder to install modchips.
Do you know where I can find information about Ripper 4 Modchips on Version 4 PS2?
 
VV
For a DVD-9 game, you have to build an iso file which works with HD Advance, by merging the two layers in only one. It's a very simple manipulation and many tutorials are available.

What's a good place to get HD Advance, anyone know?
 
ewitspaul
Barnabas, thanks for the site but I don't have DMS modchips, I just ordered Ripper 4 and I have version 4 which it says it is harder to install modchips.
Do you know where I can find information about Ripper 4 Modchips on Version 4 PS2?

There should be instructions on the website...but techniques and dos and don'ts found at the page I gave you applies. Only difference being where the wires are being connected. I don't really see why v4 is harder to install...
 
if you are doing it on your own, the DMS is a pretty large undertaking. you need to be good at routing wires and not crossing them. takes a little bit of tricky planning. you need to be extremely good at surface mount soldering, and should most definitely use a 15 watt iron that is grounded. i recommend using kynar wiring. i've never done a DMS before. a good solution to the DMS is DUO2SE. The DUO2SE does not have a flashable bios, but does play original and burned imports of ps1 and ps2 games etc. www.duomodchip.com the only reason i recommend them so highly is that they have great support and helped me every step of the way when i installed my chip. importantly, when buying a modchip, buy it from a distributor listed by the company. i've seen too many clone modchips that destroy ps2's. hope my info helped anybody out ! later-

EDIT: damn i missed page 5 ! my post is of little use now. :ouch: later-
 
Generally all modchips will play dvd9's right? I know my chip is a clone of one of the well known ones (messiah or dms or something) but i can't be sure...it was bought about a year ago so it probabily isn't the most up to date version, were the older chips still able to play dvd9 also?

It has run everything else like a dream so i hope this won't be an exception :yuck:

*panic mode*

edit - a little reasearch has made me think its a ripper 2 (which apparently runs dvd9s)...ahhh just a case of waiting to find out for sure i guess :crazy:
 
Hey, are those letters such as Z,RST,+5V..etc same place for all the same versions? or for each modchip, they are in different places? I just found the picture that shows V4 PS2's motherboard with all the letters for Magic III modchip but I have Ripper IV, so can I install my Ripper IV by following Magic III's letters?
 
is the ripper a clone of the magic ? if it has the same pinout, then yes, you follow the same instructions as the magic 3. you should go to the ripper IV website, because it will have the install diagram. if they have a site.. i don't know anythign about the ripper. most modchips generally have wires going to the same spots on the mobo, it's just the pinout of the chips that are different.. later-
 
yesterdaylight, is crossing that critical? I figured there's enough insulation to prevent any intereference...gah, I guess I'll have to be clever..
 
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