To install or not install...

[DingoTest]

I have just bought for a family christmas present a PS2... on inspection it is a v14 device. This is my own console... total PS2 newbie.

I ordered a Crystal Chip and received a version 1.0...

So... should I install it? I was hoping for a version 19 firmware release but this still has not appeared. Should I install the Crystal Chip or wait?

Thanks in advance,
DT

[Toma]

What's the board number? Judging from Crystal's site, the 1.0 can work with the GH-037 and possibly GH-041.

[mp3boy]

Install it and put firmware v18 (hacked) on it. It should work with everything except Ps1 games, and you can update to v19 when it's released.

[DingoTest]

OK. Now v19 is released there is no reason not to install it.

Given that this will be my first time into a PS2...

Is there a tutorial on how to open a v14 case without causing any damage?

TIA,

DT

[mp3boy]

It's easy to do. There's 6 screws on the bottom; 4 under plastic covers and 2 under rubber feet (at the front).

Once the screws are out, pull the lid of the case from the back corners - it needs a bit of force to get it off. After that there's a screw between the controller ports, undo that then you can remove the bottom of the case.

There's 4 screws holding the laser down, then one more underneath the disc motor - you can slide the laser unit out of the way to get to it. Then there's 4 screws on the bottom of the ps2 holding the metal shielding on.

I usually straighten out the two metal bits that bend down onto the empty part of the board, so they don't interfere with the chip.

[DingoTest]

Thanks mp3boy

Great description.