Maybe I should get a premod instead, help?

Ok, after a LOT of debating, I think itll be better to get a premod. I have been thinking about modding my PS2 for quite some time, and have the money for it. But its a V4 (from what I can tell) and it already has DRE problems with CDs. plus I play FFXI on it and dont want to risk messing that up. Itll take me a lot more time to save up money for a premod but itll probably be better.

Anyway, I know very little about premods. What is the best version of PS2 to get premodded? I heard the slims arent good and that people seem to prefer the V7s for some reason, I thaught people would prefer the V9 or V10 since those can play antimod PS1 games.

And anyone know of any good stores (preferably within the US to avoid customs problems, I had my psx modcart seized once when being shipped form hong kong) that are reliable? (And offer a good price).

A friend of mine recently was debating a DMS4 or Matrix Infinity Premod, the guy claimed that the only difference between them was that the DMS4 chip has ToxisOS which gives you HDloader (I dont really give a damn about that) and that the Matrix Infinity shuts itself off when not in use to prolong it's life, now THAT I care about.

Im sure both support DVD9 and the EA games and everything, but what about PAL games? When I first asked about the DMS4 vs Matrix Infinity you said that the MI was better but at the time was having some issues with PAL games. So how is it now in playing PAL ps1 and ps2 games on NTSC tvs?

Also, would my Gameshark, Action Replay, and Codebreaker disks work? My old gameshark disk no longer works even on ym unmodded ps2 if my modem is plugged in but the new one (which is now called action replay MAX) does.

People like v7's because they are one of the easiest to mods. v9, v10's suffer from laser problems so you have to do the romeo mod plus it's more wires that the v7's. I just did my first (and second and third) v12 and I found them pretty easy to do. Just make sure they have a decent laser fix like subzero or comsoft to protect the laser. Also buying premodded v12 you might get a wide laser which are the crappier lasers. Unless the place you order from gives you the choice to choose which version premodded you want, you'll get what get. Also remember that any other ps2 other than the v12's are getting over a year old and that's the minimum by now.

Another thing to consider, if you Play FFXI, is that the new PSTWO's wont have a spot to plug in your HDD that you need to play FFXI. I would stick with the older, larger model if you still want to play FF.

I was not planning to play FFXI on my premodded system, I was plannign to just use my older PS2 for FFXI and as a backup for palying originals should my premod fail. I am well aware that you can't play FFXI on a slim ps2.

Does anyone have any specific stores/versions to recommend though?

If you want to save some money, you can get a new laser for your v4 and get it modded at the same time rather than buying a separate system. I'm sure if you ask in the BST forum, you can find some good people there to fix up your console.

suggest you check out the Buy Sell Trade Vendors section

Thing is I know there are probably hundreds of premod shops out there as well as people selling premods, I wanted somebody to suggest a good one that they know is in good standing, there are a lot of places out there that can rip you off. So im guessing the best system to choose is a v5, v6 or v7?

as i said look in the Buy Sell Trade Vendors section http://psx-scene.com/forums/buy-sell-trade-vendors/, each modder/vendor has its on thread with feedback from customers and some even have pics of their work, i suggest you look at it and decide for yourself, i'd say go with a modder who has lots of good review, i've had Loy and N£TM£ÇH do installs and repair for me which were good, pretty sure either one of them could do a premod of your choice and answer any questions you have on which chip or console version you have :bigpimpin

Getting a V5,V6 or V7 system would possibly be best if you were doing the mod yourself, due to the simpler installation and realitive robustness of these units. However, since you are buying a premod, you should go for a V9 or V10 unit, making sure that the romeo mod has been done to protect the laser. The V9/V10s have much better media tolerance then older versions, and will happily play most DVD-R/DVD+R/CD-Rs burnt at the disk's rated speed.

Any reputable shop will have done the romeo mod on any pre-mod you buy.

V9 or V10 units are still the big ones right? I do not want a slim PS2. And I thaught only the slim ones needed the lazer fix?

Anyway, thanks for the info, know any TRUSTED sites that sell v9/10 premods for a decent price?