PS2 (v3) Laser Is Gone -- What Should I Do?

[sofakng]

Ok, here is what I have:

Playstation 2, version 3
Neo 2.2 partially installed
Swap Magic v3.0

I just bought a DVD recorder. My PS2 has been fine with CD-R's but its been getting worse and worse (the laser). Now I tried to play DVD-R's and I'm beginning to realize that my laser is pretty much dead.

So, what should I do given what I have?

Here are my options:

1) Buy a pre-modded system from fastmodz (~$150). This would be nice, but I think its a bit too costly for me at the moment.
2) Buy a replacement laser for my current system. (~$50)
3) Trade my friend for his version 4 or 5 system. (~$75?)

Those are my options. I just bought the Swap Magic because I'm not too great with soldering and my neo 2.2 doesn't boot DVD-R's.

So, if you were me... what would you do?

[msun]

I would adjust the laser first (lower the resistance) since it's already messed up, give it a final chance and then go for a laser replacement.

A new PS2 might not be compatible with your current modchip.

Just my 2 cents.

[sofakng]

Well, my DVD pot is already at 650 ohms... and I doubt I should any farther below that.

As for the mod chip, I could still use my new Swap Magic v3 if I got a new console (or whatever).

So, assuming that my laser is dead (650 ohms and it still has a VERY hard time even with Ritek G04's), what do you think I should do?

If money wasn't so tight, I'd just buy a pre-mod, but I'm not sure I could afford that...

[mann75]

well sell your ps2 and take the difference and get a newer console from game stop. i bought one used and it was a v9.