Which of these HDDs Will Work Properly?

[MrQuackers]

Hello, I just purchased a SCPH-35001 PS2 and a network adapter with the intentions of plugging in a HDD and running HDLoader to play saved discs.

I've been reading about the kind of drives most used in this kind of mod, understanding that the original Sony 40GB HDD is a Maxtor, and positive recommendations on Seagate drives. My favorite brand of drive for reliability is Western Digital, however I do not want to modify my network adapter to fit the drive.

I will probably be looking at a Seagate Barracuda, between 300-400GB. I'm unsure of the limitations of the network adapter. ATA, UATA 33/66/100/133, PATA, can all of these work with the adapter?

This looks like a cozy drive to purchase, what does PS2-Scene think? Seagate Barracuda 400GB 7200RPM UDMA/100 8MB Buffer

If this drive won't work or you know of something better, I'd love to hear any suggestions. Thanks for reading my post.

[XJointheAznX]

It'll work fine. I just use a 160GB because that is all that i'll ever need.

[Badcrew]

I had that same drive in my Fat PS2 (400GB Seagate 7200.8), worked fine but had very loud seek and spin-up noises, and got very hot. I returned it and bought a 750GB 7200.10. That was quieter and cooler (probably due to it being about 2 generations newer), and is also the biggest IDE drive you can buy.

[MrQuackers]

I ended up purchasing a 160GB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 8MB ATA100 (ST3160815A) from Newegg. Every single 400GB drive I could find under $100 was used/re-certified, and as hard drives are a component likely to fail during the life of a computer, I didn't want to purchase a drive that has already broken once. Considering I would need to save about 80 games to my PS2 to fill up the drive, it should suit my needs. If I do eventually run out of space, I can buy a larger drive later.

If any future users are looking for a drive, I purchased mine at:
NewEgg, and I strongly suggest using the PS2 Hard Drive Compatibility Chart to pick a drive you know will work. I would just search for the model numbers I drives I was interested in to make sure. Thanks for your responses JointheAzn and Comparison.

[XJointheAznX]

that's same one i have!

[spud42]

you wont get 80 games on a 160 mate... not unless there are a signifigant number of cd based games..i have a 160 in mine and i have a 320 in my sons. the 320 has mostly kids games and has about 100 games and about 35 gig left... as games seem to average around 3 gig.. some smaller some bigger i would guess that you would end up around the 50 games mark...

[MrQuackers]

I just received my 160GB drive from NewEgg, and formatted it via Winhiip in 48 bit mode for HDLoader. Since the drive is formatted for HDLoader, it shouldn't be visible within the PS2 system browser correct, as in only a hacked MC and HDLoader can make sense of the filesystem?

Also, this is an extremely basic question, once so newbish I feel sorry for asking it (And I've been reading for the past few days but am having trouble finding a clear answer) but I'd just like a simple clarification. I've sent my memory card to djflexmaster79 to have FCMB and other programs installed on it. I don't need a modchip to load software off this memory card do I? The MC itself acts as a softmod- when it's plugged into the memory slot the system is capable of playing backups and using HDLoader, when unplugged it's no longer softmodded, correct?

[amp2006]

I just received my 160GB drive from NewEgg, and formatted it via Winhiip in 48 bit mode for HDLoader. Since the drive is formatted for HDLoader, it shouldn't be visible within the PS2 system browser correct?

It will not be visible unless you are using a Modchip with a ATAD Patching + Sony HDD Utility

I don't need a modchip to load software off this memory card do I

Nope you don't need a modchip you already have FMCB installed on your Memory Card

The MC itself acts as a softmod- when it's plugged into the memory slot the system is capable of playing backups and using HDLoader,

HDLoader : Playing Games off Internal HDD

ESR : Play Patched DVDs Backups .

when unplugged it's no longer softmodded, correct?

Yep .

[TehJawknee]

Also, this is an extremely basic question, once so newbish I feel sorry for asking it (And I've been reading for the past few days but am having trouble finding a clear answer) but I'd just like a simple clarification. I've sent my memory card to djflexmaster79 to have FCMB and other programs installed on it. I don't need a modchip to load software off this memory card do I? The MC itself acts as a softmod- when it's plugged into the memory slot the system is capable of playing backups and using HDLoader, when unplugged it's no longer softmodded, correct?

You're right. You will not need a modchip once you have FMCB installed. All you will have to do is follow the directions in the other forums concerning game installs and patching if needed. This video should show you what FMCB is capable of doing and a basic idea of what to expect once you have it all configured. BTW, this is not my video.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyAazHl2AmA"]FMCB in action[/ame]

[MrQuackers]

Wow, you both responded very quickly, even at 2am (PST). Thanks for the concise replies and non-judgements on my newbie status. Thanks for the video as well, it serves as an excellent demonstration.