Best ps2 version for modding?

It's been a while, and I realized I have no ps2.

What's the best version of PlayStation 2 to buy for mod chip ?

 

I use a SCPH-7500x for years, very happy with it.

 

Easiest models for modding are 3000x with 8 screws, particularly the ones ranging from GH-015 (SCPH-3000xR) until GH-022 (SCPH-3900x) motherboards.

Not the best models out there in overall (older units are more rugged) but these are sure better than the 50k units by a wide margin on ruggedness.

 

If you had to use a slim, which one?

 

7500x or if you're lucky a 7000x without analog modem (GH-032 motherboard) as that has shutdown circuitry for when the mechacon crashes (to prevent the optical pickup coils from catching fire).

The reason for people suing SONY a few years ago was that problem. That problem happens to destroy the optical pickup making the console get stuck at the OSD with that "Disk Read Error" message.