PS2 HDD Network Adapter

Hi everyone,

Just a simple question. I know you need the network adapter to have the HDD function. But if I don't particularly want the PS2 online, and just want to load games off the HDD, do I need to have the packaged connection CD that comes with the network adapter?

Thanks!

 

No. You would need a way to launch homebrew though. Something like a freemcboot or a decent modchip.

 

That's cool, thanks

 

There's a ps2 modchip that supports homebrew, What kind of homebrew?

 

There are games out there that let you configure the network adapter anyways for network play, so even if you needed to change the settings you can run one of those games from the hard drive. FIFA 2005 for example.

 

if you do have a network adapter you could install FHDB

 

A modchip can make homebrew more convenient. It'd be easier to (for instance) burn a compilation of your favorites on DVD-R, skipping the need for freemcboot.

 

But to get a modchip installed,you need skills. Not to mention that your console has been opened and tampered with (no longer a sealed set).

If you store homebrew on a disc, you will involve the laser, which does not last forever. Also, not all homebrew software can be started from a disc.

If you have FMCB, all you have to do to "install" homebrew software in general, would be to just copy the software onto a USB disk.

One could argue that there are modchips that support DEV1/DEV2 booting, which would offer similar functionality to FMCB. But as I have mentioned, installing a modchip is not for everyone. All existing modchips out there that support DEV1/DEV2, do not load the console's system configuration properly either. The telltale sign of that, is that games and software default to their default languages and do not use the settings (e.g. screen aspect ratio) as set in the browser.

@OP, if you only need HDD support for homebrew programs, you do not need the network setup disc. That is for setting up your network connection, for use with official SONY software.