PS2 Hard Drive question...

[simplygriff]

Has anybody tried Virtua Fighter 4 Evo?  Either the Manufacturer or one of you guys?
-G

[abrannan]

I have VF4:Evo, and once my copy of HDloader comes in I'll let you know.

[simplygriff]

I have VF4:Evo, and once my copy of HDloader comes in I'll let you know.

Rad!

[sixcoin]

I have not recived my HDLoader yet nor have I bought a hard drive yet.  What I am wondering is why they limit the hard drive size to 120gb?  why not higher?  if I'm going to spend 110 on a 120gb why not spend 160 for a 220gb?

[abrannan]

I have not recived my HDLoader yet nor have I bought a hard drive yet.  What I am wondering is why they limit the hard drive size to 120gb?  why not higher?  if I'm going to spend 110 on a 120gb why not spend 160 for a 220gb?

Why spend $110 on a 120 GB?  They're going for $70-80 right now.  The 120 Gig limit is probably because the interface on the network adapter is IDE, not EIDE or other spec.  The IDE Spec, IIRC, limits drives to ~135 GB in size.  

Besides at a maximum of 4.5 Gig/game, you're still able to store a minimum of 25 games on a 120 Gig drive.  That's pretty nice for a first pass.

[dema]

I just learned of another big issue, that was confirmed by the HD Loader programmers...to reset the machine you have to physically press the reset button. That's ridiculous.

[abrannan]

I just learned of another big issue, that was confirmed by the HD Loader programmers...to reset the machine you have to physically press the reset button. That's ridiculous.

Why is it ridiculous?  

[Dave_K.]

I just learned of another big issue, that was confirmed by the HD Loader programmers...to reset the machine you have to physically press the reset button. That's ridiculous.

I think this is more of a PS2 architecture problem than an HD Loader issue.  Take the dreamcast for example, in any game all you do is hit all for buttons and the start button at the same time to reset the game (to the games title screen)...any game!...and if you do it twice it resets all the way back to the bootup/setting menu.  This is an architectural feature of the DC.  Nothing like this on PS2...so I would expect you have to physically hit the reset button to boot a new game.

[crashwg]

I just learned of another big issue, that was confirmed by the HD Loader programmers...to reset the machine you have to physically press the reset button. That's ridiculous.

Doesn't seem to rediculous when you consider the alternative of getting up, pushing eject, taking out the old disk, replacing it with the new and then hitting reset now does it...

Jeez, some people are just far too picky.

[abrannan]

I just learned of another big issue, that was confirmed by the HD Loader programmers...to reset the machine you have to physically press the reset button. That's ridiculous.

Doesn't seem to rediculous when you consider the alternative of getting up, pushing eject, taking out the old disk, replacing it with the new and then hitting reset now does it...

Jeez, some people are just far too picky.

Dema wants to put it in a cabinet, which would mean a combination of button presses would send it back to the hadloader screen to select another game.  But it's just as easy (okay, not *just* as easy) to open up the PS2 and wire up a pushbutton to the reset button.

Got shipment notification that mine has been delivered, yay!

[simplygriff]

The new DVD remotes have a reset button built in to allow it to be turned off from a distance.  Wonder if that would work though a cabinet door?
-G

[abrannan]

I have VF4:Evo, and once my copy of HDloader comes in I'll let you know.

Rad!

Rad?  Really?

VF4:Evolution works.  Here are the numbers for my system

Using a Maxtor 7200RPM 120Gig HDD:
Install size: 1GB
Install Time: ~10 Minutes
Game is playable, load time between fights is about 2-3 seconds (Arcade Mode).


I'll let everyone know if I come across anything in my collection that won't work (aside from anything that's already been mentioned, like Contra: Shattered Soldier, and Rachet and Clank 1)

[Dave_K.]

I'll let everyone know if I come across anything in my collection that won't work (aside from anything that's already been mentioned, like Contra: Shattered Soldier, and Rachet and Clank 1)

Crap, thats two of my games.  If the HD Loader can't save blue dvd games (as dema mentioned) then thats like half my collection and thus isn't worth it for me!

[dema]

I just learned of another big issue, that was confirmed by the HD Loader programmers...to reset the machine you have to physically press the reset button. That's ridiculous.

Doesn't seem to rediculous when you consider the alternative of getting up, pushing eject, taking out the old disk, replacing it with the new and then hitting reset now does it...

Jeez, some people are just far too picky.

Considering everything will run a person about $200 for this route, I think I'm hardly being picky. If I have to get up and go over to the machine to hit reset I can very easily swap out a disc in the 10 extra seconds it takes. So why bother paying $200 for a system that basically cuts out the 10 extra seconds? I guess if you have kids who tend to lose or destroy games it may pay for itself, but I don't have that problem, so I've basically dropped $200 to protect most of the games in my collection. Considering there are also conflicts with certain games (such as blue-backed CDs and DVDs) and no help for future games that are put onto this medium, the cost doesn't justify the benefits.

I believe Dave K might be right that it's more the architecture than the program, but I figured that if this is a GUI that allows a game to be selected that there would be a way to opt out of selected games and brought back to the main screen. I figured if the program required the HD Loader to be in the system at the same time the software should have an exit menu.

Maybe I am being too picky, but to pay $200 for a virtual storage unit for most of my games, instead of my existing storage unit for all my games, doesn't seem like a worthwhile purchase. I think it's better to wait for the next generation of the software, when hopefully some of these issues are addressed. My modded XBox can reset with a series of button presses and it is a major blessing. If you knew how awesome and convenient that is then maybe you'd be agreeing that I'm not being too picky and this oversight is ridiculous.

[abrannan]

I just learned of another big issue, that was confirmed by the HD Loader programmers...to reset the machine you have to physically press the reset button. That's ridiculous.

Doesn't seem to rediculous when you consider the alternative of getting up, pushing eject, taking out the old disk, replacing it with the new and then hitting reset now does it...

Jeez, some people are just far too picky.

Considering everything will run a person about $200 for this route, I think I'm hardly being picky. If I have to get up and go over to the machine to hit reset I can very easily swap out a disc in the 10 extra seconds it takes. So why bother paying $200 for a system that basically cuts out the 10 extra seconds? I guess if you have kids who tend to lose or destroy games it may pay for itself, but I don't have that problem, so I've basically dropped $200 to protect most of the games in my collection. Considering there are also conflicts with certain games (such as blue-backed CDs and DVDs) and no help for future games that are put onto this medium, the cost doesn't justify the benefits.

I believe Dave K might be right that it's more the architecture than the program, but I figured that if this is a GUI that allows a game to be selected that there would be a way to opt out of selected games and brought back to the main screen. I figured if the program required the HD Loader to be in the system at the same time the software should have an exit menu.

Maybe I am being too picky, but to pay $200 for a virtual storage unit for most of my games, instead of my existing storage unit for all my games, doesn't seem like a worthwhile purchase. I think it's better to wait for the next generation of the software, when hopefully some of these issues are addressed. My modded XBox can reset with a series of button presses and it is a major blessing. If you knew how awesome and convenient that is then maybe you'd be agreeing that I'm not being too picky and this oversight is ridiculous.

If you're including the console in this $200, then I guess your numbers are right.  I paid a total of $100 for a HDD and HDLoader.  I'm getting about a 50% faster load time on my games.  I don't have to keep 20-30 game cases in my family room.  I don't have to take all of those games with me when I travel with my PS2.  The installation of these products (not counting loading the games onto the HDD) took me literally 2 minutes.  I didn't have to solder anything inside my PS2, nor am I voiding any warranty.  What I am getting is a program that interrupts the loading process and points the system to the HDD start location for the game.  That's all.  It doesn't mess with the BIOS of the system, and I know it's not damaging my hardware.

Maybe I'm not being picky enough, but if you knew how awesome and convenient it was to not have to open up my $150 console and solder a bunch of tiny wires in place, then download the proper BIOS (and oh, is it the latest version?) in order to be able to save games to my hard drive, then you'd realize you are being picky and there is no oversight.

[crashwg]

Arrrrgg, I can't wait till I have enough $$$ to buy this thing it seems so awesome.

BTW everyone who get's theirs together, please let us know where you got the program/your HD and how much it cost.  

[dema]

If you're including the console in this $200, then I guess your numbers are right.  I paid a total of $100 for a HDD and HDLoader.  

I wasn't including the cost of the PS2. I was just factoring the cost of a 120 gig hard drive, the HD Loader, and the Network adaptor.

While it is a little faster and it does help eliminate the clutter, I guess people should weigh their options to decide how useful the pros are to them versus the cons. I was hoping for more functionality when I fired up the software, but maybe I'm just too picky.

[abrannan]

Arrrrgg, I can't wait till I have enough $$$ to buy this thing it seems so awesome.

BTW everyone who get's theirs together, please let us know where you got the program/your HD and how much it cost.  

I got the program from Divineo, but the shipping is a killer there (FedEx only - $14 ground, $16 next day air)
I picked up my HD from Office Depot (120 Gig Maxtor 7200 RPM, $79)
Incidentally, the network adapter is selling for $20 at Fry's/Outpost right now.


Note: keep checking the hdloader site for compatibility, as the incompatible games list is growing.  Notably, Soul Calibur 2, and Splinter Cell:Pandora Tomorrow don't work, though I was able to copy Soul Calibur to the HDD.

[crashwg]

I guess people should weigh their options to decide how useful the pros are to them versus the cons.

Pros & cons... Phooey!  I'm gonna get it just for the COOL factor.  

Keep that on the D/L though.  If my GF finds out I want to spend that much on something I don't realy need... Oh boy, watch out! j/k

[abrannan]

I guess people should weigh their options to decide how useful the pros are to them versus the cons.

Pros & cons... Phooey!  I'm gonna get it just for the COOL factor.  

Keep that on the D/L though.  If my GF finds out I want to spend that much on something I don't realy need... Oh boy, watch out! j/k

Oh, come on.  It's *clear* why you need it and how it will benefit her.  Faster load times = faster completion of the game = less time spent playing = more time for her.  

[dema]

I guess people should weigh their options to decide how useful the pros are to them versus the cons.

Pros & cons... Phooey!  I'm gonna get it just for the COOL factor.  

Keep that on the D/L though.  If my GF finds out I want to spend that much on something I don't realy need... Oh boy, watch out! j/k

Oh, come on.  It's *clear* why you need it and how it will benefit her.  Faster load times = faster completion of the game = less time spent playing = more time for her.  

Very impressive formula!!! That was hilarious!

[abrannan]

I guess people should weigh their options to decide how useful the pros are to them versus the cons.

Pros & cons... Phooey!  I'm gonna get it just for the COOL factor.  

Keep that on the D/L though.  If my GF finds out I want to spend that much on something I don't realy need... Oh boy, watch out! j/k

Oh, come on.  It's *clear* why you need it and how it will benefit her.  Faster load times = faster completion of the game = less time spent playing = more time for her.  

Very impressive formula!!! That was hilarious!

Thank you...  And now for my next trick, this is my 400th post!

[Dave_K.]

Note: keep checking the hdloader site for compatibility, as the incompatible games list is growing.  Notably, Soul Calibur 2, and Splinter Cell:Pandora Tomorrow don't work, though I was able to copy Soul Calibur to the HDD.

Is anyone else a little perturbed by this?   I can understand that the newer network enabled (and harddrive enabled) games like FF might not work with the HDLoader, but what makes SC2 not run?  This combined with certain blue back dvd's not working just makes me believe this wasn't thought out thoroughly...or maybe I'm expecting to much from a new product?  For all we know, any new games coming out will be completely incompatible (especially if they can find these simple issues with the hdloader before hand, and come up with "copyprotection schemes").  

Would updates to HDLoader be free? (Wouldn't it be cool to use that network adapter thats required for the HD bay, connect to the HDLoader website, and fetch updates/patches?).  Like I said, I don't think this product was thoroughly thought out.

[dema]

Is anyone else a little perturbed by this?   I can understand that the newer network enabled (and harddrive enabled) games like FF might not work with the HDLoader, but what makes SC2 not run?  This combined with certain blue back dvd's not working just makes me believe this wasn't thought out thoroughly...or maybe I'm expecting to much from a new product?  For all we know, any new games coming out will be completely incompatible (especially if they can find these simple issues with the hdloader before hand, and come up with "copyprotection schemes").  

Would updates to HDLoader be free? (Wouldn't it be cool to use that network adapter thats required for the HD bay, connect to the HDLoader website, and fetch updates/patches?).  Like I said, I don't think this product was thoroughly thought out.

My sentiments exactly.

[Luxury]

Yeah...I was all ready to shell out the money for this - problems stated and everything.  But when I saw that Soul Calibur 2 didn't work, I've since changed my mind.  I don't own SC2 for PS2 (GC), but that still kind of scares me.  

[pointdablame]

Just an FYI, the HDD loader isn't having trouble with some blue backed dvds.... any PS2 disc with a blue disc is a CD based game, any silver backed game is a DVD and any black backed game is an original Playstation game.  

So, for whatever reason, the HDD loader is only able to read DVD games and not CD games.

[simplygriff]

I was all about this too until I saw the SC2 thing.  That and VF4:Evo were the only reasons I wanted it.  I know somebody said they got SC2 up and running but if it's on the creator's incompatible list that's not a good sign.  I think I'll wait for an updated version.  Especially since I don't have any of the required hardware yet.
-G

[abrannan]

I was all about this too until I saw the SC2 thing.  That and VF4:Evo were the only reasons I wanted it.  I know somebody said they got SC2 up and running but if it's on the creator's incompatible list that's not a good sign.  I think I'll wait for an updated version.  Especially since I don't have any of the required hardware yet.
-G

I couldn't get SC2 up and running.  But VF4:Evo worked great.

[simplygriff]

I misread.  I thought you had it up and running.  Now I see that you just got it copied over.
-G

[crashwg]

If it's having problems reading from cd based games... what are the chances of copying them to DVD-Rs and then loading them up?  Of course you will need a modchip to do so, but it's worth a try if you've got one right?

[igorian]

I'd gotten mine two days ago.  Had to work 'till last night and then tested it to work great!  I've loaded 'blue' games, specifically ATV ORF2.

Here's my problem.  This morning I was about to load more games and now my PS2 won't read Discs.  The DVD Drive spins, but nothing else!  I hope the Seagate 120 I'd put it didn't cause it, but it was fine last night.  Anyway I'm going to get a new unit today at Costco (exchange).

I've tested too with the Sony 40GB drive.  There is a benefit, waying the pro's and con's, of using the official drive.  With the official drive you can copy game saves from the memory card to the HDD.  Can't do it with any other drive.  With that said it might not be so bad to just stick with the 40.  Even though I was hoping to go bigger.

[abrannan]

Note: keep checking the hdloader site for compatibility, as the incompatible games list is growing.  Notably, Soul Calibur 2, and Splinter Cell:Pandora Tomorrow don't work, though I was able to copy Soul Calibur to the HDD.

Is anyone else a little perturbed by this?   I can understand that the newer network enabled (and harddrive enabled) games like FF might not work with the HDLoader, but what makes SC2 not run?  This combined with certain blue back dvd's not working just makes me believe this wasn't thought out thoroughly...or maybe I'm expecting to much from a new product?  For all we know, any new games coming out will be completely incompatible (especially if they can find these simple issues with the hdloader before hand, and come up with "copyprotection schemes").  

Would updates to HDLoader be free? (Wouldn't it be cool to use that network adapter thats required for the HD bay, connect to the HDLoader website, and fetch updates/patches?).  Like I said, I don't think this product was thoroughly thought out.

Wild Speculation time:
My guess regarding the games that don't work is that they have the hardware address of the DVD hardcoded into the program at certain points, rather that just referencing memory addresseslike a normal program would.  The wild speculation si that since you can copy these games to a hard drive, you could use dd in linux to modify certain parts of the code (like a gameshark or action replay does) to reference the hardware address of the game on the drive.  It's far beyond my technical wherewithal, but in theory it could work.

[jujuman]

I've read all the post and researched the question and I'm on the verge of going this route. But here is the big question

We know that you can use either a maxtor120G or the Official Sony FF 40gig
We know that if you use the Sony you can store Game Saves
We know some games do not load to a Maxtor

The question will those games such as SC2 load on the Sony Drive. Some one need to check if the sony drive accepts the games that the maxtor wont run.

Thanx

[Dave_K.]

The question will those games such as SC2 load on the Sony Drive. Some one need to check if the sony drive accepts the games that the maxtor wont run.

Its not a matter of the drive that makes games incompatible with the HDLoader, but more a function of how the game is written (as alluded to in the post above yours).

The only benifit of using the 40G official sony drive (as igorian pointed out) is that you can copy game saves from the memory card to the HDD (apparently it can't with a 120G drive?)

[Luxury]

Besides the copying of the save games to the Sony HDD, how do other games compare with the Maxtor vs. Sony HDD?  I know that RE: Outbreak had a thing where the load screens were like twice as fast if you had the Sony HDD.  Since you can't play online games with HDLoader, and have to use the discs - does having another brand HD speed up the load times as well?  I think I head that a few other upcoming online games would have a similar feature.  Downloadable content and such.  I bet that these will only work with the Sony HDD.

Anyone able to test this?

[jujuman]

has anyone tried Driv3r?
I went to Cosco you have to order it directly from the website for the deal they don't have it at the store

I'm going with the Sony version for 60 good for me

[crashwg]

I'm going with the Sony version for 60 good for me

What the heck does that mean?

[orntar]

that means he can get the sony hard drive for $60, as can i.

i think english is a second language for him.  

[jujuman]

Doh!

Yes I screwed up on the english.
My diction is better than my typing skills.
I ordered my HDLoader today, I guess I'll be waiting weeks for the shipment
49.95 kRikEy!

I'll order the drive later.

[jam92102]

The question will those games such as SC2 load on the Sony Drive. Some one need to check if the sony drive accepts the games that the maxtor wont run.

Its not a matter of the drive that makes games incompatible with the HDLoader, but more a function of how the game is written (as alluded to in the post above yours).

The only benifit of using the 40G official sony drive (as igorian pointed out) is that you can copy game saves from the memory card to the HDD (apparently it can't with a 120G drive?)

So will you still be able to save games when running them off of a harddrive to the memory card?