ps2 hdd in pc

[v_guru1]

does any one know if it is possable to use the sony HDD in a standard pc?

[NFG]

After a brief refresher on the proper spelling of 'possible' he replied: Why on earth would you want to?  It's far cheaper to buy a new HD.  Or something.  =)

[benzaldehyde]

Seconded.

40GB PS2 HDD = $99 (With a game that can't be played on the PC.)

80GB PC HD = $89 (Usually with $50 mail-in rebate. )

[caphynehy]

Wouldn't putting a PS2 hard drive into a PC reveal what is required to put a *cheaper* PC hard drive into a PS2? I was reading on the GameFAQ forums about the PS2 HDD and it seems that all you need to format the hard drive is the setup disc. So, with a setup disc and a PC hard drive, would it be possible to format the PC hard drive in the PS2, for use in the PS2?

[Scared0o0Rabbit]

in theory. However it may be that there is partitioning happening on the sony hdd, and if that's the case, then putting a bigger hard drive in the ps2 would be pointless. It's also possible that there are checks in place to verify the authenticity of the drive, much like how xbox live checks for locked hard drives. Are there even any games other than ffxi that use the hdd? If not, doesn't the game come with the drive, thereby making it useless to use a different drive?

[caphynehy]

I wouldn't necessarily use a bigger hard drive, just a cheaper one. RE: Outbreak and FFXI use the HDD at the moment, and Outbreak only uses it to load faster. SOCOM II is suposed to have downloadable content, but that hasn't been released yet. I don't want to spend $99 on FFXI when I don't want the game very much and a 40 gig hard drive isn't worth that much.

[caphynehy]

Ok, found some more info here. Apparently Sony uses a maxtor hard drive that has different firmware, so your average PC hard drive won't work in a PS2 with games that come out commercially. The Linux kit doesn't check for the special firmware, but the install disk that comes with FFXI and the HDD does. Would it be possibe to crack or mod the firmware so that a PC IDE hard drive could be used with the PS2?  

[RichieB]

There is a product called HD loader coming out for the PS2, which loads a DOS system similar to a cheat cartridge via CD.  At which point you can load whole CD/DVD images of games onto a PC HDD.


You need

HD loader
Any PC HDD (that fits)
Network adaptor (Apparently needed for power supply to HDD).


RE outbreak is not compatible with the HD loader system, probably due to the firmware noted above.

You can buy HD loader here -  http://www.hdloader.com

Apparently it is unknown if non-native software is compatible, but I don't see why not.

[v_guru1]

OK first i was asking because eventually the ps2 harddrive will come down in price and there will be people that dont want a 200gig installed as there main drive like me. I beleve a 40g is good for a regular use; as for the 200g its good to back up the 40. Anyways it was just a question i posed to the group. And thanks lawerence for correcting my spelling. While im here Lawerence I apoligise for the comment i made about the pc cd player in the car. If you would like to talk e mail me lawerence.

[phreak97]

i was talking to people who were doing this ages ago.. i dont really know why cos there were no supported games, but apparently it worked successfully. there was some program used to format an ordinary pc drive, the size was fixed i believe but i heard something about how to make the partition larger. anyway, the network adaptor is needed cos it has an ide plug in or on it somewhere.
the one i heard of was for japanese games only but i dont know what has come of it now.
i might be able to find out again if anyone wants to pm me.

[v_guru1]

sorry i made it confusing.. what i ment was i dont beleve you should run a huge drive in your pc 100gig or <thats a lot of info to lose. BUT waht i wanta do is install the drive (40g) in my pc then put a larger one in my ps2 so i can when it comes to being able to save full  games on it .

[caphynehy]

The HDLoader looks pretty shifty.