Hello All,

I've looked around a bit and used the search but I didn't see the exact questions I have. So I'm going to ask, patience please

I just received an old PS2 from a friend of mine. It’s a SCPH-30001 (tray load) and has been to Iraq twice. I removed most of the Iraqi filth and it now will play DVD movies and a music CDs. So I am thinking the system is fully functional.

Mod questions:
I’ve tried to research the various mod chips available but when I try to find them for sale all the stock seems to be gone.

So what mod chip should I get and where do I get it?

Should I just stick to using Swap Magic to play my back-ups or is it a worthless coaster? If it is good where do I get it?

Network device questions:
Looking at this particular PS2 it has a removable network “card.” Can I use this PS2 and NIC for anything? Also on this NIC it has the plugs for an IDE HD. I attached an old IDE HD I had laying around. It spun up but the PS2 didn’t show any signs of recognizing it. Can I use a HD with this PS2? If so how?

General:
Is there anything else cool I can do with this old timer?

Repair:
The tray is a bit tired. Any tips on how to improve its motion?

Thank you!