A Few Questions About HDLoader

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I've been looking at ordering an HDLoader boot disc/network card/hard disk set for my PS2 but I had a few questions about it first.

Don't order it. Use the homebrew version that all the current commercial versions are based on anyway. It has the best compatibility of all. You need to set up the "Independance Exploit" to get it working though. I'll be happy to discuss this with you if you need help.

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1. Versioning. Either due to financial troubles or the copyright gestapo, one version of HDLoader stopped production and now there seem to be several different versions out there. Which, if any, is the best one to use?

The original developer is now working on Toxic OS, a version of HDLoader which is somewhat more compatible, but only works with a DMS IV modchip. Homebrew developers have created a lot of patches for the original HDloader, but they are all applied to the original HDLoader. In a sense, there is only one version of HDLoader, and only ever will be. The HDL Patch application which applies patches to the clean HDLoader has a version number though, and so you refer to the patch version. It's currently at v0.8b.

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2. Hard disks. I know there are certain incompatible disks out there, but that's just a matter of checking the compatibility lists. What I'm wondering is if anyone can recommend a drive model that's consistently good/a good deal/whatever.

I've had good luck, with Samsung drives since I've been using HDLoader. I always advise people to buy Samsungs when they ask me for advice regarding HDLoader simply because of my own excellent results.

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Also, what size disk would be about right for a collection of, say 50-60 games? Some are CD, some are DVD5, some DVD9, some multi-disc games on various formats/disc sizes.

The average size of the PS2 games I own would seem to be about 2.5 GB or so. There are some really tiny games, and there are some huge two-disk 8GB monsters, but on average I'd say to estimate the number of games and multiply by 2.5 to determine your required space. Having done that, you should add on some extra to ensure you have elbow room for games that are larger than average.

I'd go with anything from 120GB upwards, if I were you. Just remember it has to be PATA, not SATA. There's no actual limit on the size of drive you can use with the homebrew HD Loader.

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3. The whole install-from-PC thing. I understand there are two ways to do this. You can either install the physical drive in your PC or you can go over a network. Do you have to manually assign an IP? Do you need an FTP client or other special software? If so, is a Mac version available or will I need Virtual PC/Bochs/Parallels?

You do need to manually assign an IP address for network installation of games, and the software you must use is called HDL Dump. I think it is possible to compile an OS X version of that software. There are other tools for the job, but they are Windows only as well. I heard Virtual PC does work for this though.

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4. The whole install-from-PC thing redux. I keep reading about games being incompatible or having problems, except where installed on a PC. Is a PC installation a panacea for these problems or are some games flat-out incompatible no matter what you try? I have no problem with installing everything via PC if that's what works--what I've read makes it sound like PC installations are faster anyway.

Some games are always incompatible whatever you do. They just don't work from the HD, and possibly never will. Other games only work when you connect your HD to the PC, and install using WinHIIP. Most games work fine however you install them. WinHIIP is Windows only, and I don't think it works with Virtual PC.

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Okay, I think I'm done. I guess my last question would be, to those who have used HDLoader...is it worth it? The time, money, work, etc. Are the benefits you get worth the investment, and/or are you ultimately glad you went the HDLoader route?

It's great. My PS2 will last longer, my games load faster, and my collection stays on my shelf, safe from scratches. I love the HDLoader.

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