Best PS2 for speed running PS1 games?

2014-07-30 11:51:33 pm

First of all I'm new here so sorry in advance if I have done something wrong. :]

Im new to speed running and have wanted to try speed running Final Fantasy 7-9. I've heard that some versions of the PS2 can run these games better, i've also heard that different drivers can be better than others. I can't seem to find any help on google so I thought I should post on here.

Also if anyone could clear up what a "driver" exactly is and how to check which console has which would be greatly appreciated! Smiley

Thanks,

Thread title:

Sir VG

2014-07-31 01:51:45 am

Fucking Weeaboo

Getting one of the 70000 or 90000 series (both PS2 Slims) are best. The "drivers" you hear about allow the PS2 hardware to read the PS1 software. The higher the PS2 number the newer the driver software. There's no way for you to change what has what, since they're not upgradable (like drivers on a PC).

While there are larger differences in performance between the original PS2 Phats and the Slims, the differences between the various Slim models should be minimal, even for a longer game like the FF games.

Choco_Gal

2014-07-31 04:51:41 am

I just did some research and found that the 2.0 driver is the best, would anyone happen to know how to check ahead of time which models have this driver? Also thanks for the reply Sir VG Smiley

cooopercrisp

2014-07-31 05:47:36 am

Part of a balanced breakfast.

I'm trying to find which models have the 2.0 driver, but the search is a bit difficult. Just go for the latest model number and that should be a safe bet.

Also, from what I understand, you want an NTSC PlayStation 2 because it runs games at a faster framerate than PAL.

For some games, also, if you go into the PlayStation driver options, you can set disk speed to fast. The original PlayStation read discs at a slower speed, so setting this option allows you to read PlayStation discs using the PlayStation 2 disc speed. This cuts down on load times, and is the fastest way to play a PlayStation disc. This can cause some games to crash, though, so do some research into the game you're playing to see if you can use this option.

DanE

2014-07-31 05:54:48 am

Fjölpärsk

As mentioned before, go for the later series. One thing you should know is that some PS1 games might not work properly on a PS2 slim, but will work fine on an older PS2 (the "Fat" model). I've only seen this happen for one of the 50+ PS1 games I have though so I don't think it's that common, but it might be good to know at least.

Choco_Gal

2014-08-01 03:27:40 pm

Thank you very much for the replies Smiley

I'll have a look around ebay and see if i can get one of the later ones! Smiley

rudyxx

Edit history:

rudyxx: 2014-08-12 06:25:18 am

2014-08-12 06:23:11 am

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

Everyone in this entire thread is completely wrong. First off I want to share this video

Secondly, there is no "best" ps2 to run games on. Because timing can change from game to game depending on things like particle effects and load times, it would have to be tested on a game to game basis.

I don't want to go into a huge rant on the differences between each ps2 and each driver. But if you are looking for a simple answer just know that there isn't one. A lot of testing would have to be done on an individual game basis and very few people have the desire to go that in depth.

Typically in the Japanese RPG speedrunning community, they list which console they used for their run. Most of the time people just go with the 90XXX models because they are the easiest to obtain, even though they are pretty bad when it comes to displaying text. Which is ironic because most of rpg runs are text.