PS2:Model Differences

Page content & researching collaboratively taken from io55.net's PS2 page with permission.

There are two (or five) PS2 models, and a variety of revisions within two of them.

Models + Revisions

Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.

PlayStation 2 (2000-2004)

Commonly referred to as the "fat" or "phat", these systems have the most concise set of features compared to the Slim. It features a tray loading CDVD drive, 2 memory card and controller slots, 2 USB ports, 1 IEEE 1394 port (earlier revisions), AV out, IR port (SCPH-500xx revision), and an expansion bay for the Network + HDD adapter. Quality and featureset varies by the revision. Typically the most reliable, with some variance across revisions.

SCPH-10000/15000 (AKA: The 'ProtoKernels') (2000)

The original launch models of the PS2, exclusive to Japan. These systems lack the expansion bay of later fat models, instead having a slot for a PCMCIA card (SCPH-10190) which offered the same functionalities as later network adapters, but keeping the HDD external.

These two launch models are named by the community as 'ProtoKernels' due to their early kernel software which had a bunch of issues. The only fix for these kernel issues as of today is the usage of a kernel replacement, such as the ones provided on HDD-OSD and PSBBN.

Unlike the later models which have the expansion bay, these models can't boot HDD software autonomously (intentionally designed by Sony this way).

Chassis wise, these PS2 models had 10 screws on the bottom while the bottom casing was the first thing you had to remove to begin disassembling.

SCPH-18000 (2000-2001)

The last retail PS2 to use the PCMCIA interface for the HDD.

Sony made the first major hardware redesign for the console, clearly in preparation for models released outside Japan.

The kernel issues of the previous models are completely fixed on this one.

The same issue in regards of HDD software remains, but this time the issue was caused because the built-in DEV9 driver (the one that talks to the SPEED chip inside the network adapter) is not compatible with SCPH-10190.

SCPH-300xx (without 'R' at the end) (2000-2001)

The PS2 launch models outside of Japan.

Hardware wise, they're very similar to the SCPH-18000 but with an expansion bay interface for the HDD.

These models can be easily spotted as they are the only FAT model with expansion bay that still has iLink port aligned to lower USB and 10 bottom screws.

Please note that SCPH-30000 (Japan) will not match with this model, they're equivalent to the 3000xR. Because by the time the launch models outside of Japan were released, Japanese market still had the SCPH-18000 circulating.

SCPH-300xx(R)/350xx (2001-2002)

These models got some heavy redesigning on the motherboard. This wouldn't change much up to the 390xx series.

The major difference was the chassis redesign, as these models have the amount of bottom screws dropped to 8 with disassembling now required to start from the top side of the casing.

SCPH-37000 (2002)

Japanese exclusive model. Power consumption was reduced compared to previous models.

These models featured exclusive colors, never seen again on any other PS2 model. These are:

• SCPH-37000L: The 'Ocean Blue' model, featuring a semi-transparent blue colored casing.
• SCPH-37000B: The 'Zen Black' model, featuring a semi-transparent black colored casing.

SCPH-390xx (2002-2003)

This is the second to last revision of the original PlayStation 2. It is similar to the SCPH-37000 but released outside Japan.

These models are believed to be the best in regards of disc reading and reliability. The truth is that this was a myth fueled by modchip installers at that time, because these revisions are the easiest to install a modchip on.

This is not a minor detail, because this is also the first model to be susceptible to the MechaCon crash (this is probably not a coincidence). The frequency in which this issue occurs was so low that many people still believe that MechaCon crash was introduced on the 500xx models.

SCPH-500xx (2003-2004)

The last major hardware revision of the original PS2. The main aspects are:

• Introduction of built-in IR receiver for DVD remotes
• Replacement of the MechaCon with a new model
• Removal of the SYSCON chip, whose functionality was moved into the new MechaCon
• Ability to update MechaCon software via patches on encrypted area of EEPROM (this feature is the one exploited by MechaPwn)
• Removal of the IEEE 1394 (iLink) port

On these models, the frequency in which the MechaCon crash can happen increased considerably.

There's also a hidden feature on the BIOS in these models. Two new drivers (rom0:FLASH and rom0:XFROMMAN) were intended to operate the XFROM, a memory card flash chip installed as a DEV9 Subsystem (just like HDD and networking), the console OSDSYS (main menu) was coded to load these drivers and search for software updates inside XFROM. However, Sony never made a network adapter revision which had this new hardware implemented, resulting in this feature to be useless. Only the PSX DESR systems had the chance of seeing this feature working.

PlayStation 2 "Slim" (2004-2013)

A much smaller version of the PS2 that was manufactured for quite some time. These systems lose the expansion port and the IEEE 1394, and all models (excluding the 900xx) require an external power brick that's used exclusively with the Slim. The DVD drive was also changed to be a top loading tray, with the disc drive assemblies varying widely across the different Slim models. All Slim PS2s have a built in IR receiver.

Above is a user-friendly chart showing the five different types of drive assemblies for the PS2 Slim with their specific information. Use this chart to identify which assembly type goes to which model of the Slim, as well to identify the proper ribbon cable, laser type and arm type needed for it to work.

Important to note that the KHM-430xxx assembly, along with its corresponding "x/x" chassis TDP802W assembly, look and operate exactly the same as each other. The only difference is the manufacturer, where Sony made the KHM-430xxx assemblies, while Mitsumi made the "x/x" chassis TDP802W assemblies. These assemblies use four known different types of lasers (two of them being aftermarket), but these four lasers look and operate exactly the same as each other, making them cross-compatible.

Other notes:

The only outlier when it comes to lasers is the Sankyo assembly, which needs a unique laser called the SPU-3170. This assembly was only used by early 700xx batches. Additionally, the Sankyo assembly has an exclusive laser arm, not used by any other Slim drive assembly.

All "long" arm types are the same as each other.

The drive assemblies for the 790xx and 900xx go by the same names, but they are actually very different from each other. This can lead to confusion when buying a new disc drive assembly, so it's important to look at the chassis cables and compare them with the chart above.

All PS2 slims use the same "L" shape ribbon cable, and the 900xx is the only one to use a "b" shape cable.

The PS2 Slim has two different laser types: The SPU-3170, which was used only in early batches of the 700xx (top), and the multi-named laser universally used for all other PS2 Slim models (bottom). The SPU-3170 works only with Sankyo disc drive assemblies, identified by a black 90 degree triangular shape and orange circuitry showing on the left side. All other PS2 models use the laser pictured at the bottom. This laser goes by four different names: KHM-430, PVR-802W, KHS-430 (aftermarket laser) and TDP-182W (another aftermarket laser named after the assembly of the same name), all of which are different names of the same laser.

There are two types of laser arms for the PS2 Slim, one is "short" (for the later 700xx and 750xx) and the other is "long" (for the 770xx, 790xx and 900xx). Even though these models use the exact same laser type, the laser arm length is needed. This can be done by unscrewing the arm from a Slim's original laser, then attaching the old arm to the new laser. After that, the arm's end should magnetically connect the laser to the movement cylinder (the bronze colored one with spiral engraving).  These arms can vary slightly in appearance, such as some of the "long" arms having a trapezoid-shaped opening cut out, but this doesn't affect connecting the arm to the laser.

SCPH-700xx (2004-2005)

The first Slim model. The first batches of this model are essentially a smaller version of the SCPH-500xx models.

To maintain network compatibility, Sony manufactured these models with a built-in SPEED chip. While not officially supported, they retain the capability of internal HDD usage due to having this chip. However, it is unable to load HDD software autonomously like the original SCPH-1x000 models.

This model has at least three major revisions. In one of them, the Graphics Synthetiser was merged with the Emotion Engine. (EE+GS)

These models were very susceptible to the MechaCon crash, up to the point where Sony was sued in the USA. Thanks to this, Sony fixed the issue on the last revision of this model (which can be identified by the MechaCon software version, has to be 6.04 or higher) with extra circuitry that was added to shut down the console when MechaCon crash is about to happen.

Optical drive info (early 700xx batches):

Early batches of the 700xx use an optical drive assembly known as the Sankyo assembly, which can only be used with a SPU-3170 laser, manufactured by Philips.

Optical drive info (late 700xx batches):

Later batches of the 700xx use an optical drive assembly known as the KHM-430AAA, manufactured by Sony. These consoles can also have an "K/L" chassis TDP082W, an assembly manufactured by Mitsumi that is the same as its Sony counterpart.

Regardless of the assembly type, lasers that are compatible with the later batches of the 700xx are the KHM-430 (manufactured by Sony), the PVR-802W (manufactured by Mitsumi), and two aftermarket lasers known as the KHS-430 and the TDP-182W (named after the assembly of the same name).

Despite the differing names, these four lasers are the same.

BIOS info (both early and late):

All batches of the 700xx use BIOS version ROM 2.00.

SCPH-750xx (2005-2006)

The first PS2 without hardware-based backwards compatibility.

Sony removed the PS1 MIPS R3000A which acted as the I/O CPU, replacing it with a PowerPC CPU. It was in charge of emulating the behavior of the PS1 CPU, and also took control over the network features of the SPEED chip which was the removed from the design of the console. This allowed Sony to finally and completely ditch the hard drive support.

The replacement of the PS1 CPU affected both PS1 and PS2 software. Compatibility fixes where introduced for some of those affected games.

Optical drive info:

All the info for the 750xx's optical drive is the same as the later batches of the 700xx.

The 750xx uses an optical drive assembly known as the KHM-430AAA, manufactured by Sony. These consoles can also have an "K/L" chassis TDP082W, an assembly manufactured by Mitsumi that is the same as its Sony counterpart.

Regardless of the assembly type, lasers that are compatible with the 750xx are the KHM-430 (manufactured by Sony), the PVR-802W (manufactured by Mitsumi), and two aftermarket lasers known as the KHS-430 and the TDP-182W (named after the assembly of the same name).

Despite the differing names, these four lasers are the same.

BIOS info:

All batches of the 750xx use BIOS version ROM 2.20.

SCPH-770xx (2006-2007)

Not much has changed with these compared to the 750xx, except game compatibility. Software changes starting from this revision improved compatibility with a few more PS1 and PS2 games, which in essence makes it a slightly better version of the 750xx model.

Optical drive info:

The 770xx uses an optical drive assembly known as the KHM-430BAA, manufactured by Sony. These consoles can also have an "M" chassis TDP082W, an assembly manufactured by Mitsumi that is the same as its Sony counterpart.

Regardless of the assembly type, lasers that are compatible with the 770xx are the KHM-430 (manufactured by Sony), the PVR-802W (manufactured by Mitsumi), and two aftermarket lasers known as the KHS-430 and the TDP-182W (named after the assembly of the same name).

Despite the differing names, these four lasers are the same.

From this model up to the 900xx will not support SPU-3170 laser.

BIOS info:

All batches of the 770xx use BIOS version ROM 2.20.

With its unique console shell interior, all 790xx models have tiny plastic holders that can safely prevent the orange ribbon cable from flexing upwards towards the disc, providing a long-term solution to the infamous disc scratching issue. This is the first (and only) Slim model to have such holders, as the holders were removed in the 900xx.

SCPH-790xx (2007-2008)

Sony’s shrinking trend has continued, as the 790xx is the lightest and smallest (internally) of all Slims.

This is the only slim model that doesn't suffer from the ribbon cable disc scratching issue, this was reversed in the SCPH-900xx.

The GS was separated from the EE once again. This model along with SCPH-900xx have the most efficient fabrication process for the Graphics Synthesizer, at 65nm. In addition, the EE was combined with the RDAM, SPU2 and IOP into a single SoC.

Optical drive info:

The 790xx uses an optical drive assembly known as the KHM-430CAA version 1, manufactured by Sony. These consoles can also have a "P/R" chassis TDP082W version 1 (which are rare), an assembly manufactured by Mitsumi that is the same as its Sony counterpart.

Lasers that are compatible with the 790xx are the KHM-430 (manufactured by Sony), the PVR-802W (manufactured by Mitsumi), and two aftermarket lasers known as the KHS-430 and the TDP-182W (named after the assembly of the same name).

Despite the differing names, these four lasers are the same.

BIOS info:

All batches of the 790xx use BIOS version ROM 2.20.

SCPH-900xx (2007-2013)

How to tell the chasis type, model number, region code, date code and manufacturer of the PS2 Fat and Slim. This example pictured is that of an 900xx model.

Finally, the shrinking trend has reversed with the final Slim. This is because Sony returned to an internal PSU design with these systems, while also adjusting the external cosmetics slightly. Reliability has also been enhanced a significant amount. However, the one huge issue is that the majority of 900xx systems are incapable of running homebrew automatically, since Sony found out of FreeMcBoot's existence and removed the memory card system update mechanisms from OSDSYS, which was the entry point of FreeMcBoot. The old firmware (BIOS version ROM 2.30) is found, with very few exceptions, on all P-chassis and early R-chassis consoles which comprise mostly of Summer 2008 (datecode 8C) and earlier units.

However, softmodding is still possible on a patched SCPH-900xx through alternate means such as FreeDVDBoot combined with FunTuna, allowing for FreeMcBoot and other homebrew on a patched SCPH-900xx system.

Optical drive info:

It's important to note that the name of the 900xx's optical drive assembly is the same as the 790xx's, but in the case of the 900xx's assembly, it is actually a second version of the previous model's assembly. In this second version, the ribbon cable located below the disc spindle was changed completely, while all of the other parts (such as the motor and the long chassis cable on the side) remain the same. The 900xx also uses a unique orange ribbon cable with an exclusive shape; the only ribbon cable that is not universal with the other Slim models.

The 900xx uses an optical drive assembly known as the KHM-430CAA version 2, manufactured by Sony. These consoles can also have an "P/R" chassis TDP082W version 2 (which are rare), an assembly manufactured by Mitsumi that is the same as its Sony counterpart.

Lasers that are compatible with the 900xx are the KHM-430 (manufactured by Sony), the PVR-802W (manufactured by Mitsumi), and two aftermarket lasers known as the KHS-430 and the TDP-182W (named after the assembly of the same name).

Despite the differing names, these four lasers are the same.

BIOS info:

Early batches of the 900xx use BIOS version ROM 2.20, but beginning in batches made in Summer 2008 (datecode 8C) and later, they use BIOS version ROM 2.30, patching-out the conventional loading of FreeMcBoot and other memory card mods based upon OSDSYS.

Special Models

PSX (2003-2005)

A DVR with a built-in PS2 released exclusively in Japan. Has a built-in Ethernet jack, as well as a built-in HDD. HDD was either 160GB (DESR-5xxx) or 250GB (DESR-7xxx). DESR-7500 and DESR-7700 models also have an IEEE 1394 port. It was the first device Sony made that used the XrossMediaBar, which would later be used in the PSP and PS3. The console is incompatible with multitaps, limiting game selection to single or 2 player games. The system is also known for poor reliability, with its HDD having high failure rates. The HDD cannot be replaced due to software security on the DVRP chip, which has no public cracks as of 2023.

Although it's based on SCPH-500xx, PSX consoles do not experience Mechacon crashes. Thus, they don't need a PIC fix modification to prevent laser burning.

Their HDD use a modified scheme. The first 40gb behaves exactly like a common PS2 HDD. After that, the rest of the HDD is encrypted sector by sector, and can only be accessed with specific software capable of interacting with the DVRP chip, this encrypted area holds only two partitions, which store information for the XMB, including recorded video.

Unlike common PS2s, the PSX does not boot HDD software autonomously. First, it searches for memory card updates (like a common PS2), if it can't find any card update, it launches a special bootloader stored on the console internal flash (XFROM), this bootloader performs some minor tasks, then it proceeds to run the HDD MBR bootstrap, which will then perform some minor HDD integrity checks, and then run XMB if everything is okay.

DESR-7000 and DESR-5000

These are the release models of the PSX. They feature the 1.06 firmware when stock and can be updated up to 1.31. They do not feature the IEEE 1394 port or support exporting videos to Memory Sticks. All models have an input for a satellite TV tuner and VHF/UHF tuner.

DESR-7100, DESR-5100 and DESR-5100S

Minor revision to the PSX. They instead come with the 1.30 firmware, but the maximum updatable firmware is still 1.31. I/O is the same as the original revisions, and also feature satellite/VHF/UHF inputs.

DESR-7500 and DESR-5500

These models of the PSX were a major revision to the console and featured a new motherboard. The weight of the consoles also increased around 1kg. The DESR-5500 no longer has a satellite inputs, as that was reserved for the 7500. The DESR-7500 also featured a satellite output. Power consumption on the DESR-5500 was slightly reduced compared to older 5xxx models, but the DESR-7500 had slightly increased power consumption. The DESR-7500 also added the IEEE 1394 port for iLink compatability. DESR-x500 models come with the 2.06 firmware, and can be updated to 2.11. Exporting video to memory sticks was enabled on these models with the 2.11 firmware.

DESR-7700 and DESR-5700

These are a minor revision to the DESR-x500 series. They instead come with a 2.10 firmware version, but are otherwise very similar. The stock firmware already supports exporting video to memory sticks, but can also update to 2.11.

Advent ADV10PS2

An in-car entertainment system manufactured by Actions based around a ceiling-mounted, folding 10 inch 800x400 LCD composite monitor with three video inputs. Audio output is via bundled infrared headphones, a standard headphone jack, or FM modulator. It also includes ambient dome lights.

After opening the screen, another compartment can be unfolded, containing a SCPH-90001 console connected to the monitor's third input. It is unclear what arrangement has been used to power the console, which presumably had its built-in mains PSU removed.

An Audiovox (owner of the Advent brand) wireless controller with receiver is bundled with the system, as is an infrared remote based on the console's official SCPH-10420 but with added buttons for controlling the monitor.

KDL-22PX300 (2010)

A 22" 1366x768 Sony Bravia TV with a built in SCPH-90004 PS2 Slim in its stand.

This PS2 comes with exclusive firmware version 2.50 which defaults to 16:9 mode, removes the RGB option, and like its predecessor 2.30 doesn't support system updates on Memory Card. It is connected to the TV via analog YPbPr: the TV does not support sync-on-green RGB as used in the PS2's ED and HD video modes.

Integration between the TV and PS2 sides is extremely limited: the single IR remote (RM-ED040) lacks most PS2 specific buttons, and turning off the TV - for any reason, including the VGA input entering DPMS power saving - will turn off the PS2. Further, there are some redundant ports, not shared and not interchangeable across both sides: Ethernet (the TV side having DLNA and a few, largely discontinued, online services), USB (for photo/audio/video playback), and Toslink (while PS2 audio is available from the TV's optical output, it is re-encoded analog stereo).

Despite its limitations it was a competitive lower-middle end TV for its time, with a comprehensive selection of inputs and 1080p downscaling support for a lower price (MSRP: £199) than a bottom-end TV and a new PS2 separately.

Non-Retail Models

Debugging Stations (DTL-H series)

Throughout the life of the PS2, Debugging Stations were created for game developers and the press to run pre-release games. Multiple DEX (debug) console models have been produced, largely following the evolution of consumer models from the 100xx to the 900xx series. These models can be identified by a model number beginning with DTL-H instead of SCPH-, as well as the word "TEST" replacing the "PS2" logo on top of the system (except on "Stealth" models with an S suffix, intended for exhibition at trade shows).

Contrary to what the name on the sticker indicates, these debugging stations were not capable of performing any debugging tasks on their own. For this, they needed a bootable memory card known as 'TDB Start Up Card' which provides similar and much more limited debugging functionalities compared to those of the true development station, the PS2 TOOL (DTL-T models).

The key feature of these systems is their semi-unlocked mechacon: they can play "master discs", that is, non-retail discs with a header that can be reproduced on ordinary recordable discs. Non-Japanese Debugging Stations are region free for retail discs (all are for master discs), and post-region-unification models (75xxx and later) can actually be officially region changed by turning them on while holding L1+L2+R1+R2. A subset of these features can be achieved on certain retail models using PS2:Mechapwn.

However, these models are not licensed as DVD players and their MechaCon will reject the decryption of type 7 KELFs, therefore preventing the loading of the official DVD Player (and of other software pretending to be it, such as FreeMCBoot 1.8) and the unlocking of DVD-Video discs.

Models include:

• DTL-H10000 (crippled MagicGate)
• DTL-H3000x (crippled MagicGate)
• DTL-H10100
• DTL-H3010x (hacked boot certification)
• DTL-H500xx
• DTL-H700xx
• DTL-H75000A
• DTL-H90000A

A suffix (J, U or E) indicates an officially exported console (adapted, if needed, to the desired voltage): for instance, a Japanese developer creating the PAL version of a game would test it on a DTL-Hxxx02J.

Reference Tool (DTL-T series)

The PS2 development system. Its case, resembling an extra large triple decker fat PS2, conceals the combination of PC and PS2 hardware.

The PC side is based on a single board computer in PCI-only card form factor, which depending on vintage can be of Pentium MMX (PCI-586VE-S: PS/2 for keyboard only, serial port, black VGA socket) or Pentium 3 class (PCI815VE: 2 PS/2 ports, blue VGA socket). In normal operation, the PC would operate headlessly, with all non-Ethernet connectors being hidden by added metal plates.

The PS2 side also has significant differences with retail PCMCIA models, including being completely redesigned to fit the dedicated case and main backplane (the PS2 acting as a PCI device with), having quadruple the memory for both the CPU and IOP (128/8 MB), having both an AV Multi Out connector and a built-in VGA output, and having controller/MC/FireWire/USB connectors on separate PCBs.

• DTL-T10000 (base model)
• DTL-T10000H (with PCMCIA slot for DTL-H10040 or, unofficially, SCPH-10190 Network Adapters)
• DTL-T10000HA (as above?)
• DTL-T15000 (with Performance Analyzer and internal PS2 HDD)

The 10000 models can optionally be equipped with SN Systems' DTL-T14000 optical drive emulation board.

Tool guide.pdf Parris & Unclejun's unofficial service manual

Arcade Hardware (COH-H series)

Arcade hardware Sony made for other companies to build ps2-based arcade hardware.

• COH-H30000: used on namco system 246 "driving". hardware based on GH-004 retail motherboard
• COH-H31000: used on namco system 246 rack A. & Konami python 1. hardware based on GH-006 retail motherboard
• COH-H31100: used on namco system 246 rack B. hardware based on GH-006 retail motherboard, wich modifications to remove dependency on daughterboard
• Namco system 246 rack C. also based on PS2. but relatively smaller. no PS2 COH-H model assigned on paper. needs confirmation by checking NVM
• Namco system 256: also based on PS2. but recycling a lot of components after the commercial disaster of the PSX DESR. it uses 64mb of EE RAM like the PSX. its EE is overclocked.

Although Konami Python 2 also exists. it's just an SCPH-50000MB without modifications stuck inside an arcade cabinet.

References

https://tcrf.net/PlayStation_2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_2_models

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_2_technical_specifications

https://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?t=61337 (community bests)

https://gametrog.com/playstation-2-two-ps2-slim-info-specs/

https://psdevwiki.com/ps2/Chassis_types

https://www.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/a4iolm/what_ps2_is_the_best/ (community bests)

https://www.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/oil2a6/scph70012_vs_scph70001/

https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/app.php/page/fmcb-compatible-ps2-models-chart

https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps2/CDVD_Drive#Sony_assemblies (PS2 Slim general optical drive assembly info)

https://www.konsolenersatzteile.com/ps2/scph70004/ps2-slim-laufwerk-tdp182w-scph-77004.html (PS2 Slim 770xx optical drive assembly info)

https://store.richspsxparts.com/slps2direerl.html (PS2 Slim laser cross-compatibility)