I got the HDD in my fat PS2 and yes, it's awesome. The downside is the need to purchase equipment which might be initially expensive but in the long term, having all the ISOs on one HDD is something I can't live without.

First, you need to find an IDE hard drive (I got lucky years ago and found a 500GB but anything less is still good). Then you need a PS2 network adapter. Ebay should have them for sale but they're a little pricey the last time I checked.

Here is the guides to get you started:

http://sksapps.com/index.php?page=installhd.html

In fact, go here and it should give you everything you should know to set things up.

Like I said, it might seem a little pricey at first but it's worth it in the end.

 

Common HDD tools run PS2 games.
PS1 is more limited, one homebrew effort is PS2PSXe. I've never used it.

An HDD doesn't affect the optical drive. So that method on a factory PS2, only installs correct region original games (there's workarounds like PC or network transfers).

For best results use an NTSC/PAL capable TV. Less time spent dealing with video modes of imports.

 

OPL can save games on the hard drive instead of the memory card. Essentially it makes a virtual memory card on the Hard Drive

 

If you want to use a sata drive you can get this:
http://www.maxdiypower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=103
I bought one from them and it works perfectly.

they also sell one already installed:
http://www.maxdiypower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=102

You can also mod your own with an ide sata adapter, but not all of them fit.

 

I found a network adaptor today but i've doubt about wether it's original or not (fake or refurbishe)
can any body help me to confirm about it

and i saw in picture something like case or shelf around hdd, it is necessary? where i can find?
like this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PlayStation_BB_Unit.jpg

thanks in advance

 

japanese one came with only ethernet port but us and pal came with ethernet and modem port so this is either US or Pal version
thanks for answer

 

these past week I searched for brand new or a healthy second hand IDE HDD and I found but problem is Maxtor(s) are in low size like 40 or 80 GB but they have Western Digital or Seagate instead in lager size

I read in internet some WD and Seagate HDD has problem with Network Adaptor (Expansion Bay) so is there a way to Identify these kind of HDD or not?

Actully it's look like (i'm not sure) some WD and Seagate HDD(s) are brand new so I perefer to buy brand new and larger size (up to 200GB) than second hand and small size (40 and 80 GB)

thanks for help

 

My understanding is compatibility is less with that adapter. Also, it cannot actually connect to a network. The jack is empty. Adding more games requires taking the HDD out and connecting to a PC.

I purchased my adapter on eBay for about $25 ~3yrs ago. Had an old 500gb HDD kicking around, and now my ps2 plays most games I throw at it.

That sata adapter can be a stop gap, but it will leave you wanting a real one. Being able to send games over the network is too convenient.

 

do they ship world wide??

EDIT:
have you tried using a norm 3.5 WD hdd's??(1tb green edition) will they fit inside the compartment??