Playstation 2 Versions

Whenever a piece of hardware is released sooner or later it is revised and a new version is released, this is so the manufacturer can fix any problems that were found after production, optimize what components are used to save money or to enhance the security. In the case of the Playstation 2 there are a total of 11 versions and determining which one you have can sometimes be a tricky thing. There are two methods we can use to find out which version system you have, the easy method which is quicker but less reliable or the long method (takes more effort but is accurate).

Before I begin to discuss the methods I would like to point out a few things about the various versions.

• Version 1 and 2 systems were released in Japan, the US, Australia and Europe releases started at version 3.
• After version 10 the number scheme skipped v11 and went to v12 for the slim PS Two version.
• Version 5 & 6 systems are almost identical and the only way to determine which one you have is to compare the snake motor's ribbon connector.

First let's start with the easier method. On the outside all except the version 12 PS Two (AKA Slimline) looks similar and the best way to determine which version you have is by comparing it with the model number, number of screws on the bottom and sometimes even using the serial number. Comparing the information with the list below you can determine which version system you have to an extent, you wont be able to know if you have a type R system or what type of laser (ie. Type B, C, R or HD7) you need. Locate the label on the back or the side of your system and find the model number, it should look similar to scph-30001, now compare the model number to the list below.

SCPH-30001

The first four versions of the PS2 system used this model model number, to determine which version it is exactly you will first need to turn the unit over and count how many screws (under the square pads) there are. If there are ten screws then you have a version 1-3, if there are only eight then you have a version 4. In the event you have an v1-3 system then you can further determine what it is by looking at the first two digits of the serial number.

• U1 = Version 1 (Japanese Version)
• U0 = Version 2 (Japanese Version)
• U2 = Version 3

You may run across an NTSC (US Version) console with the first two digits of the serial number as U1 or U2, these are version 3 systems but to make sure you have a US v3 system and not a JAP v1 or v2 system look below the serial number and find the date code. The date code should show 1A or 0D if it is a US v3 system.

SCPH-30001R

The 30001R models can be versions 4-6 and can really only be determined by opening the unit and inspecting it. You can determine if you have a v5 or v6 if you open the expansion slot and see if there is a screw in there like in the picture below

(insert picture)

If there is no screw then you have a version 4 system.

SCPH-35001

These models are typically version 4 systems.

SCPH-39001

These models are typically version 7 systems.

SCPH-50001

This model can either be a version 9 or a version 10 system. The only way to determine which system you have is to physically open the unit and inspect the motherboard.

As you can see using the easy method gets you an idea of what version you system might be but if you want to accurate then the best way is to use the long method which involves taking the motherboard out and inspecting the board number. Each board has a number on it that starts with GH and ends with a three digit number (ie. GH-006). Once you have the system disassembled and the motherboard free find the board number and compare it to the list below.

• GH-004 = Version 1 (Japanese Version)
• GH-005 = Version 2 (Japanese Version)
• GH-006 = Version 3
• GH-010 = Version 4
• GH-015 = Version 5 & 6
• GH-019 = Version 7
• GH-022 = Version 8
• GH-023 = Version 9
• GH-026 = Version 10

As you can see the long version is a lot more accurate in determining the system, the only thing that still is somewhat of a mystery is determine if you have a v5 or a v6 system. To figure out which version you have you will need to compare the connector in the top right hand of the board to the one pictured below.

(insert picture)

For PAL consoles

The above walkthroughs are aimed for NTSC systems, if you have a PAL unit then you can use the model numbers below.

• 10 case screws = Versions 1 through 3
• 30000 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• 30001 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• 35001 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• 30002 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• 35002 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• 30003 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• 35003 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• 30004 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• 35004 and 8 case screws = Versions 4
• Model numbers ending in R = Versions 5 or 6
• 39000 = Version 7
• 39001 = Version 7
• 39002 = Version 7
• 39003 = Version 7
• 39004 = Version 7
• 37000 = Version 7
• Systems with the infrared receiver between the Reset and Eject buttons are version 9 or 10