Best Hard Drive for Fat PS2 with FreeMcBoot?

[advancedbeginner]

I'm concerned my fat PS2's laser will crap out and recently picked up a Memory Card with Free McBoot. Before jumping in blind, I wanted to get the community's recommendation on:

1. Which Hard Drive(s) would be recommended

2. Where to purchase the Hard Drive

I couldn't find a thread on this specific topic, but please direct me to one if it exists! I'm fairly new to the site, so I'm still getting my feet wet. 

Thank you!

[shadowzero]

I dont know off the top of my head about the best HD to use BUT I can tell you that replacing a laser and laser motor on those is very doable.  The slim model is even easier and last I looked the part cost wasn't too bad, nothing like a dreamcast laser.  I dont want to discourage you from seeking out an HD b/c its great! So if I find any info I'll post.

[advancedbeginner]

Thank you! Taking apart consoles freaks me out, tbh. I have an original back compat PS3 that a "console repair shop" worked on and they somehow ended up removing the ability to play PS2 games. Needless to say, I'm scared to do anything to my consoles, haha.

Let me know if you find anything out re: Hard Drives.

[oldgamerz]

I NEVER ATTEMPTED THIS MYSELF BUT THIS IS WHAT I KNOW SO FAR

you need a fat hookup hardrive in which are vary hard to find

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvEySPbWxZc

also please read this article
http://psx-scene.com/forums/f98/how-set-up-hdd-ps2-95143/

first you need a PlayStation 2 network adapter to plug into the Fat PS2's expansion bay.


here is some on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/VBESTLIFE-Interface-Network-Adaptor-Playstation-2/dp/B0778HN4KQ

Unfortunately you need to connect the hard drive to your PC if the harddrive you buy is not already in FAT32 format and most hardrive's you buy today are not FAT32

and you need a hard drive 1TB terra byte maximum in FAT32 format. 500GB SATA giga byte is what I recommend
You may need a program for your PC that converts the hard drive into FAT32 format before using it. I used to have one.


YOU NEED
a tool called FAT32 Format here is the link I found. But I am not sure if this download is safe today
(I haven't downloaded this program myself in a long time)


(required program for PC)
https://fat32-format.jaleco.com/

USB internal Hard Drive Adapter for use with your PC only
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/startech-com-0-15-adapter-cable-for-2-5-sata-drives-usb-c-to-sata-black/5705561.p?skuId=5705561


I didn't link an internal hardrive because I don't really know enough as to what kind you need for something as old as a PS2 but all I know for a fact that whatever hard drive you buy you will need to format it into FAT32

(EDIT) here is a list of 500gb hard drives, but I need someone elses imput on what kind is best

YOU NEED AN INTERNAL HARD DRIVE NOT AN EXTERNAL SATA ONLY you need that fat connector I think

[oldgamerz]

easier just to use the SONY 8mb megabyte magic gate memory cards