Hi, time to discuss the SONY flagship PlayStation 2. I have long wondered if the PS2 Fat is different in hardware aspect from the Slim version? Are these just design differences, or is there a difference between performance? And which one is better?
Short answer
On the PS2 fat version, you can easily install HDD and load games from it. That’s why people prefer it versus PS2 slim.
PS2 fat vs. PS2 slim in performance
Frankly, a noticeable difference in performance is virtually impossible since both versions of the PS2 share very similar hardware.
Both versions use the same graphics processing unit, but the interesting thing is that the CPU versions of the PS2 from the SCPH-50000 version were slightly clocked up to 299 MHz (the SCPH-30000 has 294,912 MHz).
Below is a video comparing the performance between the fat and slim versions of the PS2. Fun fact PS2 graphics card is equivalent to Nvidia Geforce 256, “the world’s first ‘GPU'” with 32 MB of memory size.
Verdict
A faster CPU clock speed could theoretically feel like an extra 1 or 2 FPS in a game. Therefore, even on a theoretical level, which indicates performance in games, the PS2 slim may be somewhat superior.
PS2 SCPH-30000 vs 50000 vs 70000 vs 90000
We will discuss the 4 main versions of the PS2 below. We will discuss the 4 main versions of the PS2 below. We will distinguish the main strengths of how they differ from other versions.
PlayStation 2 Fat SCPH-30000
- Released on 2001.
SCPH-30000 version has iLink (is a type of FireWire connection) connection – allows you to connect your 6 PS2 controllers to a LAN party. You can connect 2 consoles in one LAN party. After that, you can play games like Grand Turismo 3: A-Spec and TimeSplitters 2.
Below is a video tutorial on “How to link up two PS2 consoles with an iLink cable”.
The first versions of the PS2 had holes in the back of the case that could be used to connect a small screen. This PS2 accessory was a way to make the PS2 as mobile as possible.
PlayStation 2 Fat SCPH-50000
It looks very similar to PS2-SCPH-30000, but there is one big difference in the front. iLink connection is now gone, and now if you want to make a LAN party, you will need to use an ethernet adapter. It also has an infrared sensor for the remote controller.
PayStation 2 SLIM SCPH-70000
The name SLIM already suggests that it will be much smaller than the FAT version. And yes, it is significantly smaller and lighter.
The good thing is that the SLIM version no longer has a mechanical DVD opening mechanism, which is one of the common causes of failure.
It also has a nice improvement with a built-in ethernet port. In the fat version of the PS2, you needed to buy an ethernet adapter to connect to the Internet.
However, it is unfortunate that you will not be allowed to use the Internet, as all online services are already closed. But this connection can still serve for old retro LAN parties.
Also, the newer version no longer has an internal power supply. You have switched to an external power supply. This power supply is special because you can use it worldwide. It is the only PS2 with a universal power supply.
In the PS2 SLIM version, small holes have been saved at the back to connect to the PS2 screen.
Due to its compact size, the SLIM version has lost the ability to connect an HDD.
PayStation 2 SLIM SCPH-90000
- Released on 2007.
At first glance, the PS2 SCPH-90000 version looks very similar to the PS2 SCPH-70000 version, but at the top, you can immediately notice the big reflective plastic. Also, there were no ventilation openings in the front of the housing, and they were moved to the sides of the housing. So if you want to build the PS2 SCPH-90000 sideways, you will need different sand.
Also, this version no longer has an external power supply, and now it is built inside again. And unfortunately, it is not universal, so you cannot use it in different places while travelling.
Also, in this version of the PS2, there are no more holes in the back of the case, so connecting to the PS2 screen is no longer possible.
The main pros and cons
PlayStation 2 Fat SCPH-30000
Pros
- iLink.
- possibility to connect HDD.
- Modding options.
Cons
- Lauder FAN.
- Mechanical DVD opening mechanism (a common cause of failure).
PlayStation 2 Fat SCPH-50000
Pros
- possibility to connect HDD.
- Modding options.
Cons
- Missing iLink connection.
- Lauder FAN.
- Mechanical DVD opening mechanism (a common cause of failure).
PlayStation 2 slim SCPH-70000
Pros
- Compact size.
- There is no mechanical disc opener left.
- universal power supply.
- Silent FAN.
Cons
- There are no options to connect the HDD.
- Some games may not work.
- Not suitable for modding.
PlayStation 2 slim SCPH-90000
Pros
- Compact size.
- There is no mechanical disc opener left.
- Silent FAN.
Cons
- There are no options to connect the HDD.
- Some games may not work.
- Not suitable for modding.
Related Articles
- How much is a PS 2 worth in 2022? Top rare games list.
- PS3 CECK01 backwards compatible? Short Answer.
- Why is the PS4 so Expensive? Expert analysis.
Conclusion
Slims are newer, which means that their parts will also be newer, as a result of which fewer failures can be expected in the future. But if you want to get hardcore, I would suggest choosing the fat SCPH-3XXXX version, which I think is the best PS2 version.
If you have additional questions or comments, you can leave them in the comments section.
FAQ
PS2 fat vs PS2 slim graphics
Both versions use identical hardware for graphics.
PS2 fat vs slim performance
The slim version has a slightly faster processor. The PS2 fat has a 294,912 MHz processor, and the slim version uses a 299 MHz processor.
