Identifying the version of the Playstation 2

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· 3 years ago

There are different versions of PS2. All chips are not compatible with all versions and do not have the same functions depending on the version on which they are installed. This is why it is important to know the version of your PS2 before any operation on it.

Identification is done using the label on the back of the console.

Playstation 2 Label Picture

The only number that determines the version is the one that begins with SCPH.

V3

This is the first version released in Europe. The code is SCPH 30004 and when we turn back the console, we can see 10 square covers under the console unlike all the other versions which only have 8. The 2 additional covers are located under the DVD player.
The motherboard numbers are GH-006 and GH-007.

V4

The motherboard numbers are GH-012. V4 are consoles with the following codes: SCPH 30004 but unlike the V3, it only has 8 covers and therefore has an air vent instead of the 2 additional covers of the V3.

SCPH 35004. These are the consoles sold with the Gran Turismo pack.
SCPH 30004R. You have to check that there is not the screw in the Extension Bay otherwise it is not a V4.

V5 / V6

The V5 / V6 are the consoles having the code SCPH 30004R with an additional screw in the Extension Bay unlike version 4.

The only difference between the V5 and the V6 is the connector for the "Reset / Eject" button cable which does not have the same direction of insertion on the motherboard.
The motherboard numbers are GH-015.

V7 / V8

The V7 / V8 are the consoles with the code SCPH 39004. The V8 is not released in Europe.
It differentiated from the V7 by the last 3 digits of the bios which are 090 on the V8.
The motherboard numbers are GH-019 and GH-021.
The V8 is only found with the GH-021 motherboard.

V9

The V9s are the latest generation of PS2 with the built-in infrared port and the silent fan. They have the code SCPH 50004.
All Silver editions are V9.
A V9 has a motherboard reference GH-023.

V10

The V10 have the code SCPH-50004. Not all chips for V9 are compatible with V10s although they have the same SCPH code.
It is impossible to differenziate a V9 from a V10 without unpacking the console.
To distinguish a V9 from a V10, you have to start the console and see if for the time zone, it is marked France or Paris.
If it's Paris, then it's a V10.
A V10 has a motherboard reference GH-026.

V11

The V11 have the code SCPH-50004. All chips for V10 are compatible with V11.
It is impossible to say if a console is a V11 or a V10 without unpacking the console.
The optical unit connectors are different as well as the optical unit which is totally different from the old versions.
There were not many consoles released because the pstwo was released shortly after.
A V10 has a motherboard reference GH-029.

V12

The V12 is the first generations of PSTwo. Consoles have the code SCPH-70004.
The installation of a fix is essential not to have any problem on the optical unit.
A V12 has a motherboard reference GH-032.

V13

The V13 are the replacements of the PSTwo V12. They have the code SCPH-70004.
The motherboard has been corrected to no longer have the problem of the optical unit of its eldest. The installation of a fix is therefore no longer essential.
A V13 has a motherboard reference GH-032-13.

V14

The V14 have the code SCPH-75004.
The motherboard has undergone many remodeling. The installation of a fix is not essential.
We refer to several types of motherboard for this version which are: