Re: The PSP Buy Guide - Thread [All Qtns Answered Here]
The 'typical' psp that u r looking for is really gonna be hard to locate.
both crackable TA-88v2 and uncrackable TA-88v3 are just marked as TA-88.
New models have the TA-88v3 Mobo and the only way to tell which mobo the psp has is by opening the psp and checking it in the list.
If the psp cames with OFW 3.95 or below then it's pandora compatible. if not then the only chance u have to mod it is if it comes with OFW 5.03 or below.
Since is very likely that u will find the TA-88v3 mobo psp 2000 u could try buying the psp 3000 cuz the same requirements to mod it applies for it, so better go in for a slightly better psp i guess.
But if u still wanna try ur luck.. Better to take a chance with the spl edition slim 2000 psp's, like Star Wars Edition, Daxter Bundle, GOW Bundle or even the Simpson's one.
The spl bundle had the older motherboard and were a sure shot way to obtain those psps. But with decent time passed since the advent of the newer motherboards, chances are slim, but still better than picking a regular slim psp.
Box Codes for PSP 2000:
PSP-2000 Original Boxstyle Box Codes (Thanks to Alek @ Dark-AleX.org):
(No Letter) = 3.60
A = 3.71
B = UNKNOWN
C = 3.72
D = UNKNOWN
E = 3.80
F = 3.90
G = 3.95 / 4.01 (TA-88v2 / TA-88v3) [AVOID]
Any person should make a nand dump of the psp before going in for the modding of the psp to restore the psp to working state once again. S/w for the same can be found on the net.
Edit:
Bricking can be caused by a number of reasons.. but mainly occurs wen the procedure gets interrupted in between, like battery running out of charge inbetween, accidently shutting off the psp, or at times a really low quality mem stick causing problems while a smooth process etc.
Once u back up ur nand data, u r good to go. Check out some youtube vids before taking the plunge.