Custom Firmwares, Which One is best and Noob Friendly ?

[wraggster]

Recently we have become swamped with Custom Firmwares from the likes of Team M33, Dark Alex, Becus25 and others. But which Custom Firmware is best and provides the easiest way to update and risk of bricking at a minimum.

Ill be interested to see what the general consensus is here at PSP News.

Give Your verdict via Comments

[Gizmo356]

Dark_Alex

[Sonicboy 101]

M33 is quite safe.
And the best.

[Triv1um]

DA firmware is the most stable.

m33 is getting there.

[Buddy4point0]

DAX was the best, m33 is the best now. Becus25 is just anoying with his firmwares that no one uses and people that do get brricks

[burrito]

Becus25 and test30 don't make custom firmwares. They add 5-line plugins then say they made the entire firmware, and give no credit to Dax or M33.

I like 3.52 M33-2 the best.

[jwilds73]

I just upgraded to 3.53 M33-2. It's really no harder to install then Dark Alex's firmwares. I had been sitting at DA's 3.10 for along time as nothing needed any higher so I had no reason to upgrade. I believe the M33 series of custom firmwares will be the one to continue DA's work and improve on it.

[b_simpson1999]

dark_alex all the way though never tried m33 and maybe never will and Becus25 is just as bad as m33 so never will even bother with it

[Zargon]

I believe the M33 firmware builds are the best but massive props still go out to D_A for making those early awesome firmwares and for giving us PS1 games on our PSPs. Also, 3.10 OE-A I find easier to say than 3.52 M33-2, but thats just me.

[blackrave]

Becus25 and test30 don't make custom firmwares. They add 5-line plugins then say they made the entire firmware, and give no credit to Dax or M33.

I like 3.52 M33-2 the best.

O RLY, then what's this? (http://dcemu.co.uk/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=69713) A full custom firmware made only by becus25, so what you said isn't exactly true.

I prefer M33 custom firmwares, and always upgrade to the newest available. I like to be on "the bleeding edge". :)

[GI_Josh]

Dark Alex is amazing, and his firmwares were pretty easy to install, especially if you have a guide you are following. However, now that DA is gone from the scene, M33 is picking up the torch, and they are every bit as good as he is (although they built most of their stuff off his) Basically, M33 is the way to go if you want to stay in a current custom firmware, and those of you still on Dark Alex OE firmwares will have to upgrade eventually.

Basically, the CF scene is in good hands with M33

[pakkman781]

M33 CF's require the least steps to install, so I'd say they're the most noob friendly.

[the_eternal_dark]

M33 is good but reminds me of the early dark_alex firmwares, you always have some sort of update patch to get something working right. Not a big deal to me, it only takes a few seconds to do the update and then back to playing games.

I'd like to see the ability to download the patches via the firmware update utility on the xmb in the M33 firmwares. That would be pimp.

M33 gets my vote, but so does dark_alex for starting the best firmwares for a long time running.

[Jonesyxxiv]

Dark Alex's firmwares are the best but now that he left the scene thats no longer an option.

[carlitx]

m33 and dax is the best cfw out there

[brasssmunky]

DaX or m33
i have m33, just because i like to be current.
in reality, m33 is just like OE, they do the same stuff, its just i think m33 is working for more features more than DaX was, which i didnt care, i didnt need any more lol.

[PoorKingz]

i prefer DAs CFWs because i tried M33 and it has compatibility problems and is kind of glitchy. Alot of people have bricked with it trying to install custom themes. Then they release like 7 patches after that. Im going to stick with 3.40 OE-A untill M33 CFW is more stable.

[swepisodeii]

Currently running DAX 3.40 OE and it's fantastic. Waiting until there is a commercial game that requires a higher firmware to upgrade to M33 3.52.

[ab88]

i prefer DAs CFWs because i tried M33 and it has compatibility problems and is kind of glitchy. Alot of people have bricked with it trying to install custom themes. Then they release like 7 patches after that. Im going to stick with 3.40 OE-A untill M33 CFW is more stable.

If you ever noticed that most of those updates (5) were ISO compatibility updates, and the other 2 were minor bug fixes. :rolleyes:
I just hate when people bash something without knowing SHIT of what they are talking about. I'm tired of all these noobs saying things like "M33's is su nstable teh released leik 3322421 patchis" Care to read why the update is being done? most if not the majority were done for reasons that don't affect the main user as they were only perfecting better functions (Sony's loader for example)

Edit: By the way if about the themes, DAX firmwares also presented compatibility issues in the beginning too (3.10 OE for example). AND there is no way to brick (full brick) by simply installing a theme unless you mess with something you don't know about (Or shouldn't be messing with to start of). R-Trigger > Advanced > Toggle USB Flash0, and you are done with the problem.

[jinqui242]

I'll never get why people complain about software updates.

On-topic: M33 3.52 is so easy to install, a monkey could do it.

[xg917]

M33, no doubt

[jamotto]

M33 3.52 is the best in every category except themes, which at the moment 3.40OE is the best. This will soon change once themes are converted to the 3.52 firmware.

[the_eternal_dark]

M33 3.52 is the best in every category except themes, which at the moment 3.40OE is the best. This will soon change once themes are converted to the 3.52 firmware.

It's already being done, check out evolvexmb.com for some.

[ICE]

guys for the last time all the old icons for 3.40 work on m33!!! the only thing that dont is battery but you just gotta convert them.

icons have ALWAYS worked on m33 havent they?

[mike_jmg]

dark_alex all the way though never tried m33 and maybe never will and Becus25 is just as bad as m33 so never will even bother with it

Maybe never will, I'd like to see that
Becus25 as bad as M33, Becus is just bad alone or with Test30.

The M33 firmware is at the level of DAX's custom firmware, the only difference is that they fix the bugs right away (no offense to DAX, loved his work but now it's gone)

On topic: I would say M33, less steps than DAX's, so more noob friendly
I've only heard of one person that bricked installing M33, most likely he had no Idea what he was doing

A lot of people say is buggy, but a noob won't be installing custom XMB battery icons right away

[xxhiroshi21xx]

Honestly, Dark-Alex's firmware was the best and brightest for the PSP, though when he stepped aside, the Russians stepped up to the plate and totally outdid him. I'm not dissing, DA did some AWESOME stuff, like Popstation. However the Russians are proving themselves an incredible team, time and time again.

[DarthPaul]

M33 is the easiest and it's faster than OE's to install. And it's better for the fact that has more usable features and uses the latest firmware Kernel. There are still people out there afraid of upgrading to a M33 version,just because Dark_AleX didn't make them. And here goes a message for these people:

Do Not Be Afraid. It Is Better Than The Dark_AleX's Custom Firmwares!

Also,if more people use it,there are more chances to have a better custom firmware. More testers,more enjoyers,more donators,more money,more hard work. :)

[goliath182]

I like both Dark_AleX and M33 custom firmware but i think Dark_AleX did set the benchmark for all custom firmwares.

[M Dash]

So for, I've only used DAX firmwares, but I guess it's time to try out the M33 firmware's and see if they're quality compares to the ones of DAX.

[M Dash]

M33 is the easiest and it's faster than OE's to install. And it's better for the fact that has more usable features and uses the latest firmware Kernel. There are still people out there afraid of upgrading to a M33 version,just because Dark_AleX didn't make them. And here goes a message for these people:

Do Not Be Afraid. It Is Better Than The Dark_AleX's Custom Firmwares!

Also,if more people use it,there are more chances to have a better custom firmware. More testers,more enjoyers,more donators,more money,more hard work. :)

Indeed, very well spoken.

[JPJunkie]

Im currently on 3.40oe but I will be looking to switch to m33's custom firmware ASAP!

[Murdock]

I think there'S no doubt that Dark Alex was the poineer of Custom Firmwares. He was or let'S say IS a talented coder, eventhough I dodn't like the ppl around him. But this doesn't debase his skills, I guess :)

So however, the M33 Firmwares r CURRENTLY the best. And I think this is going to last for some time, since they seem to have examinated Dark Alex' Firmware and have understood how he did what he did ... Hence, they are able to continue his work. An advantage compared to other coders of Custom Firmwares. That's the only reason why those ppl. are more famous and their CFW is more favoured compared to other ones. That's just natural. BUt it doesn't mean other coders are less talented. Maybe those guys even work alone, compared to TEAM M33 ...

So atm, the USSR boys (d'oh, that doesn't exist anymore ... :D), ehm Russia is leading the CFW Scene.

But I think the fact that Dark Alex quit was the worst thing to happen to $ony. Because of 2 things:

1. This was a stimulation for the whole CFW coder scene, since other coders were now able to step into Alex' footprints (do u say it like that in English? Don'T remember ... :) )

2. and because the coders learned to better stay anonymous, because eventhough Alex denies this, it is pretty certain that he got his ass kicked by a certain company ... I won't name it ... *cough* $0ny *cough*

3. therefore it's harder to sue those ppl.; eventough I doubt that it'd be even possible to get those guys on front of a court since they don'T even provide the Custom Firmware, just tools to make it ... (It's like punishing the company which manufactures crowbars because a burglar robbed a house with one of their's :rolleyes: )

Just my opinion ... :p

Gr33tz,

Howling Mad Murdock

[M-Lin]

It's funny the way ppl think they're betraying Dark_Alex if they upgrade to M33.... The OE firmwares were essential while DA was updating them, but now that's over and team M33 are doing a brilliant job with their firmwares. Oh and M33 is waaay more noob friendly to install.

Regarding the updates - M33 have released a patch either on the day or the following day whenever I've encountered a problem, and it didn't cost me a penny! I love M33!

[jaws365]

Dark_Alex

All respect to Dark_Alex, but this seems conservative AND stupid. M33 seriously kicks ass, loading times are better + every plugin I had for OE still works, and it is getting better every day.

[double_d]

Dark Alex's firmware was the best while he was here,
but now that he's gone, it's time to move on.
M33 is the best. It's the most up-to-date, and feature filled.
The Russians are only continuing the DA legacy. You aren't betraying DA at all using their firmware.

[psp411]

i say D_A fw is the best.... but i havent been here for 3 weeks... can sum1 tell me the specs of a m33 fw and how different it is from a D_A one??
most likely, i will upgrade if its worth it :D :cool:

[gunntims0103]

I stick with 3.40OE-A by Dark Alex. After he left the scene. My interest in the PSP just kind of went away.

[tvrstl]

I stick with 3.40OE-A by Dark Alex. After he left the scene. My interest in the PSP just kind of went away.

that's too bad.

M33 really know how to make a good Cfw.

and allmost everything Dark~AleX were going to impliment (what ever spelled, got the point?) wich we knew about, M33 has included in their firmwares. maybe they made many patches, but their really worth it. seriously:D

and as for now, I'll stop writing.

[PoorKingz]

i tried M33 but went back to OE after it wouldnt load Syphon Filter. Im sure they will iron out the bugs though. M33 is basicly just a copy of OE with higher firmware which is alright. I did like the easier setup though.

[murgero1]

3.4oe-a is the best for me because i can edit it some much! the way the menu looks loading speeds. my psp is modded with 100mb of ram and a mod chip. also, it can run windows 95 at full speed. alls you will need is my custom FW (not realeased) and the new mod chip.:) mod the chip of the psp and mod chip so they both have 50 mb ram. done the loading time of a umd is 3.23 sec.
iso: .50 sec.
homebrew: 3.24 sec.

with my own magic gate hack. up/dwn speed of the usb is 2 sec per 40mb.

Just kidding!!!
my psp is just like any other CFW psp!

[kjetil1991]

dax you protected our homebrew from sony but you left... then m33 came and started a new aura in cf my vote goes to m33it was easy to install infact easyer than OE because it makes the downgrader itself you dont need to connect to a pc=)

[specialist83]

Ease of installation, rate of update of patches, speed of programming when new official firmware is released, providing us with NO-UMD feature...

needless to say...M33... =)

[zoson]

The point everyone misses is that dax was the first to bring ease of CFW to the scene. He provided one button press upgraders, and everything is integrated.

As far as I'm concerned, everyone else is just a wannabe. The only way anyone can improve on dax is if they can upgrade your psp on the fly without you knowing(but of course with your consent).

[Welshboy]

I will upgrade, but I have no need at this moment.......and although the M33 firmwares seem to be to next step I'm happy with 3.40oe until M33 can release CFW's without having to have a few updates afterwards. That is all.

[xg917]

it pisses me off when people say that M33 has bugs and shit like that. it doesnt.. if dark alex released 3.51 OE then it wouldve had the same problems that M33 firmwares had.. the wifi wasnt a bug created by M33 team and neither was the theme bug when using custom battery icon. its sony's fault for changing around a few codes. and its good that we have frequent updates from these guys... DAX u were the greatest and opened the doors for the M33 team to help us. thank you for contributing to the PSP scene.

i highly suggest everyone that isnt on 3.52 M33, to update. i dont notice ANY bugs! people are just really freaked because its not Dark Alex's firmware but i promise all of you who have doubts, that its exactly the same material as DAX's and that its worth the update.

-XG

[Welshboy]

We will, when there's a point.

[xg917]

well whats the point of being on 3.40 OE then?

[PoorKingz]

well whats the point of being on 3.40 OE then?

its more stable.

it wont crash running certain UMDs/ISOs.

im staying at 3.40 OE till M33 fixes that bug.

[xg917]

how is OE more stable. its just as stable as M33, i have no fricken idea where u people get this shit

wtf r u talking about? since when the fuk do umds and isos crash on M33??

[PoorKingz]

um lots of people are complaining about this. go to PSU and read some threads.

[xg917]

people are crazy these days..

[Elven6]

Dark Alex was good, but since he quit I will got with M33 as being the current leaders. Even though their Firmware as a few bugs that should be fixed.

[Murdock]

how is OE more stable. its just as stable as M33, i have no fricken idea where u people get this shit

wtf r u talking about? since when the fuk do umds and isos crash on M33??

U r right ... This M33 firmware does NOT crash ... ppl. just hear about the M33 releases and hear "hey, don't install it, the NO-UMD mode is not good, the game CRASHED at startup" ... and 'convert' this sentence to "hey, don't install M33 CFW, it crashed during games!" ...

it's just silly that ppl. (most of the time stupid lill kids) don't read about what they r planning to install. And what they read is most of the time posted by other kiddies ... claiming senseless things. They read somewhere "bug fixed causing a game freezing the psp when activating WLAN game" (FOR EXAMPLE) and make "damn this CFW is ****in unstable, it always crashes" out of it! Eventhough they never installed this CFW and do not know what it is like at all.

My opinion: Let 'em talk ... just install what u think is worth it and leave the others back in stoneage :)

[specialist83]

crazy comments...after upgrading to M33 wat i've gotten myself is a much stabler psp with better updates after updates...

if u dun dare to upgrade your 3.40OE-A cos of the fear of bricking (which to me is rather impossible for M33 update)...stop reading those junk comments and even worse start to spread the ignorant info...

[Veskgar]

Look, I know a lot of people feel like the are betraying Dark_AleX by upgrading to a new custom firmware. I felt the same after he left the scene.

But Dark_AleX left on his own free will. He is hopefully enjoying his life more with more free time and being less burdened.

With that said, it is my opinion that the best current custom firmware is 3.52 M33-2. The firmware is based on OE but with many added benefits. I don't understand the people who are complaining about constant updates and bricking. If you do things correctly, there will be no problems.

I am very impressed at how fast and knowledgeable the M33 Team is.

[cal360]

I'd say stay stick with 3.40 oe, M33 is too bug and I have known many people who have ended up with bricks with this, so i'm staying away from this for now.

[PoorKingz]

Hey, I actually tried M33 and like others, I exerienced some problems. So, unless you tried every UMD/ISO on it, dont claim that it has no bugs. Im sure the M33 team will patch the bugs eventually, but dont bash me because of my opinions.

[xg917]

no umd driver.. look at the compatibility list: http://forums.maxconsole.net/showthread.php?t=69927

lol.. now i claim it has no bugs..
no bugs except the custom battery icon issue (you need to customize your own 3.51 version battery for it to work) <<-- and thats not even a bug that M33 team made.. it was sony, duh. everything was sony for changing around codes.
i swear to god, i have no problem at all with 3.52 M33

[Roxas]

Omg u peeps get out off hand.... the Thread Said " Which 1 is best & noob friendly?.....the Answer is Simple.....

M33 is the most noob friendly, even if it has some "bugs" which noobs wont be working with, if u know wat i mean. & For picking the best CFW. I would say it depens wat u want to run on ur psp... M33 samething as OE but can run the latest games... havent seen a good game that has 3.50- above; for my opinion.

[kiore]

I think I'll wait awhile before upgrading from 3.40oe

[Mr-S]

Dax, totally.. i havent had m33 yet so i cant say... i got the m33 packages, but its all in different zip, alteast with dax it was all noob friendly in one folder :P lol