Which MegaFlashRoom for my MSX2 Philips MNS 8280

Master (156)

23-03-2021, 10:31

I wanted to inquire about PURCHASING A NEW MegaFlashRoom for my Philips MNS8280 MSX2. I have seen that there are more types on the market and with substantial price differences. For example the MFRs produced by Msx Cartridge Shop, the seller is very kind and helpful but they are a bit expensive, then, for example, there are the 8bits4ever SD-512 which cost 60.00 euros, they look similar to those sold by Msx Cartridge Shop? which one do you recommend? thank you

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By SjaaQ

Champion (381)

23-03-2021, 10:41

I'd recommend either the Carnivore2 or MegaFlashRomSCC+. The Carnovore2 also has an FM-Pac, eliminating the need for all those cartridges in your MSX. Both of them also implement SCC sound. They are not expensive for what they offer. The Carnivore2 uses Compact Flash and not SD, therefore having a memory card sticking out.

The SD-512 does not have any sound extensions. So if you are only looking for HDD and Flashrom the SD-512 will also work.

If you really want something challenging, go for the GR8NET. Additional to HDD (SD), SCC and FM-Pac, this one also has network and MSX-Audio. And it is very configurable (which is, for most people, a problem).

Source: I have all of them.

By andallaco

Master (156)

23-03-2021, 11:09

Thanks, I have no experience with MegaFlashRooms at all. I have to learn how to use the device. I have a Philips MNS8020 MSX2, they told me that with alcue there is the audio problem

By hamlet

Scribe (4106)

23-03-2021, 11:42

Four things will happen next:
Someone will recommend the MFRSCCSD512 to you, then someone else will promote the Carnivore2 as the ultimate weapon until one of the Enlightened Beings' Club demands the GR8Net as a minimum. Oh yes, a lucky guy with personal relationships will brag with his FlashJacks.
We have a wonderful thread that should answer the first questions, certainly availability is also a factor.

And now, let me be the first:
The Megaflashrom MFRSCCsd512 will be the ultimate choice. It's available, not too expensive, includes an SCC and a second PSG and is easy to use.
Who wants to be next?

By meits

Scribe (6577)

23-03-2021, 12:00

In topic title and first post you have an NMS8280. In the next post you have an MNS8020 MSX2. The latter does not exist. Do you mean a VG8020 MSX1 or still the same NMS8280 from the initial post?
NMS8280 does indeed suffer audio mixing problems. The VG8020 does not.

As for the flash cartridges. I have a couple of them.
MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD is very lonely at the top. Have the version with 512K extra RAM and you have quite a powerful MSX2 there.
Carnivore 2 is cheaper and has an FM-PAC, PSG and SCC-I built in but I really can't find my way with it. Just an unhappy marriage. Some may like it some may not.
Gr8net is way over the head for a lot of us. It's just too powerful. Everything you'd need is built in and the maker just can't stop adding new elements. Strange to see that something being too good is working against it.

The above is absolutely 100% subjective. Some of the next posts will probably be subjective as well.

By andallaco

Master (156)

23-03-2021, 12:20

Sorry Meits, MSX2 Philips NMS8280. I checked the network CARNIVORE2 is no longer available. While the MFR of the Msx Cartridge Shop is available. I will definitely take the version with an additional 512K of RAM, do you recommend the one with one or two SD slots? thank you

By hamlet

Scribe (4106)

23-03-2021, 12:28

I own two MFRSCC+SD, both have only one slot. Two slots are possible but definitely not necessary. I haven't even missed the second one.
As Meits has already mentioned, 512k is mandatory for your machine. . I have several memory expansions, but the extra built-in memory of the MFR makes it much easier to handle. You will love the MFR.

By Grauw

Ascended (10824)

23-03-2021, 12:36

I think the maker of the MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD can install a special audio mod on the cartridge specific to the NMS8250/55/80. Ask him about it if / when you order.

By SjaaQ

Champion (381)

23-03-2021, 12:43

I also have an NMS8280 but never really experienced any sound issue worse than using a normal Konami SCC game. I choose not to have an modified audio MFRSCC+ for this reason. You need to specify it while ordering one, if I remember correctly.

By andallaco

Master (156)

23-03-2021, 13:07

Ok, thanks everyone

By meits

Scribe (6577)

23-03-2021, 13:18

Two slots is just optional. I have two, but could live with one as well.