M2Slim Install Guide

Step 5: Internal Assembly

Overview:

This step should be relatively straightforward as it is largely just the disassembly in reverse. However care should be taken when handling the flex cable to avoid tearing or damaging it.I would recommend doing this step immediately after soldering as assembling the board will protect the flex cable from damage.
After this step is completed the mod will be electrically functional and should be tested.

Tools:

Required:

  • Philips head #0 and #1 screwdriver

Reccomended:

  • Tweezers

Step 5.1       Assemble the internals

  • Place the board on top of the lower shield.

Step 5.2       Align upper shield

  • Flip the adapter board out of the way.

  • Hold the upper shield over the board.

Step 5.3       Lower shield into place

  • Carefully guide the flex cable through the opening as shown.

  • Lower the shield into place.

Step 5.4       Move adapter into place

  • Flip the adapter over onto the shield.

  • There should be a generous bend around the shield like shown.

  • Avoid sharp creating sharp folds or creases in the the flex cable. Doing so can cause breaks in the signal traces or damage its ability to carry power to the SSD.

Step 5.5       Install disk drive screw

  • Install the short M2 philips head shield screw as shown.

  • Leave it slightly loose to make alignment easier.

Step 5.6       Screw in the M2Slim adapter

  • M2 (threaded) screws go on the bottom edge.

  • Short self tapping screw goes near the M.2 connector (upper left).

  • Leave these screws slightly loose for the next step.

Step 5.7       Test fit SSD.

  • Test fit the SSD.

  • Remove SSD and tighten the screws.

  • Keeping the adapter aligned as you remove it can be tricky. Tighten the screws so there is some friction keeping it in place.

Step 5.8       Install underside screws.

  • Flip to the back side of the PS2.

  • Reinstall the 4 M2 shield screws.

Step 5.9       Tighten disk drive screw

  • Flip the PS2 over to the top side.

  • Fully tighten the disk drive screw.

Step 5.10       Plug in fan cable.

  • Plug the fan back in.

Step 5.11       Reinstall CMOS battery.

  • Press the battery back into the shield.

  • Plug the battery in.

Step 5.12.1       Attach the laser ribbon cable (PVR-802W)

  • Insert the ribbon cable into the connector.

  • It is very easy to partially insert the connector. Take care to make sure it is seated fully.

  • Press down on the brown lever.

  • Skip to the next step if your connector looks different.

Step 5.12.2       Attach the laser ribbon cable (SPU-3170)

  • Insert the cable into the connector.

  • Lock the lever by pressing it up in the same direction the flex cable is inserted.

  • Note that the cable is not seated correctly in the last photo.

Step 5.13       Install disk drive spacers

  • Hold the spacers with the bump facing down.

  • Place the 4 spacers in each of the recesses in the shield.

Step 5.14       Install disk drive spacers

  • Lower the drive into place over the spacers.

  • Use tweezers to align any spacers that are bumped out of place.

Step 5.15       Install disk drive

  • Install the 4 long screws into the disk drive.

Step 5.16       Install spindle motor cable

  • Press straight down to insert the drive motor cable into the socket.

Step 5.17       Install laser cable

  • Lift the brown tab up and insert the cable into the connector.

  • Press down on the tab from each side to lock it.

Step 5.18       Install laser carriage motor

  • Press down vertically on the cable to seat it into the connector.

Step 5.19       Install front power button

  • Press the power button cable down into the connector.

Step 5.20       Ready to test

  • Congratulations, M2Slim is now functionally installed!

  • However it is a good idea to test the system works and check disk clearance in the next step before moving on to the shell modification.

Step 5.21       Check disk clearance.

  • Install an SSD.

  • Place a disk in the drive

  • View from the side to confirm clearance above the drive.

  • The label on this SSD is starting to peel and would scratch the disk if used. However removing it often voids warranty. Taping it down may be a good option if you encounter this problem.