M2Slim Install Guide

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Disclaimer:
While a lot of effort has gone into making the installation of M2Slim as easy as possible it is still an advanced mod requiring micro soldering and cutting the PS2's shell.
I would not recommend this to a beginner. Please seek a professional installer if you do not feel confident attempting any of the steps involved.

Tools and Consumables

You will need appropriate soldering equipment and tools for modifying the PS2 shell.

Required:

  • #0 and #1 Philips head screwdrivers

  • 2mm and 4mm drill bits

  • Kapton tape

  • Temperature controlled soldering iron
    Preferably cartridge type such as T12 or C245 etc.

  • Tweezers
    Good quality fine point tweezers for SMD soldering.

  • Brass sponge tip cleaner
    I use a Goot ST-40, if you use a generic one test it is not plated steel with a magnet.

  • Good quality leaded solder
    63/37 or 60/40 is recommended. Lead free is harder to solder and the higher temperatures needed increases the risk of damaging the flex.

  • No-clean Flux
    I use Stirri (formerly amtech) tacky flux but liquid is good too. MG Chemicals 8341, Chip Quik NC191 or Kester 959T may also be good options but I have not used them.

  • Flat needle or hand file
    Small file appropriate for plastic.

  • Dremel
    Any similar rotary tool is fine, preferably with adjustable speed.

  • Plastic cutoff wheel
    Abrasive disk or circular saw blade suitable for cutting plastic.

Recommended:

  • Good quality desolder braid
    Gootwick and “2UUL Solder Vampire” on aliexpress are good. As well as quality name brands like Chemtronics or MG chemicals.

  • Blue Loctite
    Temporary thread lock for M.2 standoff. While super glue can be used and later removed with acetone this is not recommended.

  • Multimeter
    This is essential for troubleshooting if anything goes wrong. The AN8008 is usually recommended as a good entry level one but almost anything will work.

  • Torch or magnifier to assist inspecting solder joints
    Your phone might have a macro mode that can help inspect small solder joints.

Kit Contents

Standard install parts:

  1. 1x M2Slim Adapter

  2. 1x Activity LED flex

  3. 1x Shield Jig

  4. 1x Mounting Bracket

  5. 2x M2 Screw

  6. 1x 2mm Self Tapping Screw

  7. 1x Shell Cutout Jig

  8. 1x Shell Cutout Jig Insert

  9. 4x Disk Drive Spacer

  10. 1x M.2 Standoff

  11. 2x M.2 Standoff Screws

  12. 2x Yellow 0805 LED

  13. 1x 50Ω 0805 Resistor

  14. 1x Kynar Wire

Optional parts:

  1. 4x 100pF 0805 Capacitors