Retro GEM PS2 Fat Installation: Difference between revisions

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**Disclaimer:** This kit is for **advanced installers only**. Install at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for damage to your console and/or kit. Each kit is individually tested and confirmed working before being shipped.


## []()Before you begin:
== Introduction ==
 
=== Disclaimer ===
 
This kit is for **advanced installers only**. Install at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for damage to your console and/or kit. Each kit is individually tested and confirmed working before being shipped.
 
=== Important Information ===
    
    
Starting May 2026 all future PS2 fat kits (RevB) use a topside mount.  This no longer requires the metal shield swap or power supply removal as needed before.  The toslink port also remains intact. There is both a cut and not cut option, with the not cut being a new fan backplate.  You can convert your original kit to the new style with a few different parts. All you need is the the mini extension: https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/mini-hdmi-extension-kit and the STL mount(s).


Thanks to therealphoenix for originally designing the backplate: https://www.printables.com/model/394175-playstation-2-quiet-fan-mod-compatible-with-fans-f


Please review the installation video. Always reference these install docs and use the video as an aid for techniques on how to preform the required steps.   
Please review the installation video. Always reference these install docs and use the video as an aid for techniques on how to preform the required steps.   
[https://youtu.be/yOr3tjqLXrw](https://youtu.be/yOr3tjqLXrw)


Pre 39K (GH-015 and earlier) motherboards are now supported These require an additional flex that can be purchased here: [https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts](https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts) This is a hard flex to install and should only be preformed by an expeierecnced technician.
<!-- embedded video link for https://youtu.be/yOr3tjqLXrw -->
<youtube>yOr3tjqLXrw)</youtube>


Some PS2 fat motherboards have a large crystal (18.432MHZ) in the way.  The flex can still be installed with this crystal.  However a low profile cyrstal with identical freqency can be used.  IE: ECS-184-18-23A-EN-TR/2213742


**If you plan to use wires for your controller installation you must update the firmware on the retro GEM after installation.  The controller might not work initially, and this is expected with wiresYou can update your firmware to the latest firmware using a CEC (Your TV remote), or the rescue system.**
Pre 39K (GH-015 Only) motherboards are now supported These require an additional flex that can be purchased here: https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts This is a hard flex to install and should only be preformed by an experienced technician.
 
Some PS2 fat motherboards have a large crystal (18.432MHZ) in the way.  The flex can still be installed with this crystalHowever a low profile crystal with identical frequency can be used. IE: ECS-184-18-23A-EN-TR/2213742


**Kit includes:**
=== Kit includes: ===


-  PS2 Fat Main Flex
-  PS2 Fat Main Flex
-  PS2 Fat Controller Flex
-  PS2 Fat Controller Flex
-  PS2 HDMI Mount
-  Plastic Mount
-  Mini Flip HDMI Adapter
-  M3 6m Screw (2x)
-  M3 Nut (2x)
-  M1.6 Screw (2x)
-  M1.6 Screw (2x)
-  M1.6 Nut (2x)
-  M1.6 Nut (2x)
-  M2 Screw 10mm (Rev B)
-  M2 Nut (Rev B)
-  Heatsink 3D Print Mount (Rev B)
-  3M UHD Tape for some the "weird heatsink" (Rev B)
-  Mini HDMI Extension Set (Rev B)
-  PS2 HDMI Mount (Rev A)
-  Plastic Mount (Rev A)
-  Mini Flip HDMI Adapter (Rev A)
-  M3 6m Screw (2x) (Rev A)
-  M3 Nut (2x) (Rev A)


**Items required**
 
=== Items required ===


-  Temperature Controlled Soldering Iron
-  Temperature Controlled Soldering Iron
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## []()Step 0 - Understanding the GEM Kit and Setting the GEM Jumpers
== GEM Jumpers ==


Use the online config tool to setup the jumpers for your retro gem.  Just bridge the jumpers shown in the tool.   
Use the online config tool to setup the jumpers for your retro gem.  Just bridge the jumpers shown in the tool.   


[https://docs.pixelfx.co/fxdigital-config.html?c=ps2](https://docs.pixelfx.co/fxdigital-config.html?c=ps2)
[https://docs.pixelfx.co/fxdigital-config.html?c=ps2](https://docs.pixelfx.co/fxdigital-config.html?c=ps2)
This guide will not go over the tear down or small nuieces of the installation.  Please watch the installation videos for this information.
[https://youtu.be/yOr3tjqLXrw](https://youtu.be/yOr3tjqLXrw) 


The typical install procedure is:
The typical install procedure is:
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8. Reassembly
8. Reassembly


## []()Step 1 - PS2 Fat Board Prep
== PS2 Fat Main Board Prep ==
 
<details id="step-1-details"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>


  The 18.432MHZ crystal can be replaced if chosen at this time. There is no polarity on this part.
  The 18.432MHZ crystal can be replaced if chosen at this time. There is no polarity on this part.
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[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_DAC_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_DAC.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_DAC_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_DAC.JPG)


</details>






## []()Step 2a - Installing the Main Flex (GH-019 and higher)


<details id="step-2-details"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>
== Installing the Main Flex (GH-019 and higher) ==
 
 


It is highly recommend you use lead free solder.  The solder used in the PS2 has tin which can create micro cracks if leaded soldered is used and not mixed well.  If you prefer to use leaded solder you need to wash the pins (mix) or remove the lead free solder all together.  After installing many kits I personally prefer to just use lead free.  
It is highly recommend you use lead free solder.  The solder used in the PS2 has tin which can create micro cracks if leaded soldered is used and not mixed well.  If you prefer to use leaded solder you need to wash the pins (mix) or remove the lead free solder all together.  After installing many kits I personally prefer to just use lead free.  
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[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_AUDIO_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_AUDIO.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_AUDIO_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_AUDIO.JPG)


</details>


## []()Step 2b - Installing the Main Flex (GH-015 and lower)


<details id="step-2-details"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>
== Installing the Main Flex (GH-015) ==


GH-010 through GH-015 motherboards (Pre 39K) require an additional flex that can be purchased here: [https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts](https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts)  
GH-015 motherboards (Pre 39K) require an additional flex that can be purchased here: [https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts](https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts)  


Solder the adapter flex to the main flex. Do not bridge the 3V3 Jumper (circle in purple) if you have a GH-015.
Solder the adapter flex to the main flex. Do not bridge the 3V3 Jumper (circle in purple) if you have a GH-015.
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[![](GEM_ASSETS/FLEXADAP_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/FLEXADAP.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/FLEXADAP_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/FLEXADAP.JPG)


 
You will need to solder some extra wires as compared to the other fat installations.  
Now choose your motherboard based on the pictures and follow the pictures.  You will need to solder some extra wires as compared to the other fat installations.  


CLK, VSYNC, HSYNC, GND, 1.8V (GH-015 Only)
CLK, VSYNC, HSYNC, GND, 1.8V (GH-015 Only)


**GH-010 through GH-014**
<details id="step-2-FLEX"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>
Refer to the the pinout images and follow the hookups below.
Solder the Jumper completely that is circled.
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_PINOUT_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_PINOUT.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/30KGH10_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/30KGH10.JPG)
Solder the first arm.
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_FINGER1_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_FINGER1.JPG)
Solder the second arm.
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_FINGER2_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_FINGER2.JPG)
Rotate the flex as shown.
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_ROTATE_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_ROTATE.JPG)
Solder the last arm, this can be challenging.
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_FINGER3_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_FINGER3.JPG)
Twist and Flip the cable over so it lays flat.  Tape the cable down so it does not move and solder the audio flex.
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_AUD_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_AUD.JPG)
Hookup all of the points (Make sure the 3V3 jumper is solered on the flex cable).  CLK, HSYNC, VSYNC, 3V3, 5V, GND.
Use 30AWG or smaller wire for the CLK/HSYNC/VSYNC
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_SYNC_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_SYNC.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_HOOKUP_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_HOOKUP.JPG)
</details>


**GH-015**
=== GH-015 ===


<details id="step-2-FLEX"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>


Refer to the the pinout images and follow the hookups below.
Refer to the the pinout images and follow the hookups below.
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</details>




</details>


## []()Step 3 - Installing the controller hookup.
== Installing the controller hookup ==
<details id="step-3-details"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>


There are two ways to setup the controller hookup.  Using the supplied flex or with wires. The flex pinout is the same on all motherboard revisions.  Sometimes there are in components in the way that make soldering the flex even harder.  
There are two ways to setup the controller hookup.  Using the supplied flex or with wires. The flex pinout is the same on all motherboard revisions.  Sometimes there are in components in the way that make soldering the flex even harder.  
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**If you plan to use wires for your controller installation you must update the firmware on the retro GEM after installation.  The controller might not work initially, and this is expected with wires.  You can update your firmware to the latest firmware using a CEC (Your TV remote), or the rescue system.**
**If you plan to use wires for your controller installation you must update the firmware on the retro GEM after installation.  The controller might not work initially, and this is expected with wires.  You can update your firmware to the latest firmware using a CEC (Your TV remote), or the rescue system.**


**FLEX**
=== FLEX ===
 
<details id="step-3-FLEX"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>


Align the flex and solder into place.  Confirm the traces are on the flex are facing up.
Align the flex and solder into place.  Confirm the traces are on the flex are facing up.
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[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CONFLEX2.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CONFLEX2.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CONFLEX2.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CONFLEX2.JPG)


</details>


**Wires**
=== Wires ===
 
<details id="step-3-WIRES"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>


Refer to your motherboards pin out and run wires from each alternative place to the main flex.   
Refer to your motherboards pin out and run wires from each alternative place to the main flex.   
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[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CONWIRES_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CONWIRES.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CONWIRES_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CONWIRES.JPG)


**GH-019**
=== GH-019 ===


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-019_CON_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-019_CON.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-019_CON_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-019_CON.JPG)


**GH-022**
=== GH-022 ===


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-022_CON_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-022_CON.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-022_CON_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-022_CON.JPG)


**GH-023**
=== GH-023 ===


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CON_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CON.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CON_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_CON.JPG)


**GH-026**
=== GH-026 ===


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_CON_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_CON.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_CON_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_CON.JPG)




</details>
== Installing the reset line ==
 
</details>
 
## []()Step 4 - Installing the reset line
 
<details id="step-1-details"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>


Run a line from the reset test point to the point on the flex.   
Run a line from the reset test point to the point on the flex.   
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Refer to your motherboard below:
Refer to your motherboard below:


**GH-010**
=== GH-015 ===
 
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH10_RST.JPG)
 
**GH-015**


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH15_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH15_RST.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH15_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH15_RST.JPG)
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**GH-019**
=== GH-019 ===


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-019_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-019_RST.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-019_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-019_RST.JPG)


**GH-022**
=== GH-022 ===


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-022_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-022_RST.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-022_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-022_RST.JPG)


**GH-023**
=== GH-023 ===


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_RST.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-023_RST.JPG)


**GH-026**
=== GH-026 ===


[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_RST.JPG)
[![](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_RST_SMALL.JPG)](GEM_ASSETS/GH-026_RST.JPG)


</details>




## []()Step 5 - Testing


<details id="step-1-details"><summary style="font-style:italic" class="no-print">Click to expand/collapse</summary>
== Testing ==


Its possible to test the console with it partially dissaembled.  Be extremely careful, there will be live a/c mains.  
Its possible to test the console with it partially dissaembled.  Be extremely careful, there will be live a/c mains.