merit entertainment 

 

PM0660-01 

HEAT SINK ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 

PAGE 1 OF 2 

CLIP ON HEAT SINK ASSEMBLY - 
PUSH DOWN AND TOWARDS THE 
FAN TO RELEASE THE CLIP

Heat Sink Assembly Replacement Instructions for Ion Games with ECS Motherboards

 

 
CAUTION:  This installation should only be performed by a qualified service technician.  Any 
maintenance performed on the motherboard is done at your own risk.  Sensitive components are 
susceptible to damage, which could render the motherboard inoperative. 
 
Before handling the motherboard, or any components on the board, it is important to remove any static 
electricity from your body by touching a grounded piece of metal on the game.  Failure to ground yourself 
before performing maintenance may result in damage to your system.

 

1.  Turn off and unplug the game. 

2.  Unlock and open the CPU section to gain access to the motherboard.  In Fusion games, you will also have 

to remove the 2 screws securing the electronics box cover and remove the cover. 

3.  Locate the fan attached to the motherboard, and disconnect the 3-pin fan connector from the motherboard.  

See Figure 1. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIGURE 1 – ECS MOTHERBOARD AND I/O BOARD ASSEMBLY 

 

4.  Locate the metal clip securing the fan and carefully press the tab on the clip towards the motherboard to 

release it from the plastic catch to which it is secured.  The clip should also disengage from the catch below 
the fan, allowing you to remove it. 

NOTE: Be extremely careful not to damage the plastic components securing the metal clips, as 
such damage would prohibit connection of the new heat sink and render the motherboard 
inoperable. 

5.  Gently and carefully clean the top surface of the processor (see Figure 2) with the supplied alcohol wipe.  

Be careful to prevent contamination from spreading to other components.  Don't spread grease to 
processor's edge.  If necessary, remove any grease on processor's edge with the folded edge of the 
cleaning wipe. 

FAN ON 
MOTHERBOARD

CONNECTOR 
FOR FAN 

 

 

 

 

 

    merit entertainment 

 

PM0660-01 

HEAT SINK ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 

PAGE 2 OF 2 

“SOCKET 462” 

MOLDED INTO 

PLASTIC

STEPPED 

PORTION OF 

HEAT SINK 

SCREWDRIVER 

INSERTED IN 

SLOT ON CLIP

FAN CONNECTION 

ON 

MOTHERBOARD

PROCESSOR 

6.  Remove the backing on the thermal compound located on the bottom of the supplied heat sink by pulling 

rapidly at a right angle to the base.  A quick lifting motion is the best way to remove the tape.  Once the 
tape is removed, immediately install the heat sink assembly making sure that no foreign material comes in 
contact with the thermal compound prior to installation.

 

7.  Carefully position the new heat sink assembly in the proper orientation - the stepped portion fits over the 

top of the socket, where “SOCKET 462” is molded into the plastic (refer to Figure 2).  Center it squarely 
over the retention frame, with the bottom of the heat sink nearly parallel to the top surface of the processor, 
and attach the heat sink clip (the side of the clip without the hook) to the plastic catches on the 
motherboard.  Then, make sure the second clip is aligned with the plastic catches and very carefully, using 
a small, flat-head screwdriver on the hook, push downwards with a slight outward motion on the clip to 
secure it (see Figure 3).

 

CAUTION:  When engaging the heat sink clip, never push down on the heat sink, all force should be 
applied only to the clip.  Use extreme care when pressing down on the clip.  If the tool slips off the 
clip, the motherboard can be damaged. 
NOTE: If the heat sink is not secured squarely over the entire area of the processor, the game will 
automatically shut down shortly after booting up.  If this occurs, remove and reattach the heat sink 
directly over the processor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIGURE 2 – RETENTION FRAME ON MOTHERBOARD 

   FIGURE 3 – HEAT SINK SECURED WITH SCREW DRIVER

 

8.  Connect the 3-pin connector from the fan to the motherboard.  See Figure 3. 

9.  Carefully inspect the heat sink to make sure it is correctly installed before starting the game.  Then, plug in 

and turn on the game and make sure that the fan is turning at a rapid rate.  If the fan isn’t turning, power 
down the game to avoid damage.  Then reseat the assembly so that it is properly aligned over the retention 
frame. 

10.  If you have a Fusion game, reinstall the electronics box cover and secure it with the 2 screws. 

11.  Close and lock the CPU section.