13 Jan
2002
13 Jan
'02
8:27 p.m.
Old computer power supplies generally have big old electrolytic capacitors. When these go
bad, they can
cause real problems, and damage other components.
The literature indicates that many of these only have a working life of 2000 hrs., or a
shelf life of ten years.
Obviously, this will be exceeded in old computers.
So, should these be replaced if they exceed a certain age? For the screw terminal type,
is it necessary to
use "computer grade" capacitors, which can be fairly expensive? If one
can't find the right value in the right
size package, how much extra capacitance is acceptable? And any higher working voltage
rating is OK?
Enquiring minds want to know.
Louis