This model of motherboard is known for having capacitor problems, so I
then looked at the motherboard more closely and discovered that two
adjacent electrolytic capacitors on it were bulging a little on top. IIRC
they're all supposed to be flat on top, like all the other electrolytics
there.
That's correct, the cap will bow and pop out all the electrolytic goo if you
beat it up enough (voltage rating not much above the applications working
voltage, temperature too high, old age, polarity reversals, etc). It's the
weak point in the capacitor on purpose and by design. The top should
absolutely be flat.
So my questions are: Could the problem be those two slightly bulging
capacitors? If so, would I probably be able to replace them with just an
ordinary soldering iron? Could I try to reassemble the original power
supply and return the new one for a refund, or is that something for
experts only?
It could be the capacitors. As Dr. House might advise you, the best way to
diagnose is to treat - and it's only a few cents worth of caps (DigiKey)..
or a couple bucks at most, if you go to RadioShack. If you get some sort of
enjoyment out of trying - or at least from trying and having there be a
chance that your effort will bear you a working computer. If you wanted to
try, you probably could do it with an ordinary iron. Are they through-hole
design (ie mount from the top, legs go through the PCB and exit at the
bottom, and have solder pads on the bottom)? Solder pads on top and no vias?
Either way if you're careful you should be fine even with a cheap 15-30w
iron. Just be careful, apply heat for as short a duration as possible and
don't drag solder across the board.. :)
What did you disassemble in the power supply? Just removed the PCB from the
case? Go ahead and slap it back together if that's all you did.
As mentioned, this is a minimal cost "fun" project, and already way over
its limited budget. If it meant buying a new motherboard, I'd just scrap
it for parts instead, and put my money toward a new primary system.
Thanks /very/ much in advance for any advice or suggestions on this!
Good luck!
-Frank
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