[olug] Bad Caps = Bad Motherboard = OLUG Downtime

[Phil Brutsche]

The "bad electrolyte in capacitors" problem has been known for several
years.  I believe the problem first came to light in early 2003.

In my experience the capacitors do not smell.  The most common
side-affect of blown caps in an unbootable machine.  Apparently they can
cause data corruption as well :)

You know it's a problem with the capacitors when they have a *very*
obvious bulge. Sometimes the electrolyte will leave a brownish residue
at either end.

One learns from experience to look for such things when a machine
suddenly stops booting.

Rob Townley wrote:
> How did you find out about this?
> Was it that obvious that something was wrong with the capacitors?
> Did the capacitors smell?

-- 

Phil Brutsche
phil at brutsche.us