Prophylactic replacement of electrolytic capacitors?

From: Louis Schulman <louiss_at_gate.net>
Date: Sun Jan 13 20:27:01 2002

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
Received on Sun Jan 13 2002 - 20:27:01 GMT