MEPIS Community Forum

Any electronics types on here? I have four split capacitors on a video card that I would like to replace. Can someone advise what to replace them with that would be more reliable? How would Aluminum Organic Polymer Capacitors do?
The old ones are marked on top as follows:
FZ75 470 16V
FZ75 1500 6.3V
FZ75 1500 6.3V
FZ75 1000 6.3V

Thanks for any assistance.

Bill

I saw in some sales blurb that a certain computer MB mfr. was using tantalum capacitors instead of the wet electrolytic types that are prone to failure. That could mean that the values you list are available in tantalum construction. IMO that would be your best bet. I haven't researched the AOP types so far.

HTH

Ouch. Replacign the e-caps is fine, but you need to consider the remainder of the circuits. When E-caps go dry, they essentially become closed-circuit and feed the components they're meant to regulate 100%, driving them at full speed.

I usually just replace them with the same types. Much of the reason for them splitting is heat, but the other factor is a badly matched fluid which becomes unstable as soon as a current is passed through it. Many e-cap manufacturers have corrected the issue now and for the 2500 hrs expected lifespan at 105 degrees, which grows exponentially at lower temps, I absolutely do not concern myself with different types, I just use, as much as possible, the same type, however, if you have 8 caps, 4 of which are split, you need to replace them all or forget it.

E.G. Your 1500uf e-cap at half life would have measured closer to 850uf and at point of splitting, anywhere between 0-100uf. Based on this, it's safest to always replace all, even if they look fine. I did this to a UPS with 3 split caps, ended up replacing more than a dozen and the best of them measured 70-80% of its original value.

Mike P

What m_pav said +

It might prove difficult to get same-sized replacements as mfrs often use made-to-order types. All is not lost though as newer material types have similar or even higher capacity available in a smaller physical size. GL

Agreed. If you can't find the exact value, go for the closest one down, but always keep the voltages as rated.

Mike P

There are some "how-to" videos on youtube, fwiw.

I have to disagree with m_pav on this...

You can use caps rated at higher voltages, that is OK, but stick to the same microFarads.
Don't go lower on the voltages.

When you check the electronic parts distributor, they may also list a temperature rating.
Obviously, go for higher temperature ratings.

-Jay