QUESTION:
Is my motherboard worth repairing?

ANSWER:
That all depends, but I have to say for the most part YES.  For example, it only costs about $65.00 to recap a motherboard.  Tote up what it would cost to replace one!!  If your board is part of a server array or has proprietary characteristics, it is well worth repairing.  Also, many fail to consider all the hidden costs of upgrading their PC's core components.  For example, compatible RAM, new CPU, new hard disks, case, power supply, and the biggest bite in the ass, new Operating System.  If you're running a legit OEM copy of Windows, you must purchase a new license if you change cores, as you will not be able to legally reactivate the old OEM license when you reinstall it on the new core.  All that can easily add up to hundreds, even thousands of dollars!

QUESTION:
Is my power supply the reason my motherboard has this problem?

ANSWER:
That's possible, but most likely not the true root of the problems.  Low-end power supplies can emit what's known as 'ripple', which is caused by poor filtration amongst the PSU's rectifier and regulation modules.  Ripple is A/C oscillation slipping through your PSU (Power Supply Unit) to your motherboard's regulation circuits.  Motherboard regulation circuits, also known as VRM's (Voltage Regulator Modules), were designed to further regulate the clean voltages from the PSU, not filter out 'dirty power'.  Dirty power thus causes unnecessary stress on its polarized component, such as capacitors, ultimately resulting in premature failure.  If your board has poor quality capacitors, the faulty power supply just sped up the inevitable, your board would have failed anyway.  With ANY computer system, I strongly recommend a sufficient power-rated and quality brand power supply.  I can't emphasize this enough!

QUESTION:
I think my computer was struck by lightning or a power surge, will this cause my capacitors to fail?

ANSWER:
Yes, lightning and power spikes are a leading cause of component failure amongst computers and many other electronic devices.  However, of you think that lightning has struck your computer, the damage usually goes much deeper than just fried capacitors.  I've personally seen lightning destroy motherboards, power supplies, video cards, and most commonly modems.

QUESTION:
My capacitors are not bulging, but my system has become unstable and displaying many of your listed symptoms.  Are my capacitors bad?

ANSWER:
It is very possible.  The reason the capacitors 'bulge' is because the inferior electrolyte dries, turning from a liquid state into a gas.  Since the capacitor is a sealed component, the expansion of the gas from heating will cause the tops and bottoms of the capacitor to swell.  Some capacitors in the earlier stages of failure may not swell up (or bulge), but are far out of their tolerances, and have failed all the same.

QUESTION:
If I send my motherboard in for repair, how long will it take before I get it back?

ANSWER:
While turnaround time will vary slightly depending on your type of board, the required capacitors needed for repair, and my current workload, the turnaround time for Standard Repair Service is usually no more than 15 days in-shop from the day I receive it.  This includes the cap replacement and full burn-in testing.  I you need it faster, I also offer Express Repair Service, which will cut the time down to NO MORE than 4 days in-shop.  The full procedure of what I will do to your board is outlined HERE, and pricing is outlined HERE.

QUESTION:
Do you warranty your capacitors against failure after I get my board back?

ANSWER:
Yes, I do offer a limited warranty on the actual components.  The full details of this warranty are outlined HERE.  I use very high-end replacement capacitors, and to be honest, I've never had a board come back on me with failing capacitors again.

QUESTION:
My motherboard was unstable out of the box when I bought it new.  Did I get a new board with bad capacitors?

ANSWER:
More than likely NO, your capacitors are not bad.  Before you jump to the conclusion that your capacitors are bad, there are TONS of other factors that will make your motherboard unstable.  First and foremost is power supplies!  Also make sure you have the latest drivers for everything, and that the motherboard and all your peripherals are compatible with each other.  Usually, your board will gradually go from perfectly stable and then become unstable as time goes by if the capacitors fail.  Think of capacitors as batteries, they weaken with age.  Normal electrolytic capacitors will last for many many years before becoming weak, but when they're manufactured with poor materials, they fail very prematurely, resulting in the headaches that brought you here to read this.

QUESTION:
My motherboard is still under its factory warranty.  If I send it to you, will my factory warranty be voided?

ANSWER:
Yes.  Although I am a very skilled technician, I am NOT an authorized service representative for any manufacturer.  If your motherboard is covered by the vendor in which you purchased it or by the manufacturer, send it to them!!  If I service it, the factory warranty will be voided!!

QUESTION:
I sent in my motherboard and noticed that not all of the original Rubycon or Panasonic caps were replaced, why?

ANSWER:
On many systems, such as Dell GX and SX systems, it is not necessary to replace them all.  If they used Panasonic or Rubycon caps initially, there's only a few in problem areas of the system that will cause you any issues, those are the ones that will be replaced.  I do check the others just to be sure, and if they're the least bit questionable, they are replaced.  If your system has Nichicon brand HM and/or HN series caps with date codes of 2003~2005, they will all be replaced regardless, as those particular era & series caps were part of a faulty run by Nichicon.  Rest assured, even if all the caps aren't replaced, I'm confident enough in their performance and my experience that they will pose no problems, and I will cover them under my warranty.