Replacing capacitors with higher voltage rating

[user_Name]

i came across a motherboard with eight bad capacitors. They are located near the cpu. The original capacitors are rated at 4 volts 820 uF. Can I replace them with 6.3volt 820uF capacitors? I willing to read any other suggestions.

Thanks for your time.

[Rob Northen]

Re: Replacing capacitors with higher voltage rating

Yes, you can safely do that. Just ensure ESR and ripple (ripple of new ones can be higher) of the new caps match the old ones.

[user_Name]

Re: Replacing capacitors with higher voltage rating

ESR and ripple?

It seems that I have two options.

1. research ESR and ripple pertaining to capacitors. Determine the ESR and ripple of original capacitors. Then find new capacitors that have similar characteristics of original capacitors.

OR

2. just buy some Rubycon 6.3volt 820uF capacitors and hope for the best.

The motherboard is from a Dell 8400 series.

Must say that this website has provided me with some insights.

[Rob Northen]

Re: Replacing capacitors with higher voltage rating

Stick with #1

On side of the caps, there are some letters, which indicates the series. Ie. MBZ.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Replacing capacitors with higher voltage rating

Stick with #1

Ripple and ESR matter.

Pay attention to how high [tall] they are because it might matter for heat-sink clearance.
Normally 4v lytics are a bastard size and often they don't show up in data sheets.
Often the are very short for their uF and the when clearance is an issue polymers are about all you will find to fit.

As I recall we helped someone through recapping a Dell 8400 within the last month.
Try the forum search.
.