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Computer Power Supply Antec EA-500

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    Computer Power Supply Antec EA-500

    The more I learn about electrolytic capacitors, the more they sound like little devils just waiting to wreak havoc. As important as computers are in our daily lives, you'd think by now there would be an affordable alternative.

    Using my power supply as an example, the Antec EA-500 is jam packed with electrolytics. Referring to the extensive capacitor listings found at Mouser Electronics, I see caps rated at as little as 1,000 hours and as high as 6,000 hours. I suppose these figures represent running them at the maximum rated temp.

    In all your infinite wisdom, how often should a business computer running at around 8 hours per day be checked for bulging caps in the PSU?

    Even more perplexing, these PSU's are built in dense layers making access to the caps extremely difficult. It would take so many man-hours to repair that the majority of the time, tech's simply replace the entire unit.

    #2
    Re: Computer Power Supply Antec EA-500

    Dont forget the amount of glue they use to cover all the important "easy blow" components.

    I say check em when it dies.

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      #3
      Re: Computer Power Supply Antec EA-500

      Originally posted by Mint Waxed View Post
      I see caps rated at as little as 1,000 hours and as high as 6,000 hours. I suppose these figures represent running them at the maximum rated temp.
      Yes, and also maximum ripple current which the PSU may or may not be exerting on it.
      "The one who says it cannot be done should never interrupt the one who is doing it."

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        #4
        Re: Computer Power Supply Antec EA-500

        Originally posted by Mint Waxed View Post
        how often should a business computer running at around 8 hours per day be checked for bulging caps in the PSU?
        that depends on many various factors like ambient temperature (air-con or not), dustiness of the working environment, whether or not japcaps are used, how close the psu is running relative to its maximum output wattage, how powerful the psu fan is, where the caps are positioned and whether they receive adequate airflow from the fan.

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          #5
          Re: Computer Power Supply Antec EA-500

          All these variables can be condensed into one: power supply internal "ambient" temperature, which can be measured with a temperature probe stuck in between the caps.
          Originally posted by PeteS in CA
          Remember that by the time consequences of a short-sighted decision are experienced, the idiot who made the bad decision may have already been promoted or moved on to a better job at another company.
          A working TV? How boring!

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            #6
            Re: Computer Power Supply Antec EA-500

            One nice thing about the EA-500 PSU, the internal fan speed is controlled by a thermistor which maintains a relatively constant temperature. As for "ambient", it's rather doubtful since the air is in constant motion. It powers an older Abit motherboard currently out of production. I attribute it's longevity to the fact that there are no electrolytic capacitors employed on the board. As for power supply load, the MB is not overclocked so the AC input is only around 2 amps.

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              #7
              Re: Computer Power Supply Antec EA-500

              HWI seems to like it

              http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/antec...supply-review/
              Cap Datasheet Depot: http://www.paullinebarger.net/DS/
              ^If you have datasheets not listed PM me

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