3COM OfficeConnect Gigabit Switch 16

[Kingpin!]

3COM OfficeConnect Gigabit Switch 16 (3C1671600)

The switch has served me for 10+ years (was new when I bought it). It's a nice switch with connections on the back which makes for quite a clean desk. Reason for taking it apart was that the cooling fan was noisy so I expected it to be dirty/dusty inside and the need to order a new fan. What I found was that it was very dirty/dusty and some electrolytic capacitors which needs attention. There are 3 capacitors which needs to be replaced but the ESR on some of the other ones might be bad as well so I think I'll replace them all. Original capacitors are Nichicon. Power supply is 12VDC / 3.5A (positive = centre).

I've written a list of all the electrolytic capacitors below. Three of them are listed with an asterisk (*) and these ones have bulged on the top (all are 6.3V / 1500uF).

C2 = 25V / 220uF
C7 = 25V / 220uF
C8 = 25 / 1000uF
C108 = 10V / 1000uF
C117 = 10V / 1000uF
C150 = 6.3V / 1500uF *
C151 = 6.3V / 1500uF *
C152 = 6.3V / 1500uF *
C157 = 25V / 1000uF
C163 = 25V / 220uF
C168 = 10V / 1000uF
C188 = 10V / 1000uF

Regarding the cooling fan, I'll see if it's less noisy after I replace the components otherwise I'll try to find a replacement for that as well.

Also, there are no screws to detach the plastic top of the switch, just plastic tabs. To detach the PCB from the bottom there are 2 screws available from the inside.

Hope the list is correct and that it helps someone.

[Greybox]

This is very helpful. Love this switch. Would you recommend a place to buy these Nichicon caps. Did you ended up replacing the fan. THANKS for sharing.

[CapLeaker]

Usually if I do something similar I replace the fans as well and never had the problem of not finding the right fan.