Meiji Power ATX-320T

[japlytic]

Here is a Meiji Power ATX-320T unit, taken out of a new computer which needed a power supply upgrade.

It contained HEC capacitors (which a lot of people said they were bad) and "B.H." capacitors (Bor Hurng), established in 1980.

www.hkexporter.net/borhurng/
www.meijipower.com

This power supply was lightly used, and no bulging capacitors were found. Should I replace all of the electrolytic capacitors with good Japanese units?

[Rainbow]

Re: Meiji Power ATX-320T

See the 3 transformers between the heatsink. Depending on the PSU design, there might be a small capacitor (usually 22uF/50V) near the topmost transformer. This is the one that goes often bad (see my thread about EuroCase PSUs), causing more damage. So at least check that one.

[japlytic]

Re: Meiji Power ATX-320T

I forgot to say that I was intending to sell this supply to someone.
Should I replace only the small capacitor near the topmost transformer, or all of them with quality Japanese units?

[Rainbow]

Re: Meiji Power ATX-320T

I see something that looks like an optocoupler between the two top transormers - so that should be one of the better (newer) designs where the small cap-of-death does not exist. HEC caps generally do not bulge, they just dry out slowly - I wouldn't bother with replacing all the caps if it works fine, it should work for a couple of years.

[japlytic]

Re: Meiji Power ATX-320T

Yes, there is an optocoupler between the two top transformers.

[japlytic]

Re: Meiji Power ATX-320T

Since I decided to scrap my L&C unit, I decided to use the unit I once planned to sell.

Before I went on holidays for a week, I ran some sort of decryption program, and even thought my computer was quite hot, the capacitors in the power supply have not bulged, and is still working today.

I decided to change the fan with one having an RPM sensor, as well as adding a bank of capacitors (originally: 3300uF +5V, 1000uF +12V, 1000uF +3.3V - quite inadequate ).

So I added the following:
5600uF x4 (2 each on +3.3V and +5V rails)
3300uF x2 (+12V rail)
The capacitor bank assembly was then wrapped in a few layers of electrical tape.