Msi g31m-f

[crash-cyberdrive]

Hi all,
Quite some time I haven't written anything here in the forum, been on EEVblog instructing myself with Dave.
Any ways I got a cheapy from ebay a MSI G31M with bad caps for $8.00 and since I already got a spare 775 cpu and memory available it is a win for me. Of course hoping this MB works, which I think it will.

I wanted to make my contribution on this subject and here it is.

The capacitors in need of replacing (at time of writing where removed)
NCC KZG 6.3V 1000uF
TEAPO SZ 16V 470uF
NCC KZJ 6.3V 1800uF

There is a set near the VRM that are in good condition and to my surprise they are Panasonic. Tested those and are in good shape.
The black mark on top where the ones i was expecting to replace but again there are some Panasonic one that I will leave in the board.

Once finished recapping I will see if this was worth it.

[c_hegge]

Re: Msi g31m-f

Not bad. Those boards do seem to be decent if you recap them.

[larrymoencurly]

Re: Msi g31m-f

Be careful about updating the BIOS of any MSI motherboard, and especially avoid the methods recommended most highly by MSI, as this FAQ from MSI's forums explains:

https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=174985.0

They're really serious about doing the flash from a USB stick.

4 of my 4 BIOS flash failures have been with MSI motherboards.

[crash-cyberdrive]

Re: Msi G31M-F

Be careful about updating the BIOS of any MSI motherboard, and especially avoid the methods recommended most highly by MSI, as this FAQ from MSI's forums explains:

https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=174985.0

They're really serious about doing the flash from a USB stick.

4 of my 4 BIOS flash failures have been with MSI motherboards.

Interesting Information
Today I received another MSI with a Dead Bios, a P67A, another Post about it is due.

About the G31 its been recapped, tomorrow, testing. BTW this was the easiest board I have recapped in a while. The holes where a bit larger than normal for what I have seen in other boards, forgot to take pictures you guys to see.

[tmiha71]

Re: Msi g31m-f

I would toss those Panasonics from vrm-input too, but only valid replacement, for those FL or FJ, is polymer...

[crash-cyberdrive]

Re: Msi g31m-f

I would toss those Panasonics from vrm-input too, but only valid replacement, for those FL or FJ, is polymer...

I thought of that but I'm having issues selecting the closest match to them almost in all of the board I worked on.
I think is it a good idea to make a comparison table for from electro to poly caps. But I know it can take a while to make one unless there is one already made selection table.
I do have cross reference tables but they are for electo to electro and not like i mentioned.


Testing will be done today though, the modules I had around are dead and I received a new set today. Let you guys know.

[c_hegge]

Re: Msi g31m-f

I use 560uF 4V Sanyo OS-CON SEPC polies on those boards around the CPU VRM. It always works perfectly.

[Pentium4]

Re: Msi g31m-f

I think you will be okay leaving those Panny's. Especially since they're just on the 12V input and not the VRM output filtering.

[c_hegge]

Re: Msi g31m-f

^
I was talking about the small FLs under the CPU heat sink

[crash-cyberdrive]

Re: Msi g31m-f

^
I was talking about the small FLs under the CPU heat sink

How do I know who manufactured those poly caps? are they Panasonic too?

What big FAIL the memory modules I received are EEC registered and the notch is off set how could I have missed that. Damn Hurry
I posted them for sale on eBay 2GB NT2GT72U4NB1BN-3C

Now have to wait again.

[c_hegge]

Re: Msi g31m-f

Those caps under the CPU are not polies. They are electrolytics. While those are also pannies, electrolytics don't often do well under a CPU heat sink.

[Pentium4]

Re: Msi g31m-f

^ Especially if it's a Netburst CPU. It may just be the lighting but it looks like that FET, Q7 is a little discolored from heat.

[tmiha71]

Re: Msi g31m-f

It' looks like all upper fets had fun time (only three of them) and lower fets are doubled (ground bouncing ?)...

For vrm-input, as heard on this forum 4 times poly (as Nichicon L8 270uF 16V)...

This board (CPU-vrm) did not played well, all other caps are baked...

[crash-cyberdrive]

Re: Msi G31M-F

Yesterday got the proper memory modules, this morning got them installed before going to work, and Success. the board self restarted three times and the thing posted properly. Like Mr.Burns would say: Excellent. At least was a good CPU laying around.

At time of this posting have left the unit making a burn-in test and load tests with Linux live USB. I has already pass a couple tests but now it is on stability test hope it pass.