WinFast MCP61SM2MA-RS2H

[Pentium4]

Was unstable, only two caps physically bad. Sam Young NXC, the non-bulging NXC were out of spec though, measuring 4,400-6,300uF. Most of the Teapo SEK were out of spec as well, one of them failed open circuit (not bulging). 100% of the OST RLX caps were within 10% spec, and all the KZG were within 5% spec. A lot of caps to replace, but I really like this board. Replaced the Athlon 64 3800+ with an Athlon 64 x2 4200+
I know it has one of the defective nVidia chipsets, but it has a decent sized heatsink, and I reapplied the thermal paste with Arctic MX2. It only has 2 out of the 4 RAM slots installed, but it still accepts 4GB @ 800MHz. Some pictures for your enjoyment (before and after):

[c_hegge]

Re: WinFast MCP61SM2MA-RS2H

Nice. I would stick a 40mm fan over the chipset too. I do that on all boards with nvidia chipsets from that era. Even with heatsinks like that, they run too hot for my liking.

[Pentium4]

Re: WinFast MCP61SM2MA-RS2H

I'll see if I can find one that isn't obnoxiously noisy. Wasn't it you that said that it's power cycles that wear down these chipsets the most? I let all my computers run 24/7 except around now because of the heat

[c_hegge]

Re: WinFast MCP61SM2MA-RS2H

Yup, that's true. 24/7 use would probably help.

I usually run the fans on 5V. That way, they aren't noisy and don't wear down too quick.

[Pentium4]

Re: WinFast MCP61SM2MA-RS2H

Cool. I found a decent quality AVC one from a failed Asus board (Haha)