Asus A8V Capacitor Help

[BitMan13]

Real fast: computer posts, starts booting windows then sometimes reboots or gives a blue screen or locks up at the log-in screen. When I opened it up, the 6 caps next to the processor were popped. I am guessing this may be a problem!?!? The bad capacitors are 1500uf, 6.3v. Also read 105 degree C. A little under 1/2" in diameter, maybe an inch tall.

Can anyone point me to a place that I can get replacements. I have recapped the power supply for a LCD monitor, and I got the "kit" of the necessary caps from a site that sold such, but I have no idea where to get individual caps (and which to get).

Can someone send me a link?

[mariushm]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

Those look like Lelon (please confirm it)... probably the RXA series, as this one is low impedance, for motherboards:



The series may be written as well on the other side of the logo, can't see it in any of the pictures. There's several datasheets for Lelon here : http://www.capacitorsupplier.com/lelon/lelon.htm - so if you have the series you may extract the proper impedance and ripple values and look up on the online stores below suitable capacitors.

For my guess of Lelon RXA, those capacitors have these specs:

10x20 1,500uF 0.023 mOhm 1,820mA

if this is the case, the ones below are about the same or better in specifications:

If you're in US:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...HM0J152MPD6-ND
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...name=P12343-ND
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...me=565-1633-ND

In Europe:

http://uk.farnell.com/nichicon/uhm0j...-3v/dp/1823791
http://uk.farnell.com/panasonic/eeuf...-3v/dp/1219448
http://uk.farnell.com/rubycon/6-3zl1...-3v/dp/1144672

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

I dunno what series the old ones are but out of that list only the HM are rated good enough for Vcore.
With only 6 caps in Vcore use at least HM or better yet HN. [Or equivalents.]

You could also use 1000uF solid polymer in Vcore.
Judging by 'stock' poly boards you want to keep total uF in Vcore up over 5000 and 5500+ is better.
If you had 7 caps 820uF poly would be enough but with only 6 you are better off going with 1000uF.

Digikey has no stock for HN but mouser has them.

8mm
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...ecsIknJxhYY%3d

10mm
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...mYmSWukSSf8%3d


I dunno who has HN in the Europe.
.

[BitMan13]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

A couple more shots might help, and I am in the US. Thanks for all your help.

[c_hegge]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

I'd go with either of the two PCBONEZ suggested (depending on the diameter).

[BitMan13]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

Thanks for the advice. I have ordered the Nichicon 8mm. I will post after the repair is made and let you all know how it turned out (if you are interested).

[c_hegge]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

Of course. I (and I think most of us) like hearing about success stories. One thing to bear in mind when recapping ASUS (and ASRock) motherboards is that the white half of the circle around the cap is actually for the positive leg. On all other motherboards, it's for the negative.

Btw, I think that the original caps were actually LTEC (Lousy Trash Electrolytic Capacitor), not Lelon

[mariushm]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

That's correct, they're Ltec.

I initially only saw the L which looks almost the same as the one in the Lelon logo. That's also one of the reasons I asked him in my original reply to confirm my guess. The second batch of pictures show "Ltec" clearly.

Anyway, glad you got this sorted. Please do keep us updated, it's nice to see success stories.

[BitMan13]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

The shiny new caps arrived! Thanks to all for the help and suggestions.

I have another question. The contacts at the back of the board are tiny. It appears that one contact solders to quite a large area, while the other has a tiny round area of contact, within which the solder must remain, and not cross. See the attached photo where the red arrow is pointing (this is a very enlarged photo). Is there a trick to keep the solder within this tiny area, or will the solder "wick to this surface automatically, or do I just need to be extra careful?

[c_hegge]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

The solder will only stick to that area. A bit of excess solder isn't a major problem, as long as it doesn't short two contacts.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

The one on the right is connected in between layers of the board or on the other side.
Only needs a small pad.

If you have the right amount of solder it should wick to the area of the pad.
If it doesn't want to play then a dab of flux might help.

Just don't create a solder bridge across the green area around the pad and you should be fine.
.

[BitMan13]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

I went to work and removed the old caps, a bit tough since my soldering iron is not very good, but they wiggled out. The hardest part was clearing the holes, which I did with a safety pin, touching it with the iron and gently twisting it until it pushed through.

Then, installed the new caps being very careful to keep the solder touching only what it should. The contacts are tiny.

Put the whole box back together, fingers crossed, pushed the power button...

Amazing!!!! It lives. I cannot tell you how good that felt, very empowering!

Going to have a beer now! Cheers to everyone who helped!!

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Asus A8V Capacitor Help

Congrats!