So as most of us know, old unused electrolytic capacitors are unrealiable due drying out and breakdown of the oxide layer.

I have a few questions regarding these issues.

1. Does using an electrolytic cap stop it from drying out or is it natural process that happens regardless?

2. With the breakdown of the oxide layer the ESR will increase as well as DC leakage. Say the cap has remained unused on a motherboard, psu or games console for many years, if the cap does not physically pop when power is applied what other damage could occur to the system if it was...

Did the plague or the early 2000s only effect electrolytics of a certain size?

Do SMD electrolytic caps have a shorter shelf life than aluminium electrolytic caps?

Re: New Members - please post your introductions here

My name is Jared, I am a 31 year old from Melbourne, Australia.

My lifelong love of video games has led me into the original xbox modding scene. I have now reached a point where it is now time to replace a few capacitors.

Looking forward to learning some new skills.