I have a number of self built and used systems that I maintain, both software and hardware. All of these use intel processors and most use intel chipsets. I have never knowingly had a capacitor related problem before (although I have p3 HP w/ asus mb that locks under load in about 5 mins but otherwise runs fine , 45+ days uptime).

I was wondering what, other than shoding manufacturing, causes a cap to fail or degrade. I assume that heat is a major factor. Would it be effective to disipate the heat with something like aluminum tape? I have seen circuit boards w/ hot glue on the top...