Failure of one of the elements of the system unit leads to shortcomings in the operation of the entire computer. Computer technology is not functioning or is working slowly. One of the causes of computer malfunctions can be the bloating of capacitors on the motherboard.
Motherboard and its functions
This is a part of the computer to which other devices of the system unit are connected. It is a multilayer board on which microcircuits and radio components, connectors and much more are located.
The main capacitors are located on the board. Their purpose is to provide an even voltage supply. The level of electricity consumed by a computer can change dramatically. This mainly happens when it is turned on and off.
Swollen capacitors on the motherboard do not work. A sharp change in voltage can damage individual elements of the system unit. Capacitors smooth out jumps, which increases the stability of the equipment and extends the life of individual elements.
Symptoms of Malfunction
The computer freezes from bloating capacitors on the motherboard, and the following malfunctions may occur:
- the system unit does not turn on;
- when you turn on the computer tries to start, but immediately turns off;
- the system unit turns on, but the monitor screen remains dark.
In such a situation, they usually turn to a specialized service for repair. But if the blown up capacitors on the motherboard are to blame for the breakdown, you can try to repair them yourself.
Find faulty items
As a rule, swollen capacitors on the motherboard are of the electrolytic type. They look like cylinders, consist of a thin aluminum foil twisted into several layers - an anode, placed in a liquid electrolyte - a cathode. A thin layer of an oxide film acts as a dielectric.
On the upper plane of the cylinder, the manufacturer applies cruciform notches. They allow you to visually identify the malfunction. When the capacitor swells on the motherboard near the processor, it opens like a flower, or swells along the notch line.
In case of leakage, electrolyte leaks can be noticed. Corrosion of the outer coating of the part often appears.
Reasons for the malfunction
There are several reasons for the swelling of capacitors on the motherboard:
- poor assembly at the factory;
- incorrect installation;
- wrong choice of operating voltage.
- boiling or evaporation of electrolyte.
Incorrect polarity determination during installation is a relatively rare occurrence. In the absence of skills, it is necessary to trust the repair of the board to qualified specialists.
When choosing a capacitor, you must be guided by the rule - the maximum voltage of a part can be more, but not less than the actual one at the place of its installation.
The cause of evaporation of the electrolyte can be an increase in temperature both on the outside of the part and in the internal environment. If the case of the system unit is high, you need to check the operation of the cooling system or clean the computer. The power supply, as well as poor-quality assembly, incorrect polarity determination may be to blame for overheating from the inside. Heating may occur due to violations of computer operating rules.
Troubleshooting Methods
After establishing the cause of the failure, you can do two ways:
- hand over the computer to the service, where the burned parts will be changed;
- try to fix the breakdown yourself.
The second method is more difficult, but more economical. The average cost of one capacitor is from 60 to 100 rubles.
The price of repairs in specialized services depends on the region and price. When you submit a computer to a service in Moscow, you will have to pay on average:
- about 300 rubles for diagnostics;
- for parts and materials - from 120 to 200 rubles;
- for the work of the master - from 1500 to 1800 rubles.
In addition, dishonest service workers often overstate the cost of work by offering additional unnecessary services.
Self replacement
Having found a malfunction, you can fix the computer yourself. To do this, it is necessary to unsolder the burnt parts and replace them. When unsuitable capacitors are removed, they must be taken with you to the store. So it will be easier to find a similar replacement.
The main characteristics of the part are capacitance and voltage. When replacing, it is allowed to install capacitors with greater characteristics than the nominal ones, but not vice versa. In addition, it is necessary to observe the overall dimensions, since the microcircuits on the board are mounted tightly.
After that, it is necessary to clean the motherboard from the leaked electrolyte. If this is not done, there is a high probability of damage to other elements of the board.
The soldering process is not difficult and can be done by a beginner. For repair, the following tools and materials are required:
- a soldering iron with a thin tip and low power (no more than 40 kW);
- soldering acid, and in case of its absence - rosin;
- tin;
- alcohol-containing liquid (refined gasoline).
It is necessary to prepare for work. It is advisable to ground the soldering iron and the board, since it is sensitive to electrostatic voltage. It is recommended to wear special antistatic gloves and clothing.
When evaporating the capacitor, you must be extremely careful. The mounting of microcircuits on the board is multilayer, there is a risk of damage to the connections. The sequence of work is as follows:
- The legs of the condenser must be heated with a soldering iron, and then carefully remove them from the board. It will not be superfluous to take a photo of swollen capacitors on the motherboard with polarity fixation.
- The holes in the mounting location must be cleaned of solder residue.
- Observing the polarity, it is necessary to install the legs of serviceable capacitors in the holes, and then solder them from the back. Do not use a lot of tin so that it does not spread.
- At the end of the work, it is necessary to remove the solder residues with an alcohol-containing liquid (purified gasoline).
It is recommended that when replacing one capacitor, the adjacent ones are also replaced, since violations of one of the parts lead to malfunction of the other. When choosing capacitors, you must give preference to a reliable manufacturer. The risk of acquiring a low-quality product from an unknown company increases significantly.