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> TERMINAL SIZE ERROR
> INSUFFICIENT COLUMN WIDTH
>
> Are you seriously trying to view
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>
> This site was built for 80 columns.
> Your device has the screen real
> estate of a postage stamp.
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> Go find a real computer.
> Preferably one that weighs at
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>
> NO CARRIER

PSU Rebuild

2024-10-18

Overview

PSU worked but stank like leaking caps. Aging electrolytics dry out, lose capacitance, voltage droops, ripple gets worse, eventually it won’t start. Without stable power nothing else matters. I can swap caps here and there but didn’t trust myself to do the whole thing, so I sent it to GiGaBiTe on VCFed.

Recap

They pulled the board, replaced all electrolytic capacitors, the bridge rectifier, DPST power switch, and cooling fan. Cleaned off the electrolyte residue before installing new caps.

PSU board removed and recapped on the workbench

Voltage Verification

Got the board back, tested with a multimeter before reconnecting to the motherboard.

12V rail, 12.11V. 5V rail, 5.085V. Both well within spec. Rock stable.

Multimeter reading 12.11V on the 12V rail Multimeter reading 5.085V on the 5V rail

Reassembly

Back in the metal enclosure, ready for the case.

Rebuilt PSU reassembled in its enclosure

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