Solid-state motherboard capacitors?

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I brought this up in another topic but thought it could use its own thread. I know a lot of motherboard manufactuers (such as Gigabyte and Asus) are now using solid-state capacitors in their motherboards that are supposed to last a lot longer since, in theory, they don't rupture over prolonged use.

Does anyone know if Mac does the same on either the iMac or the Mac Pro? :Smirk:
 

chscag

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Most, if not all of the new robot built motherboards use a method called surface mounting for placing and soldering components. This lends well to using all solid state components that are incapsulated including capacitors, diodes, ICs, and transistors.

I don't know for sure that Apple logic boards use solid state capacitors but I suspect they do. Apple is usually a front line leader in hardware design.
 
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Hi,

If you are going to buy a new mac then i wouldn't worry about this at all, even in cheap pc units this occurs after many years of use, yes it can happen sooner but Macs have a very good and reliable reputation. As you can see from this forum, many users still use the old model Macs and have no issue.
I would look into Apple care to put your mind at rest, i bought apple care with my new 27" i7 iMac, three years of warranty is plenty i feel.
 
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Nothing has radically changed with capacitors since the 1920's. Admittedly, some types have been miniaturised since the introduction of the PCB (printed circuit board) that is nowadays used in solid state circuits in most electronic equipment.

The surface-mount versions of small value resistors and capacitors were developed specifically for use on PCB's. They are soldered directly across the relevant tracks on the board, thus obviating the need for connecting wires.

However, some larger value capacitors such as the electrolytic type, which, due to their size, are connected to the PCB via wires or tags. These are usually found in computer power supply - Apple included!

To claify things, have a look here.
 

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