What the capacitors are doing on a laptop motherboard

[@florinmacarenco7547]

Today Sorin grew from Expert to Grand Master Expert in my standards, and I will expain. I am train as technician in Electronics and Electromecanics... but this video is something that I never encounter before in my training or other people experimented. I always believe Sorin is very good but today he was moved in "Best Off" category. Today lesson hit me hard...

[@georgeindestructible]

Not all capacitors are there for the FCC, there are also there to filter noise from nearby components either under certain conditions/places from events produced by the laptop/device itself or noise outside. This is why it matters some times it matters and others it doesn't. The noise produced, depending on the intensity can disturb data lines causing data corruption which is where, at principle and if properly implemented in practice as well, filtering capacitors exist and are placed in certain places. Also, the number of capacitors alone might not be enough to pass an FCC test if a certain capacitor is filtering a very specific frequency spectrum which other capacitors don't matter because they are removed since they might be filtering a very different range spectrum and thus as a result now the laptop/device is emitting a signal in that frequency which is now unattenuated.

[@SR-jz9wn]

Of all the repairs we see though it seems 99% of the failures are the caps Sorin speaks of.

[@jesuschal3802]

I didn’t hear Sorin stating all capacitors are there for FCC matters.

[@wan_gitaris0875]

No capacitor. No short capacitor. No job for technician. Just leave the mainboard like that way Sorin. So i can run my bussiness 😊😊😊😊😊

[@filips7158]

Long story short (coming from a hardware designer), its for EMC compliance. CISPR25, IEC 61000, and other friends. Local mitigation improves overall EMC performance. If a board is not compliant, it just doesn't go to production, simple as that.

[@marcusz.8620]

"Replace your fear with knowledge" - Sorin

[@georgeindestructible]

Knowledge alone does nothing if it is not practice to become experience and thus when combined with knowledge, wisdom.

[@Bruk55sem]

i somethimes liked SORINS videos before even i watched them because he built a good reputation and respect in my heart with his impressive skill and knowledge. plus he is also a good teacher of life and business. I am very grateful for your delighted heart. may god give you health and happiness. thank you.

[@fichambawelby2632]

You're right, Sorin. But don't forget to speak about output caps, the ones used to smooth out the inductor output ripple...yes, alright: these are lytics...mostly. Thanks for another excellent video. And regards from Madrid, Spain.

[@homersimpson9257]

yeah, he forgots to speak about that.

[@gorjy9610]

@@homersimpson9257 there was no need as even he replace output caps

[@andrewverran3498]

Maybe you should try those soldering tweezers for those smd caps etc? PeaceFromOz.

[@fichambawelby2632]

@@andrewverran3498 indeed, they are extremely comfortable to work with. I use the ones from Weller.

[@andrewverran3498]

@fichambawelby2632 they look like a no brainer...I night start with a Yihua set..in general I'm pretty happy with the Yihua stuff I have bought. PeaceFromoz.

[@alonsonatividad9620]

My first PC, a mighty 286 I bought in the early 90s, inhibited the AM radio my father used to listen to his favorite news show, so, I was banned from using the PC while he was listening to his radio.

[@EurekaRecycler]

Hay Thanks , At first i thought this was silly just to prove your point but I seriously learned something important. Keep being they way you are "dodgy", If it works that is what matters... it seems the easyest way for me to learn - love it. .

[@kriswillems5661]

Capacitors do more than just helping devices pass FCC. Sometimes they are critical for communication circuits as they can be very noise sensitive. Also, the roles of the capacitors only becomes appearent when the system is under full load. But I do agree with your conclusion that most of the times you are fine without replacement. One important risk of replacement is that you could replace caps with caps with the wrong voltage rating.

[@juliusvalentinas]

I wonder why replace them if value and voltage is unclear, do you want to create problem yourself?

[@kriswillems5661]

If it would be caps near the driver of an HDMI, ethernet port, wireless circuit, USB port or LVDS screen connector I would replace them. If they are electrolytic caps or high value caps I would replace them too. You'll have estimate the risk of replacement and compare it to the risk with taking them out. @@juliusvalentinas

[@andybonneau9209]

Excellent talk about input caps. Another talk about output caps would be good.

[@atoms1978]

Sorin, I know that, but THANK YOU VERY MUCH, for the first time I've seen someone simplify the reason why so many capacitors are installed. THANK YOU AGAIN TO HEAVEN.🇷🇸❤️🇷🇴

[@ivanzsar]

i had asus motherboard before.. with a shorted main power rail caused by a shorted capacitor on cpu vcore input.. i had it removed and was able to power ON the laptop.. but this happens next.. whenever i type any key on the keyboard, the screen flickers.. it does not flicker when i use usb keyboard.. i was about to tell the customer that it either needs a new keyboard or a replacement screen.. but i placed back a working capacitor on cpu vcore input.. the problem with keyboard typing making screen flicker is gone.. i have absolutely ZERO idea what was going on.. but it the end, a replacement capacitor fixed the problem..

[@martindowney7915]

EEVBlog did the same thing ,but he removed all the input caps if I remember correctly and was no issue with the board after, good work Sorin.

[@grahamstuart3207]

You really know your stuff Sorin. You make understanding Easy.

[@Enigma758]

Very interesting analysis. So a fault may resolve simply by removing a bad cap!

[@yanfishtwig2356]

" replace your fear with knowledge " good one sorin

[@constantinmaciuca6323]

Grozav, acum înțeleg ce vrei sa zici. Foarte interesant ce am învățat azi, mulțumesc Sorin!

[@ionix2000]

Ce tare! Nu m-am gândit ca producătorii pun condensatori pentru a trece testul FCC. Multumesc pentru prezentare foarte bine explicat și apreciez foarte mult efortul de a explica.

[@nicnoc2000]

Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.

[@pepitocoronejo8495]

The big capacitors are for filtering while the smaller ones are for high frequency bypass. Under heavy computing loads the big capacitors will provide extra current while the smaller ones will prevent ringing. The overshoots at the edges of the pulses are due to insufficient high frequency filtering. On top of that the power rails should have no pulse present if property filtered. They should have clean dc outputs.

[@waynesallee-com]

No DC line is 100% clean. With a better scope, one can see all kinds of electrical noise.

[@samuelgift6889]

Thanks Sorin! Replacing fear with knowledge is a great deal

[@kryzoxy1]

I always learn a lot in this channel, it is gold!

[@manuelpentinga9312]

Verry good explanation

[@JmonteroArg]

Thank you for the very detailed explanation I really appreciate the time you took to fill my knowledge gap. Now I understand why you aren't replacing capacitors.

[@Babu-gw9ym]

A super informative post, thanks again, I learned a lot, Franz

[@DanielPontoriero]

Wise Sorin, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@martinclemesha4794]

Thank you Sorin, very good explanation.

[@addehashi]

hi sorin ,i love your videos i spend the most of my day time whatching your videos thank you for your work

[@rubenmejia4881]

Sorin, you are the man! Thank you for all your interesting videos with detailed explanations.

[@IPH82]

Usefully.Thank you Sorin.

[@polygaryd]

Amazing explanation. Never knew this. I'm glad I now know it.

[@marekcaka4152]

Good morning a ot of thanks for simple and grat explanation of capacitors. Now i will be more calm in my amateur repairs. Great job i'm your fan.😊😊😊

[@chrisprobert6]

This video also contains, useful details in the comments. Well done 👍

[@HugforYou]

Very well explained Sorin. Thank you!

[@VincentTubed]

what an excellent explanation and examples, thank you teacher!

[@retrocomputinggrotto]

I think the video should really be called "Dodgy Sorin Explains Why He Doesn't Replace Capacitors He Removes!" Fantastic tutorial and great use of your oscilloscope! 😎 This video complements the lesson you did with Diana where you shortened the wires to prove the switching power supply signal got less noise when doing so.

[@tomasmolina8617]

Hi Sorin thank you for that great explanation.

[@speedydanny4624]

multumesc pentru timpu acordat!

[@nathancurtis1083]

Sorin what works is replacing the cap for a new cap of higher capacity. So for 19v use 22v or above and just get new of same size but highest capacity. 5v use 6,3v. Also FCC rules are excessive but this is partly to prevent and make sure with no doubt that e devices will not effect electronics on planes trains or other important electrical equipment. I agree 100% NO CAPICTOR NO DEAD CAPICTOR.

[@sevimhalibryam]

Replace your fear with knowledge… thanks Sorin, great video and excellent explanation as always, stay safe

[@deuspax]

At last someone stepped up to stop capacitor enraged crowds from the internet - Thank you!!!

[@ootyguy9805]

Sorin thanks for making this video and explaining about caps in laptops, probably the next time people will stop calling you dodgy :)

[@kerryandbill]

Fantastic explanation of laptop capacitors!

[@martinljubic84]

Lets see, there is no power "spiking" in the system, which makes you right only so long as there are no voltage or current spikes in the system. You would be right 99% of the time. Its when a capacitor blows up that makes you and this demo wrong. The blown capacitor absorbed the power spike and died. What I'm saying in no way takes away your genius when diagnosing laptop faults. Love your work. Capacitors serve a purpose: they take out the spikes and the ripples much like coils. And in moments when there is a power deficiency, in some part of the circuit, a capacitor is there to provide a few extra electrons. Keeps things running smoothly. Analogy: its like smoothing out tension and slack in a chain. Too much tension and the chain snaps and a capacitor blows up. The system runs cooler with capacitors and stops all sorts of knock on effects. **Its only if electronics operated at super conductivity that we could do away with capacitors.** As things are in real life, capacitance forms all over the place in electronic circuits, with sparking results. Capacitors give these electrons an open space to park. Two parallel tracks on a circuit board .... capacitance. What is a touch screen: its capacitance. Put a capacitor in place: no more working touch screen. Electrons love capacitors in preference to tracks or wires. **I've written all this down for my own amusement.**

[@gorjy9610]

And one would be enough for that. All these caps he removed in this video are on same 19V rail. As he pointed out in a video there is minimal resistance due large ground and VCC planes in board, having any cap at any position on board between these plates will cover condition you're talking about. There are people who are amused by pretending to be smart and there are people like Sorin.

[@martinljubic84]

@@gorjy9610 One is not enough: because different parts of the board are chewing up different amounts of power. Different parts of the board are hotter than others ... dah. Zorin's demo It doesn't explain why capacitors blow up. The big ones blowing up right next to little ones. Are you paying attention when blown capacitors are being removed? And they blow up in specific places and not others: it is uneven power in the circuit. And wires don't have to touch each other for electrons to jump an air cap. Capacitors minimize sparking and arcing, among other things. And lets not forget TIN CREAP with so many free electrons in circuit boards of bygone days. Coating a circuit board alone does not solve that problem. Capacitors: the place to be for electrons to play in, jump around in, arc from layer to layer instead of inside sensitive CPU chips. It is excess electrons that spark and arc. And when you have 8 phases going into a CPU, each phase irons out its own ripples of current and voltage .... with capacitors. The whole purpose of 8 phases is more precise control of ripple .... a more constant current .... because of more sensitive CPU's and GPU's. But go ahead, remover all capacitors and rely on the circuit board's layered capacitance. And when you see a bridge rectifier soldered on a board, remove those capacitors too. Zorin, does an excellent job of motherboard diagnosis, and teaching electronics as he goes along with his simplified approach .... dispelled a lot of my ingrained mis-conceptions. This is not one of them. If a motherboard had all its capacitors removed, the board would in quick time start arcing between layers and become the victim of tin creep and short circuits. Clouds carry charge: its where lightening discharge comes from. Now imagine clouds of electrons between circuit board layers and discharging between those layers. **Is that amusing enough!!**

[@ItsPronouncedGif]

You just took a ton of stress out of my shoulders

[@viniciusvbf22]

Very nice explanation. Thank you for the video!

[@bilelaza9874]

Thank you sir for the explanations

[@ngwanindi]

Thank you sir

[@tonykasho4378]

Great explanation, thanks

[@ainsleyramai8311]

Excellent video as always! Does this apply to power supply capacitors only, meaning that they must have one leg connected to gnd and these are the only ones we would find shorted?

[@EmanuelViez]

Thank you for the explanation, very usefull

[@chimbuoyimchibuezeudodi9348]

Great video

[@HectorLopez-jw2ke]

First I do the same. In Notebooks I don't replace the capacitors when there are more than one in the same place, near the controller. The value for filtering capacitors is the bigger that the size admits. Don't forgot stability capacitors need for the switching controller leave one at least. Look at the datasheet and basic apliccation. The risk is that the chip loose the hability to control the output. The 97% of the chips has no problem but some may be.

[@icommandoi145]

Awesome video and explanation, thanks!

[@cfq.tufanuf7601]

Great video Sorin!

[@paulrunell7821]

we need to share the capacitors and not be greedy and keep all to our self

[@shooter3267]

An excellent video Sorin, good to see you using the oscilloscope. Any chance of a video for scope beginners? Trying to trace a sound fault on a laptop and a scope would be really handy.

[@hotforSlavco]

Hi Sorin, any chance you could make an update video about a good choice of linear power supply in UK? I m looking for one and it seems very hard to find one on eBay or Amazon, everything is a switching one :D Oh and is there a video showing a modification to remove the short protection from it? Many thanks greetings from Edinburgh

[@adrianst7833]

Very good explanation 👏 👌 thank you

[@reversetransistor4129]

Those capacitors who help maintaining the CORRECT voltage source to the CPU, if they fail, at the time that the CPU pull current to achieve the best performance, the computer shut off.

[@professorxparadox]

i loved the subject of the video. informative and sample based video .

[@lordbalance6291]

great explanation!

[@hanningtonopondo8907]

Excellent tutorial. I would want to ask that you could demonstrate how to test a RAM with any cadgjet to see if it is in excellent operating order, similar to how we test capacitors.Suppose it's something you recently bought or took off of a PC.(Examining it when it is out of the laptop/PC slot)

[@bhok5228]

amazing explanation, thank you.

[@d614gakadoug9]

A bloody load of nonsense is what it he. He is clueless!

[@bhok5228]

then why they are so important?@@d614gakadoug9

[@XantheFIN]

Now you can give longer warranty for that asus as it has less likely get shorted capacitors.

[@user-tv2ds2rk7w]

"no one is going to remove 5 capacitors", meanwhile me using a laptop with exactly 5 capacitors removed

[@st_us]

Should change the title to, "Find out how I got rich selling capacitors"

[@carlosgarciaoropeza5480]

@st_us: Lol and again lol.

[@ngwanindi]

Try to replace your fear with knowledge. Thank you sir .❤

[@johnfranklin8336]

Thank you that this video helped me a lot.

[@ATAG-yn5pd]

Of course, this is true only for "parallel mode" capacitors, when it used in serial mode you have to replace it (even if you don't know the exact value)

[@simoaz8069]

Soriin the legendary CAPterminator :D but I think the output ones should remain in service. Thumbs up

[@treasuremagnet247]

You forgot to remove the 25V solid caps😅

[@tukangbobo]

Now this is a thing that school don't teach us. This is a Propper electronic school.

[@VenkatesanS]

WoW! what a info! Great .

[@rraymen1200]

Brilliant explanation 💪🏼

[@halledwardb]

Nice. Thank you.

[@iphonegoes1250]

Thanks.. for the info

[@MasoudSargon]

نوتیفیکشن سورین بیاد ویدیو باز میشه! عالی هستی مرد 🤘🏼

[@italianofx]

داداش منم الان دو ساله فقط بخاطر سورین میام یوتیوب!

[@QARepair]

ESD protection, I blew one laptop capacitor just by touching 😂 You are top man 👍 massive difference in this timeline, time ago engineered to last , these days standards different

[@brieftodo]

Is it true that the capacitors also help stop mis-timing or false switching on the chips? Any blips / ripples should be cancelled with capacitors present so no false triggers.

[@Arvidje]

yes could be a use for a cap... i build a game controller, i didnt use a cap before, but it didnt register the button press well.. placing a proper cap anything worked great..

[@SigmaOfMyParts]

great half part of the story - waiting for the other half

[@CarlAlbermarle]

I always knew one thing: if Sorin says there's no need for replacing the cap, it means there's no need for replacing the cap.

[@hanningtonopondo8907]

I have frequently witnessed you and others elsewhere repair dead laptop circuit boards by soldering in a jumper wire. Nevertheless, I would like to know if it is a good practice to short over or avoid, say, a 1. resistor. 2. Capacitor (CMD) 3. The diode next to the HDMI port. 4 A MOSFET, either elevated or flat. whwn you cant get the spare. A week a go I managed to restored one of my dead HP Laptop Pavilion 15 DAR 62 REV A by following one of your tutorials when i used a jump wire/short to bypass a capacitor, a mosfet for the 3.3-volt display, and a diode adjacent to the HDMI socket.

[@Arvidje]

u can only bypass a dead fuse and sometimes a protection mosfet.. nothing else.

[@wojciechbajon]

Remember @Sorin, capacitor is a energy store. For the motherboard, it is better to have a capacitor close to the power-hungry receiver. If there is no capacitor, a larger current must flow in impulses. As a result, you have higher losses, EPI, a hotter board and who knows what else. And actually, I can come to terms with it. BTW: I'm 100% sure you left the electrolytic capacitor on the last set.

[@silviuguseila2552]

Wow, telling Sorin that a capacitor is an energy store... That is ridiculous. Everybody knows that, Sorin said that 1000 times... Mate, you are just funny if not ridiculous

[@dmisi1]

do we have capacitors wich can not be removed from latop motherboard without altering its functionality ?

[@orange11squares]

big capacitors, eletrolytic ones.

[@augustobandera4315]

I can't believe that he actually didn't put the capacitor back! How can you sleep at night knowing that you have remove só many capacitors in you life. Hahaha good job, thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@mr.hahmed138]

I can't say anything but go in peace and come back to us quickly

[@matthorn6118]

Why do CE and FCC set a threshold on radiation. It's because of reliability of historic devices with a bad design (not enough capacitors) They receive radiation and have a small chance of malfunctioning. Basically paranoia which is still seen in prohibition of cellphones on planes and in hospitals. Very stupid because devices in hospitals and planes are particularly well designed, with loads of capacitors.... Also the circuit-antennas receive signals from other circuits on itself. Capacitors are indeed better safe than sorry. However, CE and FCC went overboard...

[@ytdarsch84]

Very interesting video

[@Maciej.R.]

Robiłem takie testy w laboratorium akredytowanym. Sprzęt i sama komora robi wrażenie. Wpisz sobie komora do badań EMC.

[@MrDeadrage]

No capasitor no problem 👍🤣😝

I always get backlash from using proper calibrated fuses, people are so ignorant and so quick to speak up.

[@westsenkovec]

Can you do a video testing a capacitor versus a proper calibrated fuse?

[@rafarafa3094]

Do u know the difference between wire and capacitor right? I believe u dont :D

[@michaelcabilan745]

salute master

[@ragilsp2164]

now I am scared to join discord 🥴 thank you Sorin to share us with this knowledge

[@laptopDoctorKZN]

No gulp of power. Put cpu to 100..u will get different results

[@ngwanindi]

Sorin sir please teach us about output capacitor.

[@juliusvalentinas]

I wonder why replace them if value and voltage is unclear, do you want to create problem yourself?

[@leetucker9938]

I want a Sorin no capacitor laptop, it will be reliable

[@patriciaoudart1508]

🙏🧡🙋👍😺very instructive, Thanks!