Blown capacitors

Dammit.

While Jen's away for the weekend, I thought that I'd finally get off my backside and fix my MythTV box, which hasn't been working since a Debian/unstable upgrade broke it about 4 months ago.

I decided to replace the hard disk, because the kernel keeps reporting the occasional error. Fortunately, I've got several spare hard disks of various capacities lying around. I grab a spare 200Gb disk from stock, and prepare to open the case.

This requires about thirty minutes of searching for the little plastic tool that opens the case -- it's a Hush ITX box. Apparently, when I put it together the first time, I thought ahead, and stashed it in the box that the PVR card came in, so I'd know where to find it the next time.

Didn't remember doing that, though.

So, I get the lid off and start taking the PVR card out, so that I can get at the hard disk, which is a delicate operation because the space for PCI cards is a bit cramped in there.

As I lift it out, I notice a faint hissing noise...

One of the capacitors on the PVR card has gone pop, and all the electrolyte has come out.

Dammit.

And, while researching the problem, I decided to inspect the other capacitors on the motherboard, while I've got the lid off. At least 4 of the capacitors on the motherboard appear to have gone as well.

Great.

I don't think that's too unusual of a problem at least they are big and shouldn't be too hard to replace.

Though for what Hush charges they should do it for free.

Quote:
Though for what Hush charges they should do it for free.

Yeah, I'd agree with that. Unfortunately, it's 14 months old, so it's probably just out of warranty. Typical.

I've sent an email to Hush support, so I'll see what they say.

Next best case, I'll drop the box off with Hugo, and hopefully he'll be able to fix it...

Worst case, a replacement Mini-ITX board with CPU is only about £150. Assuming it'll mate with the heat pipe assembly correctly.