Amiga 1200 Capacitor Replacement: Is it Really Necessary?
All Amigas that havnt had it done already will definatly need its capacitors replacing to protect it from any damage in the future. All computers designed and built back in the 80s and 90s were never meant to still be in operation today.
Because the manufacturing was made to be as inexpensive as possible and to keep costs low, manufaturing companies would use low cost parts that were fit for purpose but would not necesarily last as long as you might want.
What is Amiga Recapping?
One of the main components that dont last are the through hole and surface mount electrolytic capacitors. These capacitors contain an electrolyte or liquid that over time can leak out of the capacitor and all over the PCB possibly causing corrosion and other damage to the surrounding componants and the PCB traces. Damage can occur and the capacitors can leak even if the machine isnt used at all.
All thought most leaky capacitors are easy to spot because the outcan is abviously split and the electrolyte is visible leaking out, it is possible that most caps have split at the bottom against the PCB and can go undetected unless the capacitor it removed from the PCB.
Sometimes its possible to spot a leaky capacitor by checking that the surrounding solder isnt dull or showing a greenish color. Sometimes the capacitor my even detach from the pads altogether.
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The Life Expectancy of Electrolytic Capacitors
How Long does an Electrolytic Capacitor usually last?
The life expectancy of electrolytic capacitors depends on it operational conditions. But any electrolytic capacitor over 20 years old should be replaced. The higher the temperature of the PCB the shorter the life and also the higher the voltage the shorter the life. Electrolytic capacitors fitted to a circuit should be rated for at least double the circuit voltage.
For every 10 degrees lower than the operating temperature of the device than the max rating it should last at least twice as long.
The main thing to remember for old computers such as the Amiga 1200 is that electrolytic capacitors last much long when they are switched on.
So any equipment that has been in storage for any conciderable amount of time will definatly need its capacitors completely replacing.
You can replace the electrolytic capacitors with new ones which will give you another 20 more years of reliable use or you can spend a bit more and replace the electrolytic caps with solid polymer capacitors which will last much much longer.
What are Polymer Capacitors?
Solid Polymer capacitors and electrolytic capacitors both are able to store electricity and discharge it when its required. The difference, however, is that solid capacitors contain a solid organic polymer, while electrolytic capacitors use a common liquid electrolyte, hence, the terms solid capacitor versus electrolytic capacitors. So how does this actually effect the capacitor’s performance?
| Solid capacitors and electrolytic capacitors both store electricity and discharge it when needed. The difference, however, is that solid capacitors contain a solid organic polymer, while electrolytic capacitors use a common liquid electrolyte, hence, the terms solid capacitor versus electrolytic capacitors. So how does this actually effect the capacitor’s performance? | ||
| Six times longer lifespan In terms of lifespan, solid capacitors last longer than electrolytic capacitors, especially at lower working temperatures. As the table below shows, as the temperature decreases, the lifespan for solid capacitors increases. At 65◦C, the average lifespan for a solid capacitor is more than six times greater than electrolytic capacitors. In actual years, the solid capacitor will last approximately 23 years, while the electrolytic capacitor dies after only three years. Granted, most people will replace their motherboard long before 23 years, but clearly, solid capacitors have a lifetime advantage over electrolytic capacitors. | ||
| Average Lifespan of Solid Caps. vs. Electrolytic Caps | ||
| Temp°CElectrolytic Capacitors (Working Hours)Solid Capacitors (Working Hours)95◦C4,000 Hrs6,324 Hrs1.5X longer85◦C8,000 Hrs20,000 Hrs2.5X longer75◦C16,000 Hrs63,245 Hrs4X longer65◦C32,000 Hrs200,000 Hrs6.25X longer | ||
| Higher tolerance for high frequencies & temperatures Solid capacitors have a higher tolerance not only for higher temperatures, but they also perform better with higher frequencies and higher current than electrolytic capacitors.First, let’s try to understand the higher tolerance for high frequencies. In order to do this, we must first understand a little bit about Impedance. Impedance is a measure of the overall opposition of a circuit to current and is measured in ohms (Ω). A better way to phrase this might be to say that impedance is how much the circuit (in this case the capacitor) impedes the flow of current. The less the flow of current is impeded, the better. Less impedance also means less heat is generated. | ||
| The chart above shows that solid capacitors are able to deliver substantially lower impedance at higher frequencies. Because there is less impedance at higher frequencies, solid capacitors are more stable and generate less heat than electrolytic capacitors.Solid capacitors also deliver more stable capacitance and are less likely to be affected by temperature changes. As the chart below shows, even at extreme temperatures, solid capacitors have relatively stable capacitance, especially when compared to electrolytic capacitors. | ||
| By being able to tolerate higher frequencies and higher temperatures, solid capacitors not only last longer, but they also deliver increased stability and performance over electrolytic capacitors. | ||
No more exploding capacitors A few years ago, some people started experiencing problems with their electrolytic capacitors on their motherboards. Users began noticing bulging, or swelling of the capacitors, and in some cases, the capacitors were even leaking fluid. Obviously, this dramatically lowered their system’s performance, and in several cases, damaged the motherboard to the point where it no longer operated. | ||
| There has been a lot of speculation as to what actually caused these capacitors to fail. One theory was that the electrolytic solution used by some manufacturers for a number of capacitors was faulty. That aside, even the highest quality electrolytic capacitors can fail. Take for example an “always on” system in an internet café. The strain put on the capacitors in terms of constant, prolonged usage, as well as high system temperatures can easily lead to capacitor failure. Remember, an electrolytic capacitor running at 85◦C has an average lifespan of just 8,000 hours, which is less than one year. | ||
| As there is no liquid component to solid capacitors, they don’t experience leaking or exploding. In addition, their ability to tolerate extreme conditions and their overall robustness, make them much more suited to extreme stress operation. |
| Benefits of All Solid Capacitor Design: Longer Life TimeIncreased StabilityIncreased ReliabilityBetter Overclocking PerformanceNo Exploding Capacitors | ||
| Generating less heat then their electrolyte counterparts, solid capacitors last on average 6 times longer, helping to ensure your system never quits. Additionally, solid capacitors have a higher tolerance not only for higher temperatures, but they also perform better with higher frequencies and higher current than electrolytic capacitors. The excellent heat resistance and better electric conductivity allows enthusiasts to tweak the highest levels of performance from their system without fear of excessive capacitor wear or exploding capacitors. |
solid polymer capacitor vs electrolytic
AMIGA 1200 A1200 COMMODORE | PREMIUM Organic Polymer | Re-cap Capacitor Kit
Amiga 1200 capacitor list
5 SMD 22 uF 35 VDC, EEHZA1V220R
2 SMD 47 uF 35 VDC, EEHZA1V470P
4 SMD 100 uF 25 VDC, EEHZA1E101XP
3 SMD 10 uF 50 VDC, EEHZA1H100R
2 470 uF 25 VDC, EEUFR1E471 (Through hole)
2 1000 uF 10 VDC, EEUFR1A102L 6 (Through hole)
SMC metal capacitors:
10µF – 25 Volts (x4)
22µF – 25 Volts (x5)
100µF – 25 Volts (x4)
47µF – 16 Volts (x2)
Verticals Electrolytic Capacitors:
1000µF – 16 Volts (x2)
470µF – 16 Volts (x2)
Amiga 1200 capacitor kit
AMIGA 1200 A1200 COMMODORE | PREMIUM Organic Polymer | Re-cap Capacitor Kit
By popular demand – Brand NEW PREMIUMORGANIC POLYMER Capacitor Repair Kit for Amiga A1200 Computers!
What are Organic Polymer Capacitors and why are they more expensive? They are electrolytic capacitors with a solid electrolyte rather than a liquid electrolyte…which means they will NEVER LEAK AGAIN!
Is your Amiga 1200 having issues, artefacts or weird sound? Have your capacitors leaked?
If your beloved Amiga has not been re-capped, it’s time to keep it alive!
Comes with colour-coded easy re-capping guide. PREMIUM Caps – Give your Amiga the BEST!
Included in this Premium DIY Kit:
- BRAND NEW 100% Genuine Branded Organic Polymer Caps (SMD & Through-Hole)
- EASY to use Colour-coded Recapping Guide!
- Shipped in an ANTI-STATIC BAG
- FREE Date of Recap Stickers! (Fill out with a Pen)
- FREE UK Mainland Domestic Postage!
- LOW International Postage!
- 30-Day Dead-On-Arrival Guarantee!
Brands are: United-ChemiCon, Panasonic, Wurth, KMET, – please note caps may not look *exactly* like ones in picture as some are changed due to stock availability.
List of Caps: 1x 10uF 25v Tant | 4x 10uF 25v | 4x 100uF 25v | 2x 470uF 16v | 5x 22uF 35v | 2x 1000uF 10v/16v | 2x 47uF 16v
Requirements:
- Correct tools & materials for recapping (soldering iron, solder, SMD removal tools, desoldering tools etc)
- Amiga A1200 (All motherboard revisions)
- User with knowledge of how to install and use product.
Note: Retrobench accepts no liability in the use of this product. Use at your own risk.
We also sell regular Electrolytic Capacitor kits which are cheaper – take a look at our other items.
Thanks for looking!
All items are the HIGHEST quality.
AMIGA 1200 A1200 COMMODORE Recapping Capacitor Kit – HIGH Quality PANASONIC CAPS
Brand NEW GENUINE PANASONIC Capacitor Kit for Amiga A1200 Computers!
Is your Amiga 1200 having issues, artefacts or weird sound? Have your capacitors leaked?
If your beloved Amiga has not been re-capped, it’s time to keep it alive!
Comes with colour-coded easy to read re-capping guide. LOW PRICE!
Included in this DIY Kit:
- BRAND NEW 100% Genuine Panasonic Long-Life Caps (SMD & Through-Hole – please note physical size may be different from picture due to supply availability)
- NEW Tantalum Solid State Cap (For 2B Revision Amiga Motherboards)
- EASY to use Colour-coded Recapping Guide!
- Shipped in ANTI-STATIC BAG
- FREE Date of Recap Stickers! (Fill out with Sharpie Pen)
- FREE UK Mainland Domestic Postage!
- LOW International Postage!
- 14-Day Dead-On-Arrival Guarantee!
List of Caps:
4x 10uF 25v | 4x 100uF 25v | 2x 470uF 16v | 5x 22uF 35v | 2x 1000uF 10v | 2x 47uF 16v | 1x 10uF 25v (KEMET Tantalum) – please note caps may not look *exactly* like ones in picture as some are changed due to stock availability.
Requirements:
- Correct tools & materials for recapping (soldering iron, solder, SMD removal tools, desoldering tools etc)
- Amiga A1200 (All motherboard revisions)
- User with knowledge of how to install and use product.
Note: Retrobench accepts no liability in the use of this product. Use at your own risk.
Thanks for looking!
