If yes, the capacitor is blown. Replace the motherboard EBay is a great place to find a refurbished motherboard. Just check the top of each capacitor to see if it is leaking or bulging. A common cause of motherboard issues or failure is bulged or blown capacitors. The first thing to do is a visual check of the motherboard. Here are some things to look for on your board that are tell-tale signs of bad capacitors. They can also explain issues that are other wise unexplainable. Or maybe two or three. Check the top of each capacitor to see if it's bulging or leaking, which is an indication the capacitor is blown. The board in the following photo's is an Abit KT7 Athlon motherboard. Replace the computer If you've been looking for an excuse to get a new computer, you just found one. Worst-case scenario, the capacitor …

Spotting a bad capacitor is easy: it’s the one with the bulging top and leaking electrolytic goo. Bad capacitors can happen on any motherboard, new or old.

Only you can prevent forest fires. A common reason for motherboard failure is blown or bulged capacitors. A visual check is the first thing you should do. It either dries up on the outer part of the top of the capacitor or leaks on to the circuit board. Identifying Bad Caps: Are you wondering whether your board has the bad capacitor plague? Repair the motherboard You can replace the bad capacitor yourself (see link below) or have a trained professional do it for you. Most capacitors expel the electrolytic fluid inside them.