badcaps.net ok?

[imported_RobW]

I have an ABIT KT7A motherboard that won't boot properly (gets a registery error) unless I let it sit first to warm-up in the BIOS menu. This is a "bad cap" motherboard, so I should have that fixed, and that may well fix this boot problem, too. Is badcaps.net a good place to have this repair done? Thanks.

 

[Spineshank]

Not sure but motherboardrepair.com is a good place. I personally haev dealt with them.

 

[Severian]

are you sure the board has bad caps? A quick visual inspection will tell you if that's your problem.

as far as replacing the capacitors goes, if you are at all inclined you can certainly replace them yourself. I've replaced many capacitors with an inexpensive Radio Shack soldering iron, and aftermarket capacitors from online vendors like Mouser.com. It takes some care and some patience, but is obviously quicker than sending an older board out for repair.

Good luck

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Photos of bad caps:
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=195

Is the mobo under warranty? If so, RMA it. Why pay for a repair if it's under warranty.

If they're just bulging then it MAY be worth replacing them (however compare how much a new mobo will cost compared to the repair and also be aware that replacing the caps voids the warranty). If the caps have already leaked or popped then the mobo may already be damaged beyond repair.

If it can still boot but it's flaky then it MAY be worth salvaging. If it won't boot I wouldn't waste money on it.