Need advice on soldering MB

[Zoinks]

I'm planning to replace leaking capacitors on my MB as it is 2 weeks out of warranty. I know its a risk, but I'm willing to take it for the experience. Can anyone recommend some equipment to me? If someone could just post a link to a good iron for a task like this and tell me what else I might need, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Zepper]

Have you checked with the mfr. even if it is out of warranty. The fact is, good electrolytic caps should have a working life of around 10 years. It was their cutting corners on parts costs that caused the problem, they should fix it. Give them a chance to do the right thing! And if they choose NOT to do the right thing, suggest you will be having a chat with the Atty. General of the state where their US HQ is located... and see if that sparks a little more interest.
. IAC, it will cost almost as much to get the right tools and a new set of computer grade caps as to buy a new mobo as you won't be buying your caps in 10k lots. And you will need to replace ALL of them, not just the leaking ones.
.bh.

:moon:

 

[Zoinks]

Like I said, I'm really in it for the experience.

Of course Gigabyte said, sorry - warranty over, you lose.

 

[Topher]

Go here for some info on soldering and motherboard capacitors. Mind you this is how to add some wire to allow room for a large heatsink. I did this with my old Epox socket A motherboard and had no problems at all. That, and I don't have very good soldering skills.

 

[Zepper]

If you insist on risking it, here is a site with good info. Linkage .
.bh.

 

[Zoinks]

Thanks for the links, but can anyone tell me what kind of iron to get? I need to get a small one right? I read somewhere that someone had problems with a 30W and a 35W and needed a 40W to do the job. Are there any other technical things I need to know to get the equipment?

 

[yipsilant]

weller is a good brand of soldering iron. you could pay about 100 USD for an entry level iron. for 100 USD you should get interchangeable tips and a good temperature control.

i hope this helps

-matthew

 

[Topher]

I used the cheapest one I could find at Radio Shack with no problems. I had to file the tip down to a smaller point though.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: Zepper
If you insist on risking it, here is a site with good info. Linkage .
.bh.

there is almost nothing to risk... it's an out of warranty board, and it's so freaking simple.
i fixed mine (7 caps) in like 10-15 mins, and works just as it did before I replaced 'em.