Question about capacitors on motherboards

[gchris]

Hi guys. I just finished my first build yesterday and so far it's working great, though something's been bothering me for a while now regarding one capacitor. I have a MSI Z97 Gaming 7 mobo and while I was on the process of building the system I accidentally dropped one of the thumb screws of my Mastercase 5 while I was installing the GPU. It landed on the mobo and dunno if it landed on the capacitor and caused it or if I just failed to notice it while I removed the mobo from its box, but I immediately noticed something on one of the 6 capacitors near the audio boost and it looked like a small part of it caved in. I don't know the proper way to describe it but it's like what happens when you try to pierce a thin sheet of metal with a pointed object but not being able to puncture it(i.e. the object was not sharp enough or not enough force exerted to create a hole). I know the description sounds silly but it's the best way I could describe what I saw. There are no leaks or anything and as I said the system is running fine since I finished it yesterday. Been observing the capacitor and there are no other physical changes since the system was up and running yesterday. I just wanted ask you guys regarding your opinion on this so that I can put my mind at ease. Thanks.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Pics?

 

[yoji]

Electorlytic capacitors have scored/weakened tops so that if they fail and pressure build up - they fail in a controlled way - rather than fully explode (see pic.. of one that has popped)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Electrolytic_capacitor_pressure_release_valve_blown.jpg
If that scoring is all you seeing - that's fine.. if it slightly dented - that's prob ok. if it actually perforated then that's not OK. I don't think that something that could happen by dropping a screw on it - and sounds like it may heave been a defect in the manufacturing/assembly of the board.
Pics would be a BIG help to give you better guidance.

Cheers

 

[gchris]

Pics?

Here it is. Sorry for the bad lighting and the huge pic but I'm a complete noob with cameras. If this was a hole then it would surely be leaking by now. It's more like a deep dent to me(probably would have made more sense if I described it this way).

 

[Someone Somewhere]

That's a defect. I'd talk to the manufacturer and think about mailing it back.

Unless the screw was pointed (most used in a computer are flat machine screws) and you actually pushed it, I don't think you'd be able to cause it. Certainly not just dropping it.

 

[gchris]

Hmmm I see. The screw I dropped was a pretty big thumb screw though but I guess it wouldn't matter. What potential problems can it cause if I continue using it? I can't return it immediately since I have little free time in my schedule at the moment. But would it still be ok to use until I get the time to replace it? As I said there were no problems encountered since the system was up and running yesterday such as crashes and blue screens.

 

[audie-tron25]

Are you sure that the metal casing is intact on that capacitor? It may just be the lighting in the picture but it looks like there is a hole. Assuming that it is intact, it may cause damage to your motherboard but it could be alright since there are many forum posts with people having damaged capacitors on parts like graphics cards or motherboards and there PC's have run fine for many years. If it is pierced, it is a very good idea to replace the motherboard ASAP, capacitors are dangerous.

 

[gchris]

Are you sure that the metal casing is intact on that capacitor? It may just be the lighting in the picture but it looks like there is a hole. Assuming that it is intact, it may cause damage to your motherboard but it could be alright since there are many forum posts with people having damaged capacitors on parts like graphics cards or motherboards and there PC's have run fine for many years. If it is pierced, it is a very good idea to replace the motherboard ASAP, capacitors are dangerous.

It's just the lighting. Double checked it by opening the case and there's no hole. Just that deep dent.

 

[yoji]

From the picture - it looks like a hole - but it could just be the light. If you say it not a hole, then it should not impact the performance of the capacitor. So you should be OK.. its not ideal - but you should be ok.
If it were me- its a lot of hastle to remove and return.. and wait for replacement. I would contact supplier and ask for replacement.. if they send you a new and then you can fit and return old one.. go for that.. if they insist you return before they send you replacement.. don't bother (and do go for a mobo from them ever again).
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers

 

[gchris]

Because of my OCD I decided to check it again, this time I removed the gpu to get a better view. I saw a hint of brown from where the dent was and assumed that this could mean trouble. I'm hesitant to return this as I bought this from an online store(lazada.com.ph) here in my country(philippines) and it can be a hassle to return. I also have friends who have bad experiences from returning stuff they bought online where the retailer they brought the items from told them it was their or the courier's fault it got damaged as an excuse. But if it will potentially cause harm to my other components if I continue to use it then I have no choice, might even try for a refund and buy somewhere else. It says that I have 7 days for an outright replacement in case of damage so I better do it quick since I just got it yesterday. I should have just let a local retailer order it from the manufacturer like what I did with my other components instead of buying the mobo separately online. It may cost more but at least it wouldn't be much of a hassle and the manufacturer warranty will surely be honored(1 year replacement etc.). I'm just bummed right now since this is my first gaming pc build and it had to turn out like this.🙁

Btw, do I need to reformat if I get replacement board with the same model? Thanks.

 

[gchris]

Sorry for the double post but I'm posting using my mobile phone and I can't find the update post function anywhere. Anyways, while doing further research I found out that the dented capacitor is for audio and is on an isolated PCB(dunno what it really means as I'm a tech noob) that's for the audio subsystem. Knowing this, can this still cause potential harm to my other components if this cap does start to fail? I'm sorry if it seems like I'm persistant on trying to think it will work out fine even with that defect. I'm just trying to avoid a situation where I return it for replacement and the retailer decides to lowball me and say that the damage was my fault or where the situation might end up worse(i.e. replacement sent may have an even bigger defec). I someone still responds as that would help a lot.