The SMD capacitor is absent from the motherboard. Can it still function?
The SMD capacitor is absent from the motherboard. Can it still function?
Hey there! After the GPU overheating incident, you noticed an SMD missing from your MSI Z390 Tomahawk. Since it's three years old and no longer covered by warranty, you have a few options: keep running it with caution or replace the motherboard for peace of mind.
I think you're referring to this situation. It seems like a blown MLCC component that can discharge to ground, causing issues. I’d measure the resistance between the part and ground using a multimeter. A reading close to zero or around 10 ohms is typical for such failures in PCs. If it’s low, replacing it should be straightforward—just solder a new one, which is usually inexpensive. You’ll need about ten minutes to remove, clean, and install the replacement.
It seems the highlighted part appears damaged and functions as a power buffer. It likely works alongside another component to supply stable voltage to nearby circuits, acting somewhat like a regulator or converter. The remaining capacitor may help maintain operation, but stability depends on factors such as load demands and temperature changes—ceramic types behave differently under heat. You might want to take the device to a repair shop for proper handling, using tools like a soldering iron to replace or upgrade the capacitor. A suitable replacement would be a 4.7-10uF rated part at least 25V or higher, possibly from the output section of the converter or near the inductor. Phone repair shops usually carry these, though they’re smaller than typical motherboard capacitors.