On 21 Sep, 10:30, JW wrote:

I'll bet that fixes your problem. Not just Dell was affected, and
electrolytic caps only have a lifetime of 2000 hours or so anyway. Make
sure you get low ESR types for replacement. If the problem persists, try a
new power supply as well.

That life span sounds like it is straight from a device data sheet
without considering what that data sheet actually says: it is easy to
come up with misleading conclusions as a consequence. 2000 hours is
less than a quarter, and even the majority of cheap tat on sale today
lasts longer than that. The quoted lifespan is usually quoted at the
device's maximum temperature which is going to be 85C even for the
lowest grade caps. For every 10C under the limit capacitor life
slightly more than doubles. Reduce the temeperature down to a typical
working temeprature - say 30C - and that 2000 hour capacitor can be
expected to last a decade of 24/7 operation. The more common 105C
caps would be good for 40 years. Soundly made electrolytics last a
long time in conservative operating conditions.

--
Andrew Smallshaw