The ratio of common electrolytic capacitors to solid capacitors

SMD Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor

When it comes to replacing electrolytic capacitors with solid ones, there are a few key points to consider. In the CPU power supply area, most capacitors are rated between 6.3V and 10V. Using 10V electrolytics is often a sign of lower quality or substandard products trying to replace 6.3V capacitors. However, in most cases, 6.3V electrolytics are sufficient. If you're planning to use solid capacitors instead, you can match them based on the actual voltage your CPU is running at. For example, if your CPU isn't overclocked beyond 2.5V, then a 2.5V solid capacitor would be more than enough. In fact, these solid capacitors usually have a higher voltage rating—often up to 3.5V—which gives them better reliability and performance.

Common replacement examples include: 2200UF/6.3V - 3300UF/6.3V electrolytics replaced by 1200UF/4V or 1500UF/2.5V solids. Similarly, 1500UF/6.3V electrolytics can be swapped with 820UF/6.3V, 4V, or 2.5V solid capacitors.

For CPU filter capacitors, you might see 1500UF/16V - 2200UF/16V electrolytics being replaced by 16V 330UF solids. Many people get confused about whether the capacity is sufficient. But remember, solid capacitors are made from semiconductor materials, not electrolytes. The capacitance ratio is roughly between 1:3 to 1:3.5, so you don’t need to worry too much about matching the exact capacity.

The most commonly used electrolytic capacitors are 1000UF/6.3V, found in memory slots, AGP slots, and PCI slots. These can be replaced with 560UF/4V or 470UF/6V solid capacitors.

Other common replacements include 470UF/16V electrolytics replaced by 180UF/16V solids, and 220UF/10V electrolytics replaced by 180UF/16V solids.

In summary, when replacing electrolytic capacitors with solid ones, the main thing to focus on is the actual voltage rating of the capacitor position, rather than just the capacitance value. Solid capacitors are more stable, longer-lasting, and offer better performance under various conditions. It's important to understand that while the capacitance may not be exactly the same, the voltage rating and overall quality of the solid capacitor make it a superior choice in most cases.