Macintosh Performa 5400 Capacitor Replacement Guide

Replacing electrolytic capacitors (recapping) in your Macintosh Performa 5400 series computer is essential for long-term reliability. The Performa 5400 uses the Alchemy logic board, shared with the Power Macintosh 5400 and Performa 6400 series.

Capacitor Inspection

Signs that your Performa 5400 needs recapping:

• Bulging Tops – Capacitors with domed or swollen tops indicate internal failure
• Leaking Electrolyte – Brown or orange residue around capacitor base
• Corrosion or PCB Staining – Discoloration on the PCB near capacitors
• Audio distortion – Crackling, low volume, or missing audio
• Boot failures – Intermittent startup or random crashes
• Visual artifacts – Display anomalies caused by power rail instability

Macintosh Performa 5400 Capacitor List

Logic Board Capacitors

The Alchemy logic board uses primarily surface-mount electrolytic capacitors.

Logic Board Capacitor Specifications

Reference	Capacitance	Voltage	Type	Notes
C1	100µF	16V	SMD Electrolytic	Audio section
C2	100µF	16V	SMD Electrolytic	Audio section
C3	47µF	16V	SMD Electrolytic	Power filtering
C4	47µF	16V	SMD Electrolytic	Power filtering
C5	10µF	16V	SMD Electrolytic	Decoupling
C6	10µF	16V	SMD Electrolytic	Decoupling
C7	100µF	10V	SMD Electrolytic	Power filtering
C8	100µF	10V	SMD Electrolytic	Power filtering
C9	22µF	16V	SMD Electrolytic	Audio section
C10	22µF	16V	SMD Electrolytic	Audio section

Note: Capacitor designations may vary. Always verify values before ordering replacements.

Power Supply Capacitors

The power supply contains larger through-hole electrolytic capacitors that may also need replacement:

Power Supply Capacitor Specifications (Typical)

Capacitance	Voltage	Type	Quantity
680µF	200V	Radial	2
1000µF	25V	Radial	2
470µF	25V	Radial	2
220µF	25V	Radial	2
100µF	16V	Radial	4
47µF	50V	Radial	2
10µF	50V	Radial	4

Warning: Power supply capacitors store dangerous voltages. Discharge fully before servicing.

Capacitor Replacement Procedure

1. Discharge CRT – Follow the CRT Discharge Procedure before any internal work
2. Remove Logic Board – Disconnect all cables and remove mounting screws
3. Document Capacitor Positions – Photograph the board before removal
4. Desolder Old Caps – Use a temperature-controlled iron (300–350°C) and desoldering braid or pump
5. Clean Pads – Remove old solder and any leaked electrolyte with isopropyl alcohol
6. Install Replacements – Observe correct polarity; negative stripe aligns with board marking
7. Solder Securely – Use quality 60/40 or 63/37 leaded solder for best results
8. Trim Leads – Cut flush to avoid shorts (through-hole only)
9. Inspect Work – Check for solder bridges and cold joints
10. Clean Board – Remove flux residue with isopropyl alcohol

Recommended Tools

• Temperature-controlled soldering iron (Hakko FX-888D or similar)
• Fine soldering tip (chisel or conical, 1–2mm)
• Desoldering pump or braid
• Fine leaded solder (0.5–0.8mm diameter)
• Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and ESD-safe brush
• Multimeter with continuity function
• Safety glasses
• Anti-static wrist strap

Recommended Capacitor Types

For replacements, use quality brands:

• Nichicon – UPW, UHE, or UPJ series
• Panasonic – FR or FC series
• Rubycon – ZLH or YXF series
• United Chemi-Con – KZE or KY series

Avoid generic or unknown brand capacitors for reliability.

Voltage Checks After Recap

After recapping, verify power supply voltages:

• +5V rail: 4.85V – 5.15V
• +12V rail: 11.9V – 12.7V
• +3.3V rail: 3.2V – 3.4V

If voltages are out of spec, recheck your work and PSU capacitors.

Additional Tips

• Take photos before and after for reference
• Work in a well-ventilated area when soldering
• Don't overheat SMD pads – they can lift from the PCB
• Consider recapping the power supply at the same time as the logic board
• Test the system thoroughly after recapping before reassembly

Related Maintenance Pages

• Macintosh Performa 5400CD
• Macintosh Performa 5400 Troubleshooting
• Macintosh Performa 5400 General Maintenance
• CRT Discharge Procedure