Editing Atari 600XL Capacitor Replacement Guide (section)

== Critical Capacitors ==

=== C95 — Main Bulk Filter (470 µF / 16V) ===
This is the most critical capacitor on the board. It filters the incoming +5V supply, smoothing out ripple and providing current reserve for transient loads. A failed C95 will cause:
* Voltage sag under load, leading to random crashes
* Increased ripple on the +5V rail, causing video noise (horizontal lines or "jail bars")
* System failing to boot entirely if the capacitor is shorted

'''Replacement recommendation:''' Use a 470 µF, 25V (or higher) capacitor rated for 105°C and low ESR.

=== C100, C102, C103 — Non-Polarised Video Coupling (4.7 µF / 35V NP) ===
These three non-polarised (bipolar) electrolytic capacitors are in the video output signal path. Failed capacitors here cause:
* Loss of colour output (black and white image)
* Weak or washed-out video
* No composite or RF video output

'''Important:''' These must be replaced with '''non-polarised (bipolar) electrolytic''' capacitors, not standard polarised types. Using polarised capacitors in these positions will result in degraded video quality and premature failure.

=== C44 — POKEY Audio Coupling (47 µF / 10V) ===
This capacitor is associated with the POKEY chip's audio output. A failed C44 causes:
* No audio output or very quiet audio
* Distorted or "buzzy" sound
* Clicking or popping from the speaker/audio output