Editing Atari STE Capacitor Replacement Guide (section)

== Replacement Procedure ==

=== Tools Required ===

Same as for the ST family — see [[Atari ST Capacitor Replacement Guide#Tools Required|ST Capacitor Replacement Guide — Tools]].

=== Motherboard Recap Procedure ===

# Open the case and disconnect the PSU and floppy drive from the motherboard (see [[Atari STE General Maintenance#Opening the Case|STE General Maintenance — Opening the Case]]).
# '''Remove the SIMMs''' before starting soldering work to protect them from heat and flux contamination.
# Photograph the board before starting, noting all capacitor polarities.
# Work through each capacitor position, desoldering the old cap, cleaning the pads, and soldering the replacement.
# The STE motherboard uses a mix of axial and radial capacitor footprints. Most of the 47 µF caps in the C500–C600 range are axial. Modern radial replacements can be used by bending leads or mounting upright.
# '''Take extra care around the GST MCU (U400) and GST Shifter''' — these are surface-mount chips and can be damaged by excessive heat from nearby soldering. Use a fine tip and work quickly near these ICs.
# After completing all replacements, clean the board thoroughly with IPA and a brush to remove flux residue.
# Reinstall SIMMs and reconnect all cables.

=== PSU Recap Procedure ===

Same as for the 1040ST — see [[Atari ST Capacitor Replacement Guide#PSU Recap Procedure (1040ST)|ST Capacitor Replacement Guide — PSU Recap Procedure]]. All safety warnings about mains voltage apply.