Josh: Created comprehensive GameCube capacitor replacement guide covering all board revisions

2026-03-26T10:34:33Z

Created comprehensive GameCube capacitor replacement guide covering all board revisions

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'''Recapping a Nintendo GameCube ensures long-term reliability, stable power delivery, and clean video/audio output.''' The GameCube uses SMD and through-hole electrolytic capacitors across multiple boards — the mainboard, DC-DC converter, and optical drive PCB. After 20+ years, these capacitors can dry out or leak, causing disc read errors, video noise, audio distortion, or complete failure. This guide covers every board revision with full capacitor lists and replacement procedures.

== Visual Inspection & Failure Signs ==

* '''Bulging or domed tops''' — Any convex shape on the capacitor's aluminium can indicates internal pressure and imminent failure.
* '''Leaking electrolyte''' — Brown, white, or green crust at the base or leads signals a leaking or vented capacitor. On SMD parts, look for discolouration of the PCB around the cap footprint.
* '''Corrosion or PCB staining''' — Discolouration or residue around capacitors, especially on the optical drive PCB and DC-DC converter.
* '''Video/audio artefacts''' — Lines, flicker, colour loss, or buzzing audio can be traced to degraded capacitors on the mainboard.
* '''Disc read errors''' — "An error has occurred" or "No Disc" messages are frequently caused by failed capacitors on the optical drive PCB.
* '''Boot/power issues''' — Intermittent startup, random resets, or failure to power on can result from degraded DC-DC converter capacitors.

If '''any''' capacitor shows visible signs of failure, replace '''all''' electrolytics on that board.

== Mainboard Capacitor Lists ==

Capacitor count and values vary by mainboard revision. Always verify the revision printed on the PCB silkscreen before ordering parts.

=== NTSC — DOL-CPU-01, DOL-CPU-10, C/DOL-CPU-11, C/DOL-CPU-20 ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Early NTSC Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Notes
|-
| C1 || 33 µF || 25 V || Power input filter
|-
| C2 || 220 µF || 25 V || Main bulk filter
|-
| C3 || 33 µF || 25 V || Power input filter
|-
| C115 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C116 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C118 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C155 || 220 µF || 6.3 V || Power rail filter
|-
| C156 || 220 µF || 6.3 V || Power rail filter
|}

''8 capacitors total. All SMD electrolytic.''

=== NTSC — C/DOL-CPU-30 ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+'''C/DOL-CPU-30 Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Notes
|-
| C1 || 10 µF || 25 V || Power input filter (reduced from 33 µF)
|-
| C2 || 220 µF || 25 V || Main bulk filter
|-
| C115 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C116 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C118 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C155 || 220 µF || 6.3 V || Power rail filter
|-
| C156 || 220 µF || 6.3 V || Power rail filter
|}

''7 capacitors total. C3 removed in this revision. C1 value reduced to 10 µF.''

=== NTSC — C/DOL-CPU-50, C/DOL-CPU-60 (DOL-101) ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+'''DOL-101 Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Notes
|-
| C2 || 100 µF || 16 V || Main bulk filter (reduced)
|-
| C155 || 220 µF || 6.3 V || Power rail filter
|-
| C156 || 220 µF || 6.3 V || Power rail filter
|}

''3 electrolytic capacitors total. Significantly simplified board.''

Additionally, the DOL-101 boards use '''polymer capacitors''' at the following locations (typically lifetime parts that do not require replacement):

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''DOL-101 Polymer Capacitors (Reference Only)'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| DC1 || 330 µF || 4 V
|-
| DC2 || 330 µF || 4 V
|-
| DC3 || 100 µF || 6 V
|-
| DC4 || 150 µF || 4 V
|}

=== PAL — C/DOL-CPU(P)-01 ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+'''PAL Rev 01 Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Notes
|-
| C1 || 33 µF || 25 V || Power input filter
|-
| C2 || 220 µF || 25 V || Main bulk filter
|-
| C3 || 33 µF || 25 V || Power input filter
|-
| C115 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C116 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C118 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|}

''6 capacitors total. C155/C156 not present on this PAL revision.''

=== PAL — C/DOL-CPU(P)-10 ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+'''PAL Rev 10 Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Notes
|-
| C1 || 10 µF || 25 V || Power input filter (reduced)
|-
| C2 || 220 µF || 25 V || Main bulk filter
|-
| C115 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C116 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|-
| C118 || 10 µF || 16 V || Audio/video path
|}

''5 capacitors total.''

=== PAL — C/DOL-CPU(P)-20 (DOL-101) ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+'''PAL DOL-101 Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 100 µF || 16 V
|}

''1 electrolytic capacitor total. Most simplified PAL board.''

== DC-DC Converter Board Capacitor Lists ==

The internal DC-DC converter steps the external 12 V input down to multiple regulated rails. Multiple manufacturers and board revisions exist — '''identify your board before ordering parts.'''

=== Mitsumi LSJB1091-1 (GCMK-MIX / GMKY-MIX) ===

The most common converter board. Uses four large electrolytic capacitors.

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Mitsumi LSJB1091-1 Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C1 || 1000 µF || 6.3 V
|-
| C3 || 1000 µF || 6.3 V
|-
| C5 || 1000 µF || 6.3 V
|-
| C7 || 1000 µF || 6.3 V
|}

''Note: A 3-cap variant exists where C5 is replaced by coil L5. Verify your board layout.''

=== Sharp DUQ1230A ===

Mostly polymer caps with one electrolytic:

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Sharp DUQ1230A Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Type
|-
| C29 || 390 µF || 6 V || Polymer
|-
| C48 || 100 µF || 6 V || Polymer
|-
| C57 || 1000 µF || 6.3 V || '''Electrolytic'''
|-
| C63 || 390 µF || 6 V || Polymer
|}

''Only C57 typically requires replacement.''

=== TDK 1.0 / 1.1 / 2.0 ===

All polymer capacitors — '''typically lifetime parts, service unlikely needed:'''

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''TDK 1.0/1.1/2.0 Capacitors (Reference)'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Type
|-
| (unlabeled) || 560 µF || 2.5 V || Polymer
|-
| (unlabeled) || 150 µF || 4 V || Polymer
|-
| (unlabeled) || 100 µF || 6.3 V || Polymer
|}

=== TDK 2.1 ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''TDK 2.1 Capacitors (Reference)'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Type
|-
| (unlabeled) || 270 µF || 2.5 V || Polymer
|-
| (unlabeled) || 270 µF || 2.5 V || Polymer
|-
| (unlabeled) || 150 µF || 4 V || Polymer
|-
| (unlabeled) || 100 µF || 6.3 V || Polymer
|}

=== Mitsumi (Tantalum Variants) ===

Older Mitsumi boards use tantalum capacitors. Values are not fully documented for all revisions:

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Mitsumi Tantalum Variant Capacitors (Partial)'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Notes
|-
| C47 || 56 µF or 100 µF || Varies by sub-revision
|-
| C51 || 56 µF ||
|-
| C53 || 56 µF || Sometimes C54 with ceramic
|}

== Optical Drive PCB Capacitor List ==

The optical drive board is the '''most failure-prone''' component in the GameCube. Degraded capacitors here cause disc read errors long before the laser itself fails.

=== Revisions A-1/B-1 through A-4/B-4 ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Optical Drive Board Electrolytic Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Qty
|-
| C103 || 100 µF || 6.3 V || 1×
|-
| C104 || 47 µF || 4 V || 1×
|-
| C235 || 47 µF || 4 V || 1×
|-
| C238 || 220 µF || 4 V || 1×
|-
| C305 || 47 µF || 4 V || 1×
|-
| C401 || 100 µF || 6.3 V || 1×
|-
| C408 || 47 µF || 4 V || 1×
|-
| C431 || 47 µF || 4 V || 1×
|-
| C432 || 47 µF || 6.3 V || 1×
|-
| C517 || 100 µF || 6.3 V || 1×
|}

''10 capacitors total. All SMD electrolytic.''

== External Power Supply Capacitor Lists ==

For those servicing the external AC adapter. '''⚠️ Mains voltage capacitors inside — discharge fully before work.'''

=== NTSC 100–120 V PSU ===

==== LSJB1026-1 / LSJB1026-2 / LSJB1026-3 ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''LSJB1026 Series Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 150 µF || 200 V
|-
| C5 || 47 µF || 50 V
|-
| C7 || 1 µF || 50 V
|-
| C104 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C105 || 47 µF || 25 V
|-
| C107 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C110 || 680 µF || 16 V
|}

==== Mitsumi Type 1 ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Mitsumi Type 1 PSU Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 200 µF (may be 220 µF) || 220 V
|-
| C10 || 330 µF || 25 V
|-
| C13 || 2200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C14 || 330 µF || 16 V
|-
| C17 || 220 µF || 10 V
|-
| C18 || 330 µF || 16 V
|-
| C21 || 100 µF || 25 V
|}

''Identified by: 200 µF/220 V main filter cap (C2), no shielding above circuits.''

==== Mitsumi Type 2 ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Mitsumi Type 2 PSU Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 220 µF || 250 V
|-
| C10 || 330 µF || 25 V
|-
| C13 || 2200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C14 || 1000 µF || 16 V
|-
| C17 || 220 µF || 10 V
|-
| C18 || 330 µF || 16 V
|-
| C21 || 100 µF || 25 V
|}

''Identified by: 220 µF/250 V main filter cap, shielding covers large portion of PCB.''

==== TDK 3EA00E368 ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''TDK PSU Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C3 || 150 µF || 200 V
|-
| C13 || 4.7 µF || 50 V
|-
| C54 || 22 µF || 50 V
|-
| C52 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C53 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C55 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|}

==== Zebra AA 925-4001H ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Zebra 925-4001H Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 270 µF || 200 V
|-
| C4 || 120 µF || 35 V
|-
| C9 || 1800 µF || 25 V
|-
| C11 || 120 µF || 25 V
|-
| C15 || 47 µF || 16 V
|}

==== Zebra AA 925-4201E ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Zebra 925-4201E Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 200 µF || 200 V
|-
| C9 || 39 µF || 35 V
|-
| C18 || 2200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C20 || 10 µF || 35 V
|-
| C22 || 680 µF || 16 V
|}

==== Zebra AA 925-4401AC ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Zebra 925-4401AC Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 180 µF || 200 V
|-
| C9 || 39 µF || 35 V
|-
| C15 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C18 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C20 || 10 µF || 35 V
|-
| C22 || 680 µF || 16 V
|}

=== PAL 220–240 V PSU ===

==== LSJB1094-1 ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''LSJB1094-1 Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 47 µF || 400 V
|-
| C5 || 47 µF || 50 V
|-
| C7 || 1 µF || 50 V
|-
| C104 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C105 || 47 µF || 25 V
|-
| C107 || 1200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C110 || 680 µF || 16 V
|}

==== Zebra AA925-4101C / AA925-4101DC ====

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Zebra PAL PSU Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C2 || 82 µF || 400 V
|-
| C9 || 56 µF || 35 V
|-
| C18 || 2200 µF || 16 V
|-
| C20 || 10 µF || 35 V
|-
| C22 || 1000 µF || 16 V
|}

== Game Boy Player Capacitor List ==

=== DOL-GBS-01 / DOL-GBS-10 / DOL-GBS-20 ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Game Boy Player Electrolytic Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage
|-
| C17 || 33 µF || 6.3 V
|-
| C18 || 33 µF || 6.3 V
|-
| C19 || 100 µF || 6.3 V
|-
| C20 || 33 µF || 6.3 V
|-
| C21 || 33 µF || 16 V
|-
| C27 || 220 µF || 6.3 V
|}

== Recapping Procedure ==

=== Disassembly ===
# Remove the four '''4.5 mm Gamebit screws''' from the underside of the console.
# Lift off the top shell.
# Unsnap the controller port cover and rear I/O cover.
# Remove the fan assembly (Phillips #2 screws).
# Remove the 12 perimeter Phillips screws.
# Lift the optical drive assembly and disconnect its ribbon cable.
# Remove the six heatsink screws and carefully detach the heatsink (warm thermal pads with a hair dryer if stuck).
# The mainboard is now accessible. For the DC-DC converter, remove the two screws holding the EMI shield plate underneath the mainboard.

=== SMD Capacitor Replacement ===
# Apply flux to both pads of the capacitor to be removed.
# Use '''hot air''' (280–320 °C) or a fine-tipped iron. Gently rock the capacitor side-to-side while heating both ends until it releases.
# Alternatively, use a '''soldering iron''' with a wide chisel tip and add fresh solder to both ends, then slide the cap off.
# '''Do not''' lever capacitors off with force — this lifts pads.
# Clean pads with IPA and a nylon brush. Remove old flux residue.
# Place the new capacitor, observing '''correct polarity''' (stripe = negative).
# Tack one end, then solder the other. Inspect for bridges.

=== Through-Hole Capacitor Replacement ===
''Applicable to some DC-DC converter and PSU boards.''
# Use desoldering braid or a solder sucker to remove old solder from each lead hole.
# Extract the old capacitor. If leads are stuck, add fresh solder and try again.
# Insert the replacement, observing polarity (longer lead = positive, stripe on can = negative).
# Solder both leads and trim excess.

=== Post-Soldering Inspection ===
# Inspect all joints under magnification for bridges, cold joints, or lifted pads.
# Clean all flux residue with IPA and a nylon brush.
# Check for shorts between adjacent pads with a multimeter in continuity mode.

== Post-Recap Voltage & Ripple Checks ==

After reassembly, measure all voltage rails at the internal PSU connector (or at mainboard test points) with the external PSU connected:

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Power Rails — Expected Values After Recap'''
|-
! Rail !! Nominal !! Acceptable Range !! Max Ripple (peak-to-peak)
|-
| 12 V (pin 20) || 12.0 V || 11.8–12.3 V || < 100 mV
|-
| 5 V (pins 21–22) || 5.0 V || 4.9–5.1 V || < 50 mV
|-
| 3.3 V (pins 3–4) || 3.3 V || 3.2–3.4 V || < 40 mV
|-
| 1.8 V (pins 9–12) || 1.8 V || 1.75–1.85 V || < 30 mV
|-
| 1.55 V (pins 13–15) || 1.55 V || 1.50–1.60 V || < 30 mV
|}

''Excessive ripple (>100 mV on any rail) may indicate a remaining faulty capacitor, a failing DC-DC converter, or a defective external PSU.''

== Recommended Tools & Parts ==

* '''Temperature-controlled soldering iron''' (fine tip, 1–2 mm chisel)
* '''Hot air rework station''' (for SMD removal)
* '''Desoldering braid and solder sucker'''
* '''Isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and nylon brush'''
* '''ESD-safe tweezers'''
* '''Magnifier, loupe, or microscope'''
* '''Digital multimeter''' (for voltage and continuity checks)
* '''Oscilloscope''' (optional, for ripple measurements)
* '''4.5 mm Gamebit driver''' and '''Phillips #2 screwdriver'''
* '''High-quality 105 °C low-ESR capacitors''' (Nichicon, Panasonic, Rubycon, or equivalent)
* '''Kapton tape''' (to shield plastic connectors from hot air)
* '''Flux''' (no-clean or water-soluble)
* '''Fine leaded solder''' (0.5–0.8 mm)

== Priority Recap Order ==

If recapping the entire console is not practical, prioritise boards in this order:

# '''Optical drive PCB''' — Most failure-prone; fixes the vast majority of disc read errors.
# '''DC-DC converter board''' — Especially Mitsumi LSJB1091-1 with four 1000 µF caps.
# '''Mainboard''' — Audio/video quality improvements; prevents boot issues.
# '''External PSU''' — If output voltage is unstable or ripple is excessive.

== Related Pages ==
* [[Nintendo GameCube Maintenance Guide]]
* [[Nintendo GameCube Troubleshooting Guide]]

[[Category:Nintendo]]
[[Category:Capacitor Replacement Guides]]

Nintendo GameCube Capacitor Replacement Guide - Revision history

Josh: Created comprehensive GameCube capacitor replacement guide covering all board revisions