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Rebuild from hosted SNES schematic + console5 + Altomare (three sources agree). Previous C59-C76 block (sixteen consecutive 10uF SMD) was fabricated: real SHVC-CPU-01 is C50/C51 47uF 10V on the sound module, C57-C60 100uF 6V, C61 10uF, C62 2.2uF, C63/C64 33uF 25V, C65/C66 10uF, C67 1000uF 25V. Invented AV daughterboard table removed. Per-revision coverage added. Cited; Unverified data cleared
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[[File:Super_Famicom_(photo).jpg|thumb|300px|Super Famicom]]


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'''Capacitor lists for the Super Famicom and its Super Nintendo siblings, by board revision.''' Most of the electrolytics on these machines are surface-mount parts, and the board revisions differ enough that a list for the wrong revision will have you looking for capacitors that are not there. Read the revision off the PCB silkscreen before you order anything.
 
The Super Famicom is not a machine with a reputation for leaking capacitors — unlike the Game Gear or the PC Engine Duo, where recapping is effectively mandatory. The usual advice from restorers is to open the console and look rather than to recap on principle. The catch with surface-mount electrolytics is that early leakage hides underneath the can, so a board can look clean and still be quietly corroding.<ref name="retrorgb">Bob, "Restoring A Super Nintendo", RetroRGB, 31 May 2020 — https://www.retrorgb.com/restoring-a-super-nintendo.html . Used for the assessment that the SNES is not known for leaky capacitors, and that SMD leakage is concealed under the capacitor body until the can is removed.</ref>
 
== How solid are these numbers ==
 
Three independent sources agree on the Super Famicom and SNES capacitor lists where they overlap, which is unusually good evidence for a machine Nintendo never published a public service manual for:
 
* '''The SNES schematic hosted on this wiki''', drawn for the SHVC-SOUND, SNS-CPU-GPM-01/02 and SNS-CPU-RGB-01/02 boards.<ref name="snessch">''SNES Schematic'' (multi-revision NTSC drawing from wiki.superfamicom.org), hosted at [[:File:Snes schematic.pdf]]. Covers SHVC-SOUND, SNS-CPU-GPM-01/02 and SNS-CPU-RGB-01/02. Read directly from the drawing: C57 220&nbsp;µF, C59 220&nbsp;µF, C61 10&nbsp;µF, C62 2.2&nbsp;µF, C63 33&nbsp;µF, C64 33&nbsp;µF, C65 10&nbsp;µF, C66 10&nbsp;µF, C73 47&nbsp;µF, with every remaining position 0.1&nbsp;µF or smaller.</ref>
* '''Console5's TechWiki''', a secondary source whose lists are compiled from physical boards.<ref name="c5snes">Console5 TechWiki, ''SNES'' — https://wiki.console5.com/wiki/SNES . Secondary source: a community wiki whose capacitor lists are compiled from physical boards rather than manufacturer documentation. Used here for per-revision capacitor lists and voltage ratings, the chip maps, and the transcription of Nintendo's Control Deck diagnostic table.</ref>
* '''Altomare's capacitor list''', compiled from boards the author repaired personally, which adds can diameters, lead pitch and heights.<ref name="altomare">Altomare, ''snes-capacitors'' — https://github.com/Altomare/snes-capacitors . Secondary source: a list compiled by one repairer from boards handled personally. Used for capacitor package types, can diameters, lead pitch and height, the location of C50/C51 on the SHVC-SOUND module, and the C59 bipolar history on PAL boards.</ref>
 
On the SNS-CPU-GPM boards the schematic and Console5 agree on every shared designator and value. The one designator Console5 lists that the schematic does not show is C67, which Console5 records as "not present on North American units" — and the schematic is a North American drawing. The two sources are consistent even in what they omit.<ref name="snessch" /><ref name="c5snes" />


Replacing the ageing electrolytic capacitors in your '''Super Famicom''' is essential for ensuring stable operation, clean video and audio output, and long-term reliability. Decades-old capacitors are prone to leakage, increased ESR, and failure, which can cause power instability, distorted sound, or even prevent the console from powering on. Proactive recapping is a vital part of preventative maintenance for any Super Famicom still in use.
== SHVC-CPU-01 — the original Super Famicom board ==


== Visual Inspection & Failure Signs ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%;"
|+'''SHVC-CPU-01 (1990)'''
! Designator !! Value !! Voltage !! Package !! Note
|-
| C50 || 47 µF || 10 V || Radial, 6.3 mm can || On the SHVC-SOUND module
|-
| C51 || 47 µF || 10 V || Radial, 6.3 mm can || On the SHVC-SOUND module
|-
| C57 || 100 µF || 6 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C58 || 100 µF || 6 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C59 || 100 µF || 6 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C60 || 100 µF || 6 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C61 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
| C62 || 2.2 µF || 50 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
| C63 || 33 µF || 25 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C64 || 33 µF || 25 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C65 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
| C66 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
| C67 || 1000 µF || 25 V || Radial, 13 mm can, 5 mm pitch, 25 mm tall || Main reservoir on the DC input
|}


Before beginning, carefully inspect all electrolytic capacitors on both the mainboard and the AV daughterboard (if present):
Thirteen electrolytics in total.<ref name="c5snes" /><ref name="altomare" />


* '''Bulging or domed tops''' – Indicates internal gas build-up and imminent failure.
'''C50 and C51 are on the sound module, not the mainboard.''' The SHVC-SOUND daughterboard is where the S-SMP, S-DSP, audio SRAM and the µPD6376 DAC live, and it carries these two capacitors. The clearance between the module PCB and its shield is only about 8&nbsp;mm, and the original parts were roughly 5&nbsp;mm tall — do not fit a standard-height 47&nbsp;µF part here, it will not go back together. The board footprint is 5&nbsp;mm pitch but the original capacitors were 2&nbsp;mm pitch with the legs bent out.<ref name="altomare" />
* '''Leaking electrolyte''' – Brown, yellow, or white residue at the base or on the PCB is a sign of leakage.
* '''Corrosion or PCB staining''' – Green or darkened areas around capacitor pads or traces.
* '''Audio/video issues''' – Buzzing, distortion, or “hissing” audio; unstable or noisy video output.
* '''Power instability''' – Random resets, failure to power on, or intermittent operation.


If any capacitor shows signs of failure, it is strongly recommended to replace '''all''' electrolytic capacitors on the board, as others are likely to be near end-of-life.
'''C67 is 25 V rated and must stay that way.''' It sits on the rectified DC input, upstream of the regulator, on a supply that is nominally 10&nbsp;V but unregulated. A 16&nbsp;V part in this position is under-specified.


== Super Famicom Capacitor Lists ==
== Later Nintendo-16 boards ==


The Super Famicom (SHVC-CPU-01 and later revisions) uses a mix of through-hole and SMD aluminium electrolytic capacitors. Always cross-check your board’s silkscreen and markings, as values may vary slightly between revisions.
Console5's lists for the later revisions are labelled with the North American SNS- and European SNSP- board numbers. They are included here because a great many Super Famicoms in circulation have been compared against them and because the designator scheme is shared, but '''if your silkscreen does not say one of these numbers, the list does not apply to your board.'''<ref name="c5snes" />


=== Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors ===
=== SNS-CPU-GPM-01 and SNS-CPU-GPM-02 ===


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{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:85%;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
|+'''SNS-CPU-GPM-01 / -02'''
|+'''Super Famicom Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors'''
! Designator !! Value !! Voltage !! Package !! Note
! Ref. Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Type !! Typical Function
|-
| C57 || 220 µF || 6.3 V || Radial, 6.6 mm can, 2.5 mm pitch ||
|-
|-
| C59 || 1000 µF || 16 V || Through-hole || Main 5 V input filter
| C59 || 220 µF || 6.3 V || Radial, 6.6 mm can, 2.5 mm pitch ||
|-
|-
| C58 || 470 µF || 16 V || Through-hole || 5 V rail smoothing
| C61 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
|-
| C60 || 220 µF || 10 V || Through-hole || Audio amp supply
| C62 || 2.2 µF || 50 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
|-
| C61 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Audio path (DC-block)
| C63 || 33 µF || 25 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
|-
| C62 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Audio path (DC-block)
| C64 || 33 µF || 25 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
|-
| C63 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Video encoder supply
| C65 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
|-
| C64 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Video encoder supply
| C66 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
|-
| C65 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Video output coupling
| C67 || 1000 µF || 25 V || Radial, 13 mm can, 5 mm pitch, 25 mm tall || '''Not fitted on North American units'''
|-
|-
| C66 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Video output coupling
| C73 || 47 µF || 16 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|}
 
=== SNS-CPU-RGB-01, SNS-CPU-RGB-02, SNS-CPU-APU-01 ===
 
The designators are renumbered entirely on this generation — nothing in the C57–C67 range carries over.
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:75%;"
|+'''SNS-CPU-RGB-01 / -02 and SNS-CPU-APU-01'''
! Designator !! Value !! Voltage !! Note
|-
|-
| C67 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C9 || 2.2 µF || 50 V ||
|-
|-
| C68 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C12 || 10 µF || 16 V ||
|-
|-
| C69 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C13 || 10 µF || 16 V ||
|-
|-
| C70 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C14 || 33 µF || 25 V ||
|-
|-
| C71 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C15 || 47 µF || 16 V ||
|-
|-
| C72 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C16 || 33 µF || 25 V ||
|-
|-
| C73 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C17 || 33 µF || 25 V ||
|-
|-
| C74 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C18 || 220 µF || 6.3 V ||
|-
|-
| C75 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C19 || 220 µF || 6.3 V ||
|-
|-
| C76 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Misc. decoupling
| C58 || 1000 µF || 25 V || '''Not fitted on North American units'''
|}
|}


''Note: Some later revisions (e.g., SHVC-CPU-02, SHVC-CPU-03) may have minor differences in capacitor count or location. Always verify against your actual board.''
=== SNS-CPU-1CHIP-01, -02 and -03 ===


=== AV/Audio Board (if present) ===
Identical to the RGB/APU list above, including C58.<ref name="c5snes" />


Some Super Famicom models include a small AV or audio daughterboard, typically with additional capacitors for audio filtering.
=== SNN-CPU-01 (SNES Jr / SNES mini) ===


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{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:75%;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''SNN-CPU-01'''
|+'''Super Famicom AV/Audio Board Capacitors'''
! Designator !! Value !! Voltage !! Note
! Ref. Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Type !! Function
|-
| C9 || 2.2 µF || 50 V ||
|-
| C14 || 33 µF || 25 V || See note below
|-
| C15 || 47 µF || 16 V ||
|-
| C16 || 33 µF || 25 V || See note below
|-
| C17 || 33 µF || 25 V || See note below
|-
| C52 || 1000 µF || 25 V || '''Not fitted on North American units'''
|-
|-
| C1 || 47 µF || 16 V || SMD || Audio output coupling
| C58 || 10 µF || 16 V ||
|-
|-
| C2 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Audio filter
| C59 || 10 µF || 16 V ||
|-
|-
| C3 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || Audio filter
| C60 || 220 µF || 6.3 V ||
|}
|}


''If your model does not have a separate AV board, these capacitors may be located on the mainboard.''
Some SNES Jr units left the factory with 33&nbsp;µF/50&nbsp;V parts at C14, C16 and C17 — probably a part shortage during assembly rather than a design change. Console5 notes that the highest voltage anywhere in the machine is the supply coming in from the external transformer, so a 25&nbsp;V part is correct and the 50&nbsp;V parts were simply what was to hand.<ref name="c5snes" />


== Capacitor Replacement Procedure ==
=== PAL boards ===


# '''Disassemble the console:''' Remove the screws from the case bottom, then carefully lift off the top shell. Disconnect the controller ports and remove the shielding.
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%;"
# '''Remove the mainboard:''' Unscrew the board from the lower shell. Take care with the cartridge slot and any attached daughterboards.
|+'''SNSP-CPU-01 and SNSP-CPU-02'''
# '''Label cables and connectors''' to avoid confusion during reassembly.
! Designator !! Value !! Voltage !! Package !! Note
# '''Desolder old capacitors:''' For through-hole types, use a soldering iron and pump or braid. For SMD capacitors, gently heat one side at a time and lift off with tweezers. Clean any leaked electrolyte with isopropyl alcohol and a brush.
|-
# '''Install new capacitors:''' Observe correct polarity (longer lead or marked side is positive for through-hole; SMD usually has a stripe for negative). Match lead spacing and orientation.
| C59 || 10 µF || 25 V || SMD, 6.3 mm || '''Fit a bipolar part here.''' Original on -01; already bipolar on -02
# '''Solder carefully:''' Ensure solid joints and avoid solder bridges.
|-
# '''Inspect and clean up:''' Check for any solder splashes or residue. Clean the board with alcohol.
| C60 || 10 µF || 50 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
# '''Reassemble the console''' and double-check all connections before powering on.
|-
| C61 || 10 µF || 50 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C62 || 2.2 µF || 50 V || SMD, 4.0 mm ||
|-
| C63 || 33 µF || 25 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C64 || 33 µF || 25 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C65 || 10 µF || 50 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C66 || 10 µF || 50 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|-
| C67 || 2200 µF || 25 V || Radial, 13–16 mm can, 25 mm tall || Main reservoir. The -01 is 16 mm / 7.5 mm pitch; the -02 board has multiple hole positions
|-
| C73 || 47 µF || 16 V || SMD, 6.3 mm ||
|}


== Recommended Tools & Parts ==
The C59 position is a genuine Nintendo design fault rather than an ageing problem: the original polarised part sits where the polarity reverses. Nintendo addressed it in the SNSP-CPU-02 revision, and some consoles were retrofitted by Nintendo with a bipolar part — those carry a small round "C59" sticker on the underside. If you are recapping an SNSP-CPU-01, fit a bipolar capacitor at C59 whatever was there before.<ref name="altomare" /><ref name="c5snes" />


* '''Temperature-controlled soldering iron (fine tip, 2 mm chisel for through-hole, conical for SMD)'''
The PAL reservoir is 2200&nbsp;µF against the Japanese and North American 1000&nbsp;µF because the PAL SNES takes a 9&nbsp;V ''AC'' supply and has to rectify it, while the Super Famicom and the North American SNES take DC.<ref name="fullsnes">Martin Korth, ''fullsnes'' — SNES hardware specifications — https://problemkaputt.de/fullsnes.htm . Sections "SNES Power Supply" and "SNES Audio/Video Connector Pinouts". Source for the 10&nbsp;V DC 850&nbsp;mA NTSC supply, the 9&nbsp;V AC PAL supply, the 7805 producing the single +5&nbsp;V logic rail, the unregulated ~9&nbsp;V feeding the audio amplifier, and the 12-pin Multi Out pinout.</ref>
* '''Desoldering pump and braid'''
* '''Tweezers (for SMD work)'''
* '''Isopropyl alcohol (99%) and antistatic brush'''
* '''Multimeter (for continuity and voltage checks)'''
* '''High-quality 105 °C, low-ESR electrolytic capacitors''' (brands such as Nichicon, Panasonic, Rubycon)
* '''Lead-free or leaded 0.5 mm solder'''
* '''Kapton tape''' (to insulate capacitors near shielding if needed)
* '''Protective eyewear'''


== Voltage & Function Check After Recap ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:75%;"
|+'''SNSP-CPU-1CHIP-01 and SNSP-CPU-1CHIP-02'''
! Designator !! Value !! Voltage !! Note
|-
| C9 || 2.2 µF || 50 V ||
|-
| C12 || 10 µF || 16 V ||
|-
| C13 || 10 µF || 16 V ||
|-
| C14 || 33 µF || 25 V ||
|-
| C15 || 47 µF || 16 V ||
|-
| C16 || 33 µF || 25 V ||
|-
| C17 || 33 µF || 25 V ||
|-
| C18 || 220 µF || 6.3 V ||
|-
| C19 || 220 µF || 6.3 V ||
|-
| C59 || 10 µF || 25 V || Bipolar
|-
| C71 || 10 µF || 50 V ||
|-
| C72 || 2200 µF || 25 V || Main reservoir
|}
 
== Revisions with no published list ==
 
No per-position capacitor list has been published for the Japanese SHVC-CPU boards later than SHVC-CPU-01, or for the SHVC-1CHIP boards, as distinct from their SNS- and SNSP- equivalents. If your board carries one of those numbers, read your own board: the designators are silkscreened, and the value and voltage are printed on every can.


After reassembly, verify the following:
== Replacement procedure ==


* '''+5 V rail''' at the main input filter capacitor (C59): should read 4.90 – 5.10 V DC.
# '''Open the console.''' The shell screws are 4.5&nbsp;mm Gamebit security screws.
* '''Audio output''' should be free of hum, buzz, or distortion.
# '''Remove the RF shield and lift the mainboard''' out of the lower shell, taking care with the cartridge connector and the sound module.
* '''Video output''' should be stable, with no rolling, flickering, or colour artefacts.
# '''Photograph the board before you remove anything.''' Polarity on surface-mount electrolytics is marked by a stripe or a bevel on the can, and it is not consistent between positions.
* If you have an oscilloscope, check for ripple on the 5 V rail: should be less than 50 mV p-p.
# '''Remove the surface-mount capacitors by heating both ends.''' Hot air at a moderate setting, or a fine iron with fresh solder and flux added to both terminations, then rock the can gently. Do not lever a capacitor off — that takes the pad with it.
# '''Clean the pads.''' Old electrolyte is corrosive and will keep working on the traces if it is left. Isopropyl alcohol and a nylon brush, then inspect under magnification for pads that have gone dull or traces that have thinned.
# '''Fit the new parts''' to the correct value, voltage and polarity, tacking one end before soldering the other.
# '''Inspect for bridges''' under magnification and check for continuity between adjacent pads before powering up.


== Additional Tips ==
Through-hole positions — C50/C51 on the sound module and the main reservoir — come out with braid or a pump in the normal way. Mind the height limits noted above.


* Replace all electrolytic capacitors at once; partial recapping is not recommended.
== Recommended parts ==
* Double-check polarity before soldering each capacitor.
* Clean any leaked electrolyte thoroughly, as it is corrosive and can damage traces.
* If the console has not been powered up for years, use a current-limited bench supply for the first power-on.
* SMD capacitors can be replaced with modern SMD or carefully adapted radial types if preferred.
* Dispose of old capacitors at an approved electronics recycling centre.


== Related Pages ==
* 105&nbsp;°C rated capacitors from a reputable manufacturer.
* Match or exceed the original voltage rating. The 25&nbsp;V positions sit on the unregulated input side and genuinely need 25&nbsp;V.
* Fit a '''bipolar''' part at C59 on PAL SNSP-CPU-01 boards.
* Surface-mount positions can be rebuilt with leaded radial parts if you prefer, provided the height and clearance work out. Kits are sold in both forms.
 
See [[Recommended Tools]] and [[Capacitor Failure Symptoms]].
 
== Related pages ==
* [[Super Famicom]]
* [[Super Famicom Maintenance Guide]]
* [[Super Famicom Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Super Famicom Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Super Famicom Maintenance Guide|Super Famicom General Maintenance]]
* [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
* [[SNES Schematic]]
* [[Battery Explosion, Capacitor or Corrosion Damage]]
 
== References ==
<references />
 
[[Category:Nintendo]]
[[Category:Nintendo]]
[[Category:Capacitor Replacement Guides]]
[[Category:Capacitor Replacement Guides]]

Revision as of 19:50, 22 September 2026

Super Famicom

Capacitor lists for the Super Famicom and its Super Nintendo siblings, by board revision. Most of the electrolytics on these machines are surface-mount parts, and the board revisions differ enough that a list for the wrong revision will have you looking for capacitors that are not there. Read the revision off the PCB silkscreen before you order anything.

The Super Famicom is not a machine with a reputation for leaking capacitors — unlike the Game Gear or the PC Engine Duo, where recapping is effectively mandatory. The usual advice from restorers is to open the console and look rather than to recap on principle. The catch with surface-mount electrolytics is that early leakage hides underneath the can, so a board can look clean and still be quietly corroding.[1]

How solid are these numbers

Three independent sources agree on the Super Famicom and SNES capacitor lists where they overlap, which is unusually good evidence for a machine Nintendo never published a public service manual for:

  • The SNES schematic hosted on this wiki, drawn for the SHVC-SOUND, SNS-CPU-GPM-01/02 and SNS-CPU-RGB-01/02 boards.[2]
  • Console5's TechWiki, a secondary source whose lists are compiled from physical boards.[3]
  • Altomare's capacitor list, compiled from boards the author repaired personally, which adds can diameters, lead pitch and heights.[4]

On the SNS-CPU-GPM boards the schematic and Console5 agree on every shared designator and value. The one designator Console5 lists that the schematic does not show is C67, which Console5 records as "not present on North American units" — and the schematic is a North American drawing. The two sources are consistent even in what they omit.[2][3]

SHVC-CPU-01 — the original Super Famicom board

SHVC-CPU-01 (1990)
Designator Value Voltage Package Note
C50 47 µF 10 V Radial, 6.3 mm can On the SHVC-SOUND module
C51 47 µF 10 V Radial, 6.3 mm can On the SHVC-SOUND module
C57 100 µF 6 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C58 100 µF 6 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C59 100 µF 6 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C60 100 µF 6 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C61 10 µF 16 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C62 2.2 µF 50 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C63 33 µF 25 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C64 33 µF 25 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C65 10 µF 16 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C66 10 µF 16 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C67 1000 µF 25 V Radial, 13 mm can, 5 mm pitch, 25 mm tall Main reservoir on the DC input

Thirteen electrolytics in total.[3][4]

C50 and C51 are on the sound module, not the mainboard. The SHVC-SOUND daughterboard is where the S-SMP, S-DSP, audio SRAM and the µPD6376 DAC live, and it carries these two capacitors. The clearance between the module PCB and its shield is only about 8 mm, and the original parts were roughly 5 mm tall — do not fit a standard-height 47 µF part here, it will not go back together. The board footprint is 5 mm pitch but the original capacitors were 2 mm pitch with the legs bent out.[4]

C67 is 25 V rated and must stay that way. It sits on the rectified DC input, upstream of the regulator, on a supply that is nominally 10 V but unregulated. A 16 V part in this position is under-specified.

Later Nintendo-16 boards

Console5's lists for the later revisions are labelled with the North American SNS- and European SNSP- board numbers. They are included here because a great many Super Famicoms in circulation have been compared against them and because the designator scheme is shared, but if your silkscreen does not say one of these numbers, the list does not apply to your board.[3]

SNS-CPU-GPM-01 and SNS-CPU-GPM-02

SNS-CPU-GPM-01 / -02
Designator Value Voltage Package Note
C57 220 µF 6.3 V Radial, 6.6 mm can, 2.5 mm pitch
C59 220 µF 6.3 V Radial, 6.6 mm can, 2.5 mm pitch
C61 10 µF 16 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C62 2.2 µF 50 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C63 33 µF 25 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C64 33 µF 25 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C65 10 µF 16 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C66 10 µF 16 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C67 1000 µF 25 V Radial, 13 mm can, 5 mm pitch, 25 mm tall Not fitted on North American units
C73 47 µF 16 V SMD, 6.3 mm

SNS-CPU-RGB-01, SNS-CPU-RGB-02, SNS-CPU-APU-01

The designators are renumbered entirely on this generation — nothing in the C57–C67 range carries over.

SNS-CPU-RGB-01 / -02 and SNS-CPU-APU-01
Designator Value Voltage Note
C9 2.2 µF 50 V
C12 10 µF 16 V
C13 10 µF 16 V
C14 33 µF 25 V
C15 47 µF 16 V
C16 33 µF 25 V
C17 33 µF 25 V
C18 220 µF 6.3 V
C19 220 µF 6.3 V
C58 1000 µF 25 V Not fitted on North American units

SNS-CPU-1CHIP-01, -02 and -03

Identical to the RGB/APU list above, including C58.[3]

SNN-CPU-01 (SNES Jr / SNES mini)

SNN-CPU-01
Designator Value Voltage Note
C9 2.2 µF 50 V
C14 33 µF 25 V See note below
C15 47 µF 16 V
C16 33 µF 25 V See note below
C17 33 µF 25 V See note below
C52 1000 µF 25 V Not fitted on North American units
C58 10 µF 16 V
C59 10 µF 16 V
C60 220 µF 6.3 V

Some SNES Jr units left the factory with 33 µF/50 V parts at C14, C16 and C17 — probably a part shortage during assembly rather than a design change. Console5 notes that the highest voltage anywhere in the machine is the supply coming in from the external transformer, so a 25 V part is correct and the 50 V parts were simply what was to hand.[3]

PAL boards

SNSP-CPU-01 and SNSP-CPU-02
Designator Value Voltage Package Note
C59 10 µF 25 V SMD, 6.3 mm Fit a bipolar part here. Original on -01; already bipolar on -02
C60 10 µF 50 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C61 10 µF 50 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C62 2.2 µF 50 V SMD, 4.0 mm
C63 33 µF 25 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C64 33 µF 25 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C65 10 µF 50 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C66 10 µF 50 V SMD, 6.3 mm
C67 2200 µF 25 V Radial, 13–16 mm can, 25 mm tall Main reservoir. The -01 is 16 mm / 7.5 mm pitch; the -02 board has multiple hole positions
C73 47 µF 16 V SMD, 6.3 mm

The C59 position is a genuine Nintendo design fault rather than an ageing problem: the original polarised part sits where the polarity reverses. Nintendo addressed it in the SNSP-CPU-02 revision, and some consoles were retrofitted by Nintendo with a bipolar part — those carry a small round "C59" sticker on the underside. If you are recapping an SNSP-CPU-01, fit a bipolar capacitor at C59 whatever was there before.[4][3]

The PAL reservoir is 2200 µF against the Japanese and North American 1000 µF because the PAL SNES takes a 9 V AC supply and has to rectify it, while the Super Famicom and the North American SNES take DC.[5]

SNSP-CPU-1CHIP-01 and SNSP-CPU-1CHIP-02
Designator Value Voltage Note
C9 2.2 µF 50 V
C12 10 µF 16 V
C13 10 µF 16 V
C14 33 µF 25 V
C15 47 µF 16 V
C16 33 µF 25 V
C17 33 µF 25 V
C18 220 µF 6.3 V
C19 220 µF 6.3 V
C59 10 µF 25 V Bipolar
C71 10 µF 50 V
C72 2200 µF 25 V Main reservoir

Revisions with no published list

No per-position capacitor list has been published for the Japanese SHVC-CPU boards later than SHVC-CPU-01, or for the SHVC-1CHIP boards, as distinct from their SNS- and SNSP- equivalents. If your board carries one of those numbers, read your own board: the designators are silkscreened, and the value and voltage are printed on every can.

Replacement procedure

  1. Open the console. The shell screws are 4.5 mm Gamebit security screws.
  2. Remove the RF shield and lift the mainboard out of the lower shell, taking care with the cartridge connector and the sound module.
  3. Photograph the board before you remove anything. Polarity on surface-mount electrolytics is marked by a stripe or a bevel on the can, and it is not consistent between positions.
  4. Remove the surface-mount capacitors by heating both ends. Hot air at a moderate setting, or a fine iron with fresh solder and flux added to both terminations, then rock the can gently. Do not lever a capacitor off — that takes the pad with it.
  5. Clean the pads. Old electrolyte is corrosive and will keep working on the traces if it is left. Isopropyl alcohol and a nylon brush, then inspect under magnification for pads that have gone dull or traces that have thinned.
  6. Fit the new parts to the correct value, voltage and polarity, tacking one end before soldering the other.
  7. Inspect for bridges under magnification and check for continuity between adjacent pads before powering up.

Through-hole positions — C50/C51 on the sound module and the main reservoir — come out with braid or a pump in the normal way. Mind the height limits noted above.

  • 105 °C rated capacitors from a reputable manufacturer.
  • Match or exceed the original voltage rating. The 25 V positions sit on the unregulated input side and genuinely need 25 V.
  • Fit a bipolar part at C59 on PAL SNSP-CPU-01 boards.
  • Surface-mount positions can be rebuilt with leaded radial parts if you prefer, provided the height and clearance work out. Kits are sold in both forms.

See Recommended Tools and Capacitor Failure Symptoms.

References

  1. ↑ Bob, "Restoring A Super Nintendo", RetroRGB, 31 May 2020 — https://www.retrorgb.com/restoring-a-super-nintendo.html . Used for the assessment that the SNES is not known for leaky capacitors, and that SMD leakage is concealed under the capacitor body until the can is removed.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 SNES Schematic (multi-revision NTSC drawing from wiki.superfamicom.org), hosted at File:Snes schematic.pdf. Covers SHVC-SOUND, SNS-CPU-GPM-01/02 and SNS-CPU-RGB-01/02. Read directly from the drawing: C57 220 µF, C59 220 µF, C61 10 µF, C62 2.2 µF, C63 33 µF, C64 33 µF, C65 10 µF, C66 10 µF, C73 47 µF, with every remaining position 0.1 µF or smaller.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Console5 TechWiki, SNES — https://wiki.console5.com/wiki/SNES . Secondary source: a community wiki whose capacitor lists are compiled from physical boards rather than manufacturer documentation. Used here for per-revision capacitor lists and voltage ratings, the chip maps, and the transcription of Nintendo's Control Deck diagnostic table.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Altomare, snes-capacitors — https://github.com/Altomare/snes-capacitors . Secondary source: a list compiled by one repairer from boards handled personally. Used for capacitor package types, can diameters, lead pitch and height, the location of C50/C51 on the SHVC-SOUND module, and the C59 bipolar history on PAL boards.
  5. ↑ Martin Korth, fullsnes — SNES hardware specifications — https://problemkaputt.de/fullsnes.htm . Sections "SNES Power Supply" and "SNES Audio/Video Connector Pinouts". Source for the 10 V DC 850 mA NTSC supply, the 9 V AC PAL supply, the 7805 producing the single +5 V logic rail, the unregulated ~9 V feeding the audio amplifier, and the 12-pin Multi Out pinout.
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