RetroTechCollection

Nintendo GameCube Capacitor Replacement Guide

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

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  • 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

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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

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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

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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)

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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):

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

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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

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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)

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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

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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)

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

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

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Mostly polymer caps with one electrolytic:

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

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

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

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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)

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

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

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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

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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

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

NTSC 100–120 V PSU

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LSJB1026-1 / LSJB1026-2 / LSJB1026-3

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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LSJB1094-1

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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

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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

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

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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

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Disassembly

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  1. Remove the four 4.5 mm Gamebit screws from the underside of the console.
  2. Lift off the top shell.
  3. Unsnap the controller port cover and rear I/O cover.
  4. Remove the fan assembly (Phillips #2 screws).
  5. Remove the 12 perimeter Phillips screws.
  6. Lift the optical drive assembly and disconnect its ribbon cable.
  7. Remove the six heatsink screws and carefully detach the heatsink (warm thermal pads with a hair dryer if stuck).
  8. 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

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  1. Apply flux to both pads of the capacitor to be removed.
  2. 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.
  3. Alternatively, use a soldering iron with a wide chisel tip and add fresh solder to both ends, then slide the cap off.
  4. Do not lever capacitors off with force — this lifts pads.
  5. Clean pads with IPA and a nylon brush. Remove old flux residue.
  6. Place the new capacitor, observing correct polarity (stripe = negative).
  7. Tack one end, then solder the other. Inspect for bridges.

Through-Hole Capacitor Replacement

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Applicable to some DC-DC converter and PSU boards.

  1. Use desoldering braid or a solder sucker to remove old solder from each lead hole.
  2. Extract the old capacitor. If leads are stuck, add fresh solder and try again.
  3. Insert the replacement, observing polarity (longer lead = positive, stripe on can = negative).
  4. Solder both leads and trim excess.

Post-Soldering Inspection

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  1. Inspect all joints under magnification for bridges, cold joints, or lifted pads.
  2. Clean all flux residue with IPA and a nylon brush.
  3. Check for shorts between adjacent pads with a multimeter in continuity mode.

Post-Recap Voltage & Ripple Checks

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

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.

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  • 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

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

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