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Topic starter 03/08/2025 12:00 am
A capacitor in a computer is like a tiny energy vault—storing and releasing electrical charge precisely when needed. You’ll find them scattered across the motherboard, graphics card, and other components, quietly keeping things stable.
🔌 What it does:
- Stores and releases charge: Helps smooth out voltage fluctuations so parts like CPUs and memory run reliably.
- Filters noise: Reduces electronic interference, especially in audio components.
- Supports timing: In circuits like clock generators, capacitors help keep signals crisp and accurate.
- Powers momentarily: Can keep settings alive (like in CMOS batteries) when the power goes off.
📦 Types you might see:
Capacitor Type | Use Case | Characteristics |
---|---|---|
Ceramic | General use on motherboards | Small, fast, stable |
Electrolytic | Power supply filtering | Larger, holds more charge |
Tantalum | Compact devices | Precise, long-lasting |
If one fails, it can cause random reboots, crashes, or even prevent the computer from turning on—like a backstage crew gone missing.