Methodology
The methodology I follow is simple but effective, and it doesn’t require a lot of time for each test session, which allows me to move quickly with the samples I have on hand. The first thing I do is the voltage treatment process, where I connect a resistor in series with the capacitor and apply its maximum rated voltage for a period of 30 minutes. This process brings the capacitor into its best shape and prepares it for the following tests.
Immediately after the voltage treatment process, I measure the capacitance of the capacitor at 120 Hz, using a DER EE LCR meter DE-1000, which is an inexpensive but reliable and sufficiently accurate instrument. Note that I measure all capacitors at the same frequency (120 Hz) to get comparable results.
After the capacitance measurements, it’s time for the actual tests. I start by overloading the capacitor with 20% steps for five-minute periods while trying to maintain an ambient temperature of 25°C (±2).
Test plan for capacitors with a maximum rated voltage of 16V.
- 16V – 30 minutes (voltage treatment)
- Capacitance measurement
19.2V – 5 minutes
22.4V – 5 minutes
25.6V – 5 minutes
28.8V – 5 minutes
32V – 5 minutes
35.2V – 5 minutes
Starting with the 120% voltage rating, we measure the time the capacitor lives. By comparing the operating time of each capacitor, I can easily determine the best one and by how much!
Capacitor Performance Database
The database itself is still under construction and will be filled bit by bit from now on. Here are some interesting results for you in advance in table form:
Brand | Series | Voltage Rating | Claimed Capacity | Measured Capacity (120 Hz) |
Max Applied Voltage Level | Time (Sec) | Performance* | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Teapo | SC | 16V | 3300uF | – | 28.8V | 932 | 59.74% | 9 Nov. 2023 |
Teapo | SC | 16V | 3300uF | 3120uF | 28.8V | 1126 | 72.18% | 13 Feb. 2024 |
Chemi-Con | W | 16V | 3300uF | – | 32V | 1216 | 77.95% | 9 Nov. 2023 |
Chemi-Con | KY | 16V | 3300uF | 3200uF | 32V | 1300 | 83.33% | 13 Feb. 2024 |
Chemi-Con | KY | 16V | 3300uF | 3190uF | 32V | 1422 | 91.15% | 15 Feb. 2024 |
Elite | PF | 16V | 3300uF | 3090uF | 35.2 | 1560 | 100% | 15 Feb. 2024 |
Elite | PF | 16V | 3300uF | 3080uF | 35.2 | 1546 | 99.1% | 15 Feb. 2024 |
*The best capacitor is used as a reference: 100% performance rating
The Chemi-Con KY capacitors have top ratings, and indeed, as you can see, their capacitance is close to the values specified by the manufacturer, while the Teapo and Elite capacitors have a significantly lower actual capacitance. Let it be said, however, that the variation in performance between the two KY samples I tested is remarkable, which is not the case with the Elite PF capacitors that top the chart! In addition, the first Teapo SC capacitor I tested also had a notable difference from the second, but the first was removed from a defective PSU so it wasn’t brand new. Nevertheless, I kept it in the database to show you the difference a brand new and conditioned capacitor can have compared to a used one. The Chemi-Con W condenser was also removed from a working PSU, but still performed well.
I’m far from having a complete picture of capacitor testing, and I need to test all the ones I’ve received from Seasonic, the only brand that has supported me in this new endeavor so far. I thank them very much for that too! Electrolytic capacitors are the essential ingredient for a good PSU. To check out the PSU offerings, read my article on the best ATX v3.x PSUs before investing in a new PSU. You will help me a lot if you also visit my site and perhaps click on one or two affiliate links in the countless articles. In the end, this is how I finance my independence and all these projects that are miles away from the usual mainstream.
The original was published by Aris on their homepage and can of course be read there. There you can also find all the other interesting tests on hwbusters.com!
79 Antworten
Kommentar
Lade neue Kommentare
Urgestein
Urgestein
1
Mitglied
Urgestein
Veteran
Veteran
1
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Veteran
Urgestein
Veteran
1
Urgestein
Urgestein
Mitglied
Alle Kommentare lesen unter igor´sLAB Community →