A couple of weeks ago I noticed my Windows Home Server, based on a Shuttle K45, wasn’t running. I thought this was odd, but assumed that someone must have accidentally nudged the power switch and shut it down. No matter, I tapped the power switch to fire it back up, and nothing happened. I pressed it again, still nothing.  I checked the power lead, fuses etc. I then came to terms with the fact that my WHS was actually dead.

I unplugged everything and popped open the case to check the motherboard, connectors and the PSU. My first thought was that the PSU had failed since it was often discussed on the various forums with some contempt. In my case, the fan on the PSU was really noisy when the machine started up. It was almost like it was off balance. It would eventually calm down when it warmed up or when I tapped it back in alignment. But then I noticed the PSU was still able to power the USB ports and the LEDs next to the memory slots were still lit. But the fans didn’t start, the hard drives remained inactive, there was no POST. I couldn’t see any obvious reason for this problem.

After a short while searching the Net against the expression “Dead Shuttle K45” I came across dozens of posts related to issues with a specific set of capacitors used on the K45 motherboard. I rechecked my Shuttle, looking at capacitors in question, and sure enough one was indeed at fault with a distinct bulge on the top.

The picture above shows the failed capacitor highlighted in red. Naturally, I feel rather disappointed.

Where do I go from here. First place is Shuttle to see what options they offer in terms of repair or replacement. However, I’m concerned that this won’t be economical and that they’ll simply replace a defective board with another equally defective one. The other option may be to replace the motherboard with one from a different manufacturer, but will the low watt power supply in the K45 suit another board and will another board fit the K45 case anyway? The final most expensive option is really a replacement of both the case and motherboard, keeping the processor and memory, assuming those components have survived. A larger case with more drive bays would suit its role as a WHS better, allowing me to add more drives internally, over time.