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.

I've got 1GB of RAM in my Dell Inspiron 9200, and I could do with a little more memory, especially when running a Virtual Machine along with any other applications on the host OS, which is XP Pro.

When I got my machine 1GB was a good choice, any more than that and DELL would have charged me as much as the price of the laptop again. Unfortunately this memory is configured as 2 512MB SODIMMS, so I'll have to ditch at least one of the modules in order to upgrade.

I got an email from a well known memory supplier this morning and it was offering a discount of £5 on any order over £50. While the discount offer isn't that attractive, I thought I'd check out the current prices anyway.

DDR 1GB SODIMM, £51.69 Including VAT.
DDR2 1GB SODIMM, £14.09 Including VAT.

This price difference seems rather unfair to me and two thoughts sprang to mind. Is DDR memory in short supply due to increased demand resulting from old spec machines sold with Vista or has the manufacturing focus moved onto DDR2 and DDR3 meaning DDR production levels are greatly reduced.

I had a chat with a sales agent from the company and he stated that "as DDR is much older, they have less of it in stock and that's why the prices are higher".

hmm, perhaps I'll just leave it and think about when I replace my current laptop.