Gamecube Powerboard Cap Removal

[Snapperkins]

Im in the process of modding up a DOL-001 console with both the xenogc chip & picoboot, but the pico only boots up properly 1 out of 20 startups. So it was recommended that a powerboard cap swap would be my next step. So i've ordered fresh caps off digikey and have the board out and I for the life of me cannot figure out how to remove these little guys due to the lack of workable space while using a soldering iron. Are there any recommendations as to a method of removal or should i just skip attempting with an iron and just go the hotair route?

I guess another question worth asking, is it even possible to run both the xeno & pico at the same time?

 

[ttsgeb]

For the surface mount caps, you can grab them firmly with a pair of pliers (You will squish it), and while pushing down, give it a twist.
This breaks off the leads and allows you to remove the bulk of the cap before removing the legs with a soldering iron and cleaning the pads with wick. You may want to practice on a board you don't care about, as if you aren't applying enough downward pressure, it's very easy to rip pads off with this method.
It's still going to be a very tight fit to solder the new caps on. I would recommend measuring your voltage output from each line on AC mode to determine if the caps are likely to be the problem. If you're seeing more than about 5mV AC on any of the power rails, they *may* be the issue, but with the majority of the voltage rectification being done in the external 12v brick, I wouldn't expect these caps to be your point of failure.

 

[wolborg]

Double check the solder joints on the pico as well. I've had some issues with that. Make sure it's got a solid ground connection and double check that it's using the 3.3v line and not the 5v for power.

I know the guide recommends using the 5v line with a diode, but I'm a degen and have done this mod using the 3.3v line 5 times now and they're all going strong.