Macintosh LC series (LC, LC II, LC III) Power Supply Recapping Guide (ASTEC, USA) Model AA16251

This guide will help you recap your Macintosh LC series power supply. This guide is for ASTEC model AA16251 brand power supply from a Macintosh LC III sold in the USA. Similar power supplies may also be present in some LC, LC II, Performa 400 series, Quadra 605 or the Apple Interactive Television STB.

Important Note About Different Models:
Over the years these Macs shipped with different power supplies.
Please do NOT assume this guide will be a perfect match for yours.
This guide covers the ASTEC model power supply shown in the photo, model AA16251, although different revisions may require different capacitors. A different guide for TDK model power supplies is here.


Recapping Diagram:
Click on the image to view the full-size JPEG, or click here to view a high-quality PDF printable version.

Note: Although you may not need to replace the 47uf / 25V capacitor, in my case it was leaking, so I did replace it. Be sure to check the condition of all capacitors before servicing them. Checking the underside of the board can also identify problematic or leaking capacitors.

Capacitors List:
Please see the table below for a list of capacitors for this model. The size details (in millimeters) below are for the original capacitor, this will help you find a replacement capacitor that should fit. These sizes are approximates and may not be exact.

Caution: Part numbers for these capacitors are provided as a courtesy only, use this information AS-IS at your own risk! Some have suggested that low-ESR capacitors are required for some switching power supplies, please keep this in mind when selecting replacement capacitors. Although I have taken care to produce this list, this information is being provided strictly AS-IS. You are responsible for doing your own research to confirm that these match the parts you need. I cannot be held responsible for typos or potential damage. This information is subject to change without notice.

Capacitors that should be replaced:

  • 2200uf @ 10V (Qty: 2) | Mfr. Part #: EEU-EB1A222 | Mouser URL
    Width: 13mm, Height: 20mm, Pitch: 4mm
  • 120uf @ 10V (Qty: 2) | Mfr. Part #: UPM1A121MED |Mouser URL
    Width: 5mm, Height: 13-14mm, Pitch: 3mm
  • 1200uf @ 16V (Qty: 1) | Mfr. Part #: EEU-FS1C122L | Mouser URL
    Width: 13mm, Height: 20mm, Pitch: 4mm
  • 1000uf @ 10V (Qty: 1) | Mfr. Part # EEU-FR1A102B | Mouser URL
    Width: 10mm, Height: 20mm, Pitch: 4mm
  • 470uf @ 16V (Qty: 1) | Mfr. Part # EEU-FR1E471LB | Mouser URL
    Width: 8mm, Height: 8mm, Pitch: 3-4mm

    Optional Capacitors that usually won’t need to be replaced:
  • 180uf @ 400V (Optional, Qty: 1) | I couldn’t find one that wasn’t too high.
    Width: 30mm, Height: 25mm, Pitch: 10mm
  • 47uf @ 25V (Optional, Qty: 1) | Mfr. Part #: EEU-FR1E470 | Mouser URL
    Width: 6mm, Height: 11-12mm, Pitch: 2-3mm

Download a high-quality PDF of this recapping guide (2.6MB PDF)