Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
I need a new video editing computer because my Threadripper 2950X based one has two issues: 250W TDP during the summer and Windows 11 has dropped support for the processor. I had intended to replace it with a MacBook Air M1, but my external USB-C enclosure won't stay mounted. Considering the external enclosure is where my video projects are, I need a new new video editing computer on the cheap.
A friend recently gave me several of her late husband's old computers, as she had no use for them. I discovered one of them had an AM4 motherboard in it and, somewhat expecting a 1000-series processor, was pleasantly surprised to find a Ryzen 9 3900X inside. After confirming that Ryzen 3000 series is still supported by Windows 11 (yes), I went to eBay (the place where I buy the things I later regret™) to buy a better AM4 motherboard.
Which motherboard did I pick? How much did I pay? And will it work? You'll have to watch to find out! (Hint: I wanted a board that supports two NVMe drives.)
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I need a new video editing computer because my Threadripper 2950X based one has two issues: 250W TDP during the summer and Windows 11 has dropped support for the processor. I had intended to replace it with a MacBook Air M1, but my external USB-C enclosure won't stay mounted. Considering the external enclosure is where my video projects are, I need a new new video editing computer on the cheap.
A friend recently gave me several of her late husband's old computers, as she had no use for them. I discovered one of them had an AM4 motherboard in it and, somewhat expecting a 1000-series processor, was pleasantly surprised to find a Ryzen 9 3900X inside. After confirming that Ryzen 3000 series is still supported by Windows 11 (yes), I went to eBay (the place where I buy the things I later regret™) to buy a better AM4 motherboard.
Which motherboard did I pick? How much did I pay? And will it work? You'll have to watch to find out! (Hint: I wanted a board that supports two NVMe drives.)
*
Ways to Support the Channel:
☕️ Tips or Support via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/jdmcs
🈷️ Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/jdmcs
📦 Amazon Wishlist: jdmcs.net/wishlist
... or simply do the YouTube things: Like/Dislike, Comment, Subscribe, Enable Notifications, and participate in the Chat. These things help the channel, too!
**
Read Computerized Start™, my Official Blog: jdmcs.net/myblog
Follow me on Instagram: jdmcs.net/myinstagram
Follow me on Twitter: jdmcs.net/mytwitter
![Apple ][ Plus Clone Tantalum Troubles: Finding the Short on the 12V Rail (Computerized Start™ Live)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y_2k2MA5XMY/mqdefault.jpg "Apple ][ Plus Clone Tantalum Troubles: Finding the Short on the 12V Rail (Computerized Start™ Live)
Ive launched a merch shop: https://shop.jdmcs.com - use code JUSTINTIME for 5% off all Computerized Start™ merchandise through at least May 31th!
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I bought an Apple IIe Clone Motherboard on eBay (the place where I buy the things I later regret™) knowing full well it was an Apple ][ Plus clone motherboard and missing some chips. Yes, COMPUTER was jealous at first, but then COMPUTER realized I needed practice on a similar motherboard before I continue removing sockets, so were good...
Whats not good is this clone motherboard: there is a short on the 12V rail. But after removing all the chips that are on the 12V rail, the short was still present. Then I noticed it: a previous owner replaced ceramic capacitors with tantalum capacitors.
There are no polarity markings for these capacitors, so I suspect the board was designed for ceramic capacitors (like the Apple ][ Plus), and its likely one or more of these capacitors are installed backwards. Hopefully removing all the tantalum capacitors will remove the short, then Ill replace them with ceramic capacitors.
Will I find the short? Will the ceramic capacitors I bought make the board look original? Will I get to powering this motherboard up? Youll have to watch to find out!
*
Ways to Support the Channel:
☕️ Tips or Support via Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/jdmcs
🈷️ Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jdmcs
📦 Amazon Wishlist: https://jdmcs.net/wishlist
... or simply do the YouTube things: Like/Dislike, Comment, Subscribe, Enable Notifications, and participate in the Chat. These things help the channel, too!
**
Read Computerized Start™, my Official Blog: https://jdmcs.net/myblog
Follow me on Instagram: https://jdmcs.net/myinstagram
Follow me on Twitter: https://jdmcs.net/mytwitter")
