can you replace capacitors that have burst on computer motherboards or do you replace the motherboard itself?

Question

this system is 2.5 years old and is a dell diminsion 2400

Answer 1

replace the motherboard, would be the easiest and probably cheapest way out

Answer 2

Yes, but after you remove the protective coating and take out the visibly defective part, you will have to check all the other ones to ensure the power surge that blew that capacitor so spectacularly hasn't damaged any others or pushed them to the limit of their existence. This is the kind of work done by high priced technicians, because if its done wrong, when you take off the one piece you may damage the little bit that sits beside it just from the heat to remove the first bit. Finding the right pieces and checking that the part has been installed right, lot of work.

It can be done but how much time and money do you want to throw into a old motherboard. Because if its new it may still be covered by a warranty. The cost of repair of electronic boards normally means that if it blows, you buy a new one. The only exception to this would be if the board is a "one of a kind". Motherboards are hardly one of a kind and you get the opportunity to upgrade at the same time.