I acquired an Apple IIGS nearly a year ago and although everything works great, it gives off an unpleasant odor. When off it's only detectable if I put my nose up against the case, but after it's been running a few minutes it's discernible from at least a few feet away. I haven't used it much and I finally decided to track down the source. First I opened the case and removed the power supply keeping it connected to the motherboard but outside the computer. I powered it on, waited a few minutes, then sniffed the PSU and motherboard. The smell was significantly stronger at the PSU. So I replaced the PSU, and now the problem is solved, right? Nope, the odor is as pungent as ever, and the source is the Apple RGB monitor. I suppose I just assumed it was emanating up from the computer to the monitor, but it's clearly stronger after the monitor warms up, so I don't think it is merely a residual odor.
What's curious is the old power supply did smell bad, and as far as I can tell, it's the exact same odor. Do you all have any idea what the likely culprits is? My guess is that either both the monitor and power supply have degraded smelly capacitors, or that the old PSU and monitor picked up an odor at their prior residence. They look very clean, but perhaps there's some amount of dust or smoke residue that smells bad when heated.
What's curious is the old power supply did smell bad, and as far as I can tell, it's the exact same odor. Do you all have any idea what the likely culprits is? My guess is that either both the monitor and power supply have degraded smelly capacitors, or that the old PSU and monitor picked up an odor at their prior residence. They look very clean, but perhaps there's some amount of dust or smoke residue that smells bad when heated.