Faulty capacitors syndrom - W1100Z reboots randomly under load

Question

I've had this problem since I've acquired this Sun W1100Z workstation: it reboots randomly, particularly if there is a sudden peak in CPU load.
At first I thought it was due to a faulty 3D card, but I tried a few, it doesn't make a difference, and it even reboots when no 3D is used. Some games or 3D programs on Linux cause the reboot within seconds (2nd Life) while others seldom do (Google Earth, ET:QW). I haven't spent much times in Windows, but gave it a try (Win 2k iirc): rebooted randomly just the same.
After having tried all other possibilities (even switched out the power supply and RAM), and lost hundreds of work hours to this, I have come to the conclusion that the motherboard was toast from the beginning.
Does anyone have a similar experience? Does Sun have an extended warranty for this kind of severe malfunction, I know many vendors have extended warranties for busted caps mobos.
Any insight appreaciated. I'd rather do something useful with this expensive doorstop.

Answer 1

Since you're asking about `extended warranties`
we can presume the original one-year warranty
is long gone and you didn't purchase a service plan.
The only way to determine any additional coverage is to contact Sun.
(these forums are NOT Sun techsupport)
Begin the process of opening a support case.
Ask whether there are any FIN's or FCO's on the W1100z.
FIN = Field Informational Notice
FCO = Field Change Order
Keep in mind that such FIN/FCO's have expiration dates.
They do not exist for all eternity.
Lastly.
Go to the Sun System Handbook (SSH) resource page for your W1100z system.
Click on the SunAlert link. Let that page load completely.
(be patient, it's a loooong page)
There is one reference to a patch for the W1100z/W2100z systems for instability.
http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-26-102026-1