The Electrolytic Capacitor Plague

So, what caused it?  Maybe a variety of factors?  Perhaps different factors explain different circuit failures?  The video, for example, focuses on CPUs that drew a lot of current and got real hot.  OK, but we also see failing electrolytics in small, very low current Sony receivers.  

Hack-A-Day has a good post about this:

https://hackaday.com/2025/03/18/the-capacitor-plague-of-the-early-2000s/#more-767835 

The Hack-A-Day comments are also (mostly) good.  I agree with the fellow who said he never heard anyone call electrolytic capacitors "E capacitors."  Me neither.  

Boom! Small Electrolytics Blow-up in a Big Way. MAGIC SMOKE RELEASED!

It doesn't take much.  Like if you put 12 volts across a little electrolytic rated at 10 volts, WATCH OUT! The tranquility of your workshop could soon be very suddenly disturbed.  Even with the proper polarity, they will BLOW-UP.  The MAGIC SMOKE will be EXPLOSIVELY RELEASED. BOOM! 

And speaking of capacitors, Rogier PA1ZZ sends this: 

https://jupitercondenser.com/collections/audio-capacitors

But don't blow these ones up.  Some of them are 75 dollars a pop!