HDD Stuffed, Help.

L

lilggg

Executive Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2007
Messages
5,320
Reaction score
445
Location
Durban
Hi, a few hours our electricity tripped, when i started up again my 500GB seagate sata drive is not getting picked up in bios. I've changed the sata cable to one that definately works, i've changed the sata port which i know works, and i've tried a different power connector. It will not detect, is there anyway at all i can recover whats on it or get it working. Thanks
 
Totally dead :( Just tried it in another pc and nothing there either. I don't see anything burnt on the board.
 
Would it not be simpler and safer to get this?

http://www.hdd-parts.com/10080806.html

Sorry still reading that topic only saw your reply now. Will you be able to see if the diode needs replacing or is it just a last resort and hope it works? Would it be better to try with a new board before replacing the diode or vice versa?
 
Last edited:
Do whatever is easier to you. I thought TVS checking and replacement was the esaiest things in HDD repair...
 
Try changing the diode but remember that the diode is there for minor surges as in normal power operation. Massive spokes can occur when the power goes down or up and it may have "jumped" across the diode damaging the board.

Good luck
 
My dad just checked the board for continuity and there was none anywhere, tested a working hdd and there was in certain places, the diodes always show no continuity if they are working (from what i read) the diode doesn't looked burnt out or anything. So does this mean it's likely the board is stuffed and the diodes are fine?

If a replace PCB is needed, i guess there is no harm in removing the diodes anyway and testing, and if that doesn't help then i can try get another board? Can removing the diodes cause damage to the platters, if they are fine?
 
Last edited:
Remove the TVS diodes and try powering it up, if that does not work then you have bigger problems.
 
Could i still try with a different board if that doesn't work? Or will it mess up something else? Found a site with the same model numbers and firmware etc which i don't mind trying to get as long as removing the diodes can't mess up anything that's fine at the moment.
 
Simply replacing the PCB is no guarantee that it will work as the software on the PCB is programmed according to the platter service areas etc.
 
Thanks i guess its the only option then. Do i remove both the diodes 12V and 5V?
 
PCB compatibility depends on make and model range. See:http://www.donordrives.com/hard-drive-pcb-donor-swap-match
On this site you can order PCB with ROM adaptation. There are disgreements across repair centres about details. No problem if you can transfer ROM by yourself or modify firmware, by examle to change number of heads. If you can't requirements are more strict. We've got South_Bit on the forum.
EDIT: There is no need for removing diodes. For double checking, meassure voltage on diodes when HDD is powered up. If voltage is present both 5V and 12V, then nothing more to do. If not, then look for blown fuses on PCB. There are usually marked as 0 Ohm resistors. Sometimes Polyswitch fuses (green plastic case), can be faulty too. Post link to PCB picture.
 
Last edited:
PCB Requirements for Barracuda HDD Architecture. There is no need for chip transfer or firmware reprogramming. Simple PCB swap is enough to fix the hard drive.
Click to expand...

This is a barracuda drive. Thanks for the link.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X