Want to perform a simple PCB swap. Do I need to match the model, p/n, firmware etc. or can I use a board with the same firmware but from a drive with a different capacity?

Any help would be appreciated.

There is a lot of information about matching boards on this website.
If you do some research, I am sure you will find an answer to your question.

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www.datarecoveryne.com

Sorry if this is a noob question, but I've tried searching and I seem to find conflicting information and just wasn't sure. Some of the answers are related to different hard drive manufacturers so I thought the matching criteria could be different.

Also, is it possible to just replace the connector?

If you are good enough at soldering and have the right tools, in 2 minutes you can do it.

That's where I would start.

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www.datarecoveryne.com

Unfortunately neither. But I guess it might be easier to do this than to find a replacement board.

Can anyone guide me on how to remove the IDE connector?

No need to remove the IDE connector if 1 or 2 pins are broken just get pins from any seagate drive and solder them . If many pins are broken then its tough to change the whole ide connector , good luck .

go for swapping pins rather than connector :O)

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All went well until I plugged the drive in.

2 broken pins; I'll give the pin swapping a try.

Thanks for all the advice.