Hi Gurus,

I have read many posts regarding PCB swapping and TVS's. I have come to the conclusion that my TVS is fried. My Seagate Barracuda stopped working, so I removed the TVS and it worked perfectly. I was fortunate to get all my files back and it still boots into Xp. I can't recall the member who said that as long as I have a good PSU, I can still get a few years out of my drive. I just want to replace the TVS so I can reinstall it in my system.

Problem is I do not know what kind of TVS it is, or if I can just swap it from an old HDD and use it like it never happened?

TVS is located top right corner of drive (near power connector) and is labeled R542.

Can someone please help me?

Any replies will be appreciated.
Sorry pictures will be posted soon.

Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 400gb
Model: ST3400832A
Firmware: 3.03
Date: 06235

This TVS bullshit must end. TVS do short in case of failure and the drive will switch your power supply off. If PS works and drive doesn't spin the problem is elsewhere. If drive spin and is not recognised the problem is elsewhere.

Like I said it "works perfectly." It spins up and boots into Xp. As a safety precaution I want to replace the TVS I removed. I just want to know if it is safe using it afterwards. Don't know if my PSU is bad (Corsair HX620w).

To save any future trouble, you might want to check the power supply lines and let your hard drive go!!!! Get a new one. If you were able to recover your data this time, accept that as being lucky. Go get a new drive to save more problems in the future. It will be worth it!!!!

Thanks for the fast reply!

So I guess the drive is gone then? It still works fine, in fact I am using it my system right now. To be honest I left the drive running on my desk connected to external power source. When I came back my 2 year old niece got a hold of it, after that burning smell. She was playing with the power connector to the drive.

I tested it with HDD sentinel (don't know if it is a good program) and it predicts many days left. So I assumed the drive is still good.

Wont be able to get another drive till next weekend so I just want to know if this one is still good, since it runs fine.

If the TVS were fitted, they have a function. Don't act like a customer of mine that removed the TVS and used the drive with the same power supply : it started and then after a few minutes.... CRACK !! POOOOOFF !!! SPIN DOWN... Result : PCB fried, PREAMP fried. Drive to be opened in clean room, headstack changed and A LOT OF WORK because ROM was partially gone too... the quote was sky high, no choice. I successfully fixed everything, but it would have been easily avoided with common sense (and when the drive failed the 1st time).

Ok... That still does not answer my question.

I removed on TVS.

The drive works fine.

Should I get rid of the drive or replace the "one" not "all" TVS and keep it (obviously I am not going to put important info on it) Maybe put it in my old Xbox and have a TiVo!

I want to learn more about HDD's so your responses help.

Hmmm...

I do not know what is the name in inglush, but You need Zener diode some faster one....
on 5 or on 12 V
Nikola

_________________
HddSurgery - Professional Data Recovery Tools

No Nikola, ZENER are one thing, TVS another. Do not exist FAST zener diodes (FAST diodes do) . I'll PM you. Basic electronics for free, but not for everyone

ok my mistacke they are like Trimer in Diodes... Current not voltage based....
but I think that is why they are faling, Zener would fit nice there I think...

_________________
HddSurgery - Professional Data Recovery Tools

No. Try it.

plz I want to hear why not?

_________________
HddSurgery - Professional Data Recovery Tools

I'll explain privately.