Data recovery and disk repair questions and discussions related to old-fashioned SATA, SAS, SCSI, IDE, MFM hard drives - any type of storage device that has moving parts
July 16th, 2009, 0:15
I got a SATA HD with broken PCB.
I wonder if it is possible to replace that broken SATA PCB with PCB obtained from a PATA/IDE HD of the same size, same series but different P/N and firmware version.
Even if I can luckly find the pcb with the same P/N and firmware version, the P-List and G-List on the chips are different, so how many chances can I recover all data?
Any ideas/comments are welcome
July 16th, 2009, 0:35
Need more info at least Manufacturer and Model number.
July 16th, 2009, 1:16
Firmware lives on the platters, not the PCB.
July 16th, 2009, 1:17
joe1203 wrote:I got a SATA HD with broken PCB.
I wonder if it is possible to replace that broken SATA PCB with PCB obtained from a PATA/IDE HD of the same size, same series but different P/N and firmware version.
Even if I can luckly find the pcb with the same P/N and firmware version, the P-List and G-List on the chips are different, so how many chances can I recover all data?
Any ideas/comments are welcome

Hi
1. The defect lists are on the platter, not in chips.
2. The ata layer usually in the SA on the platter as well, so usually you can't use different type pcb with different if.
3. The most of the modern pcbs have internal calibration data, wich can be dangerous for the data in another HDA even if you only want to read it!
So, don't do it.
results-the-yourself-solutions-t11912.htmlRegards,
Janos
July 16th, 2009, 3:40
Thanks pro!
The broken HD is 5ea9ate 72OO.7 Sata HD
Before, I thought SATA/IDE type HD differ from the PCB only. I believe that I can swap the any PCB of the same series.
But it seems that I am wrong. The IDE PCB Swap trick won't work
How about if I am so lucky to get a SATA pcb with the same P/N? Can I swap the pcb?
Or I still need some tricks to clone the internal calibration data to the new PCB?
July 16th, 2009, 3:56
You need a PCB with the same P/N, same f/w, same config code and same site code.
Even then it might not work, and you'll have to move the ROM chip over.
I assume by "broken" you mean physically broken, or are you just guessing that the PCB is bad because your drive doesn't work?
Or send it down to me, depending if you need your data or just to try and repair the drive.
July 16th, 2009, 4:07
pcimage wrote:You need a PCB with the same P/N, same f/w, same config code and same site code.
Even then it might not work, and you'll have to move the ROM chip over.
I assume by "broken" you mean physically broken, or are you just guessing that the PCB is bad because your drive doesn't work?
Or send it down to me, depending if you need your data or just to try and repair the drive.

Correct me if I am wrong, if the firmware is on the platter instead of pcb, is it necessary to have PCB with the same f/w?
July 16th, 2009, 4:13
A small part of the firmware is on pcb and the other big part is on platters...that's why you should match the f/w...
Rgds
July 16th, 2009, 4:47
The vast majority of the f/w IS on the platters, but the small starter piece of the f/w on the PCB must match the rest of it on the platters.
July 16th, 2009, 4:58
Pcimage have right.
Why do you think, your pcb is the problem?
It is physically damaged?
Janos
July 16th, 2009, 5:17
Thanks all

It seems very difficult to get a completely matched pcb.
Some PCB reseller claim that any pcb with the same chips and layout can be used for data recovery, is it true?
July 16th, 2009, 5:18
Since the pcb smoked
July 16th, 2009, 5:50
hi everyone i got a hdd seagate barracuda 7200.10 250GB that has two components broken but my machine detects it. and i want to fix it by changing the broken components
the hdd details are:
SEAGATE barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA
S/N: 9QEOMJJ6
ST3250820AS
P/N: 9BJA3E-305
FIRMWARE: 3.AAE
DC: 07187 SC: TK
if anyone can help me, send the pcb to
my mail is
adriandusicka@hotmail.comthanx
July 16th, 2009, 22:56
Some PCB reseller claim that any pcb with the same chips and layout can be used for data recovery, is it true?
July 17th, 2009, 0:24
joe1203 wrote:Some PCB reseller claim that any pcb with the same chips and layout can be used for data recovery, is it true?
With proper tools, if the PCB is physically identical, and the problem with the bad drive is the pcb, and you know what you are doing, then sure.
July 17th, 2009, 2:48
joe1203 wrote:Some PCB reseller claim that any pcb with the same chips and layout can be used for data recovery, is it true?
Yes, but usually not "straight of the box". PCB ROM modification is nearly always required.
July 17th, 2009, 3:52
pcimage wrote:joe1203 wrote:Some PCB reseller claim that any pcb with the same chips and layout can be used for data recovery, is it true?
Yes, but usually not "straight of the box". PCB ROM modification is nearly always required.
Additionally, think about the sellers wants to sell, not else.
July 17th, 2009, 22:13
Thanks all!
So that means even I have one physically identical PCB, directly replacement is still not feasible.
There is another rumor that Seagate PCB can be swapped if "the second and third character of serial no, whole model numbers, whole site code" match. P/N and Config matching are not required.
Any idea?
July 21st, 2009, 5:39
Any idea?
July 21st, 2009, 5:57
This was your conclusion and its correct:
quote
So that means even I have one physically identical PCB, directly replacement is still not feasible.
unquote
It remains the same answer, even if you go into more details.
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