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
September 17th, 2012, 19:52
Hello all, long story short.
Tripped over Ext HDD cable and it died, no light nothing spinning. Immediately tried sockets and fuses and in subsequent confusion plugged in a loose TV box PSU which made the drive pop/fizz. Panic mode engaged.

Opened up caddy, removed PCB from drive --> burnt Smooth chip.



Bought similar HDD off ebay with same model but different firmware and site code. Straight swap, no dice.

Any thoughts from you more learned types as to which way I go next?
Can i buy the smooth chip? I have Hot Air Rework station but few skills only had a month.
Thanks for reading and i'll post any success or fails.
September 18th, 2012, 1:35
Hi, It's better to buy a compatible Pcb and move Rom-Chip over....and hope that it was just a bad Pcb.
Bosse
September 18th, 2012, 2:37
mr_spokk wrote:Hi, It's better to buy a compatible Pcb and move Rom-Chip over....and hope that it was just a bad Pcb.
Bosse
Agree.
When you say "tripped over cable" do you mean that the drive hit the floor?
If so then I wouldn't be surprised that you find the drive buzzes even after a PCB and rom swap.
September 18th, 2012, 3:15
If it's so as Sean says, you have also seized spindle, which a much more hard to solve issue.
September 18th, 2012, 8:00
Thanks for the prompt replies!
I tripped over the cable, the drive was already on floor so no height shock just a sudden jolt. But i understand that there is little differerence in possible consequential damage. I can only hope!
I will now try swapping PCB and ROM chip and let you all know how it goes.
September 18th, 2012, 15:22
I wish you good luck, hope it goes well
September 19th, 2012, 14:34
If this does not work you might consider to swap smooth chips. You could try to unsolder the burnt one and get some practise with your rework station. Good luck!
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