Hy There!

I'm writing to because of a dead desktop hdd.

The disk won't spin up and makes a really soft clicking sound (like my external drive when it does not gets enough power).
As on the attached picture the foam over the controller is brown but the ic looks fine...
My idea is that just the PCB died and can be replaced (by mirroring this one's bios).

I'm not an expert, but on this hdd is 13 years of my graphic design works and i'm going to hung my self if it's all lost. (every year i bought a new hdd for this data but the one before this is burned out inside my pc

Any ideas?

Welcome aboard I am having the exact same issue, I am just trying to see whats the matter with the PCB if you want to start learning on how to fix your problem, start reading http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/TVS_diode_FAQ.html. You need to do a couple of test.

Good Luck

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Data Recovery in the Dominican Republic
https://www.recuperamidata.com/

Hi,

You can check TVS diodes, but from your description I don't think it's PCB related.
You need a proper diagnosis from a Pro.

Looks like something got really hot...but first, clean those contacts and try again...use a white drafting eraser...NOT PINK. I just fixed my "supposedly" dead hard drive by doing this. Same board that you are showing in your picture. Otherwise, I would try DonorDrives....

Sounds like stiction (heads stuck to platters) or seized spindle motor.

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A backup a day keeps DR away.

Good news: There is a good chance your pcb is fried and there is no other damage to drive's internals (ie. data is recoverable).
Bad news: You can't swap pcb yourself. Your pcb does not populate external rom (it's embedded), so there is no way you can do this yourself.

In case your pcb is ok (doubt that) and problem is motor or stiction, it's still not a DIY case and you need to send the drive to a pro.

We can suggest a very good pro in your area, if you wish.

_________________
http://www.northwind.gr
SandForce SSD Recovery
Ransomware Reverse Engineering - NoMoreRansom! partners

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.

This leads me to say the ONLY solution is to contact a pro.

Anything else == data is not REALLY all that important

The interpretation of 'soft clicking' is different between different people. Faulty PCBs make some sort of soft one-time-clicking on their attempt to power up the drive. It is common.
Also soft clicking is different than 'buzzing' which indicates most likely stiction/motor problem.

I believe OP should post a sound recording of what the drive is doing, just for the sake of it.

But again, it is either faulty pcb (to me, much more likely) or stiction/motor. In both cases it is not DIY and the only real solution here is to consult a pro with the right equipment/tools/knowledge.

_________________
http://www.northwind.gr
SandForce SSD Recovery
Ransomware Reverse Engineering - NoMoreRansom! partners

13-years of graphic arts work? I'd stop right now and get pro service. When you get your data back you will make multiple identical copies to prevent this from happening again.

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On a clear disk you can seek forever.

I also know a good pro in your country, so if you need just ring out.

We're talking about the same person, David

_________________
http://www.northwind.gr
SandForce SSD Recovery
Ransomware Reverse Engineering - NoMoreRansom! partners

Yep

Does the drive still click if you place a business card between the PCB and the HDA contacts?

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.