Hi,

I wonder about the possibility to replace a 2,5'' PCB with a USB connector by one with a SATA connector (or vice versa), as long as the DCM is the same.

If the BIOS chip is swapped would there be any reason for this not working ?

The spindle connectors are not exactly at the same place, but I assume they could be bridged. Isn't it?

Assuming you're talking about a Western Digital drive, then this thread will show you which SATA boards are compatible with the USB ones (after you transfer the U12 chip): http://www.data-medics.com/forum/viewto ... ?f=25&t=13

Just keep in mind that the data will be encrypted because the SATA boards don't have the on board encryption bridge chip.

_________________
Data Medics - Hard Drive, SSD, and RAID Data Recovery Service Company

ISTM that the general approach for all HDD brands would be to match the MCU and motor controller ICs, then transfer the "ROM" from patient to donor. Ideally the USB and SATA PCBs will look identical apart from the bridge hardware at the front end.

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.

Thank you.
Yes, I had in mind a WD drive, but was open to a more general approach.

@data-medics : Thank you for mentioning the list of compatible boards.
What about the board suffixes (-G01 -001 -002) as well as revisions ?
Are they irrelevant ?
I observed that the same drive model, even with same firmware can use different boards.
For instance:
2061-771961-G01
and
2061-77961-001 REV A
I found that the same drive model (but with different firmware) also uses this board
2060-771801-002
Then, I wonder if the 771801 board could be compatible with the 771961 and added to the list?

Concerning encryption, thanks mentioning it. It seem however that not all WD External drives use encryption.

@fzabkar: Thank you.

Hi,
Compatible PCB:



PS Your best option is to send the drive to a pro

mikippp