Can hdd from dead PC kill a test PC? (WDC 500GB)

[lumps]

2008 HP with C2D, PC5300. Mini-ITX (ugh).
One day, PC didn't start up (no beeps or fans), but green led in PSU [3] rear grille lit. Restarted, and everything "acted dead". [1]

My primary need: I need data [2] from orphan WDC hdd.
Two methods?

1. *If* hdd was also killed by PSU or mobo burnout, how pseudo-statistically likely will bad hdd damage a "test" PC?
I have a 2005 PC, early SATA+PATA, though I'd rather not lose it. If use it as test PC, I'll disconnect whatnot, then boot from rescue CD, to avoid altering data on hdd.


2. I have 2011 XL2000 external USB2 2TB Hitachi. internal control board is SATA. If the board is compatible to my orphaned HDD (seems likely?) and I can get enclosure open, I could risk cost of a new usb enclosure.

Both hdd are smaller than 2.2TB, but could Hitachi USB pcb be unable to handle 3GB/s WDC hdd?


Dead PC's orphan hdd: WDC WD5000AAKS-65A7B0
500GB 7200 RPM 16 MB SATA 3 Gb/s 3.5 Inch
http://wdc.com/global/products/specs/?d ... language=1

Hdd inside USB case: Hitachi HDS723020BLA642 USB (2000.40 GB)
2TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
http://www.hitachigst.com/internal-driv ... tar-7k3000

(HDD model #s identified by Belarc.)
___________________
Notes unrelated to hdd:
[1] Opened case and sniffed very close to mobo, but only *very* slight burn smell inside. Didn't seem enough odor for burned PSU (I've experienced this only once, so maybe odor depends upon what parts inside burn). Not much dust inside (IMO, clean because on shelf, not floor level).
I suspect PSU and mobo dead. Though if I *fully* disassemble (*excessively* compact layout "traps" PSU), open PSU (discharge capacitors) perhaps only a PSU fuse is blown?
I won't now worry about choice of rebuild or fresh build/buy (likely buy).

[2] My full backup files were often larger than 4GB, and USB hdd are formatted fat32, so I could retrieve only the few files in differential backups. (Unless there's a magic way to extract from the bad ~4GB files? Cobian Backup uses 7zip dll, .7z format. Cobian Backup has a split option, which I've now set.)

[3] Mini-ITX PSU: "rev D" AcBel pc6034 180w (HP 5188-7602)

[fzabkar]

See http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/TVS_diode_FAQ.html

... and http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/bi ... diodes.jpg

Also see the photo clips here:
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/

BTW, a PSU is designed to shut itself down when it detects a short circuit on any of its outputs. That's the theory anyway ...

[northwind]

As I see it, there still is a BIG chance that your HDD in question is alright.

Try method [1]. Connect AAKS to your other machine, unplug everything but your DVD player (even though i do not see a reason, do it if you feel more comfortable with yourself) and boot using some liveCD. There is a chance you will see the data intact. Or take out the Hitachi from the USB enclosure and connect the WD drive in it.

Everything else need to be discussed AFTER you realize your drive does not spin up/ is damaged.