I have a failed hard drive. The data is marginally important, but nothing too critical. I want to attempt a head stack replacement, but I'm curious how closely I have to match the heads from a donor. I have an MPN match, but MLC does not. To anyone who can help out, thanks.

Here's what I have documented for matching heads:

Seagate
Same model is required to be a donor head

Maxtor
Same Code number, Same Model number and the same first three SN number are required to be a donor head

WD
Same Model Number and Same DCM number are required to be a donor head; If you cannot find the same DCM number, you must at least find a DCM number
with the fifth and sixth letter to be the same. For example, if the DCM number is HHCTJHBB, you need at least find one donor head whose DCM is xxxxJHxx

Hitachi
Same model number and same MLC number are required to be a donor head

Samsung
Same model number is required to be a donor head; nearest date

Fujitsu
Same model and same part number are required to be a donor head nearest date

Toshiba
Same model number and the codes at the lower side of the model are required To be a donor head.
Date is sometimes important, it's better if you find a nearest date for your donor.


Loki

Very helpful. Thanks, Loki. I know this may be a secret of the trade question, but to safely move the heads for 2.5" drives, do you use a tool that clamps onto the HSA and the parking component and moves it as an assembly or something different? Can you maybe shed some light on the general technique?

Thanks again.

Correct me if I am wrong ,

for WD DCM does not play any role ,you will have to match entire model no like WD400BB -65RST0
For seagate - depending upon model and family following must match
Family 7200.12
Model
firmware
PN
Config code -- for old drives
Config level -- for old drives
Site code

Samsung -- model plus code on sticker next to P/N like - P80VEM

As you have previosly stated "The data is marginally important" then I guess you are accepting the risks involved with DIY.

Your changes of success are very slim to none

1st, Hard drive internal work needs to be done in a cleanroom work environment
2nd, You need lots of practice to gain experiance before attempting for real
3rd, Diagnosis needs to be correct
4th, There are specialist head tools that can help with the head removal but they cost lots of £
5th, If you still want to have a go for fun & on the CHEAP then search youtube for Scott Moulton videos

Becareful of damaging the platters & heads
Have fun

I did successful swaps on hitachi with non matching MLC codes. The PCB has a sticker , with 4 lines of alphanumerical values. The top 2 lines have to match. GL.

Such compatibility requirements are not confirmed. To speak to many different guys within DR will tell you different answers. This is why experience is so important, and without it I think you will find this head change extremely difficult. Even if the change goes well there will probably be an assortment of other complications to deal with.

Good luck with this case, it will be interesting to hear your results on it

to know if only one drive dead or 2.
my suggestion would be send it to a pro OR made transpant on 5$ used hard drives for testing purpose.

I agree with hddguy, you'll get different answers on head compatibility depending on who you speak to. I've been pleasantly surprised when a swap has worked when it shouldn't have, and ones that haven't worked when they should have.

Experience

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