I have the following hard drive that is completely dead (PCB board burned out):

Western Digital: 500 GB WD Caviar SE
Model: WD5000AAJS-22TKA0
Date: 14 AUG 2007
DCM: HBNCNV2MHB
PCB firmware on sticker: 2061-701477-100 04P
XT 4U05 0245 2 0002060 8 062
Etched PCB version number: 2060-701477-002 REV A

I have the latest model of the Western Digital: 500 GB WD Caviar SE. This drive works fine.

Model: WD5000AAJS-00YFA0
Date: 09 April 2008
DCM: DHRNHT2CHB
PCB firmware on sticker: 2061-701444-600
XC 4Y19 0UG2 B 0003400 8403
Etched PCB version number: PWP 2060-701444-004 REV A

I swapped PCBs with the following results:
Old Drive / New PCB
Drive spins with a light clicking noise, computer will not boot (even though it is not the boot drive)

New Drive / Old PCB
Completely dead
Not too surprised as the PCB hardware and firmware are different.

The PCB is obviously burned out on the old drive, but there is not one component that jumps out at me as being burned, though some of the pads that interface with the drive are burned. See photos.

At this point I think I have two options:
1) Look for the burned part(s) on the PCB and replace them and fix the pads or
2) Buy the identical board and swap

As for option 1, I do not know what measurements and or o-scope readings to expect at the various test points. Does anyone know how I could get this information? Is there a component that usually goes bad?

For option 2, it does not appear there is any way to order the identical board. eBay sellers who have PCBs do not have this one (at least not yet). I can find the identical drive; that is a drive that matches the full model number (WD5000AAJS-22TKA0). Is matching the drive enough, can I assume that the detailed model number will include the same PCB? Do I need to get the PCB firmware and hardware versions prior to making an offer for a hard drive?

Any response would be most welcome

Thanks

Hello, brazenbunnies



Yes, the preamp.
... and the VCD chip.

First you need to check the preamp before try another pcb.

If the pcb itself is damaged, not only the chips, better to use another pcb. (multi-layer pcb can be damaged between layers)

The WD is pretty much complicated.
If you find the exactly maching donor about labels, it is not neccessary good enough to only swap the pcb!
WD have a lot of unique configurations on the pcb, posible you need to swap chips too.

I think, you need professional help.
Sorry to say that.

Regards,
Janos

The overheated pads are an ominous sign - it's almost certain that the preamp is burned. Sometimes the ribbon cables burn and contaminate the HDA.

Head swaps on these are not trivial and if you want your data, you'll need to send it to a pro. Chances are nil that you can do it yourself without the proper gear, knowledge, parts and experience.

Jon

_________________
http://www.datasaversllc.com

preamp is screwed your have to do a head exchange
and then everything should work
but its more likely damaged your pcb board too

Thanks all.

You all seem to agree that at the very least my preamp is likely bad.

Which component is the pre-amp? How do I test it?

Thanks very much for your help.

While I am a novice with these things, I do have freinds with equipment who can do sophisticated PCB repair.

this problems surely its not only PCB problems, on this models u cannot exchange PCB because on Microprocesor, its adaptive data inside etc that problem looks like damaged insise HDA (Head to Disk Assembly)Preamplifier its part of MHA (Magnetic Head Assembly) inside HDA this situation need a DR Company, and if its problems on MHA , would be hard even for a pro, the new WD´s are the most complex brach to DR

Best regards

Looks like you have some major issues with this drive.

Firstly, it is unlikely that you will be able to repair the board. As mentioned above, there are many layers and in addition, WD has made this more complicated by embedding the FW in one of the chips on the PCB.

Secondly, especially with these 500GB models, a head change will not work unless you have the right tools. WD's are very sensitive to head allignment, so chances that a straightforward head change will work, are slim to none.

In my opinion, you need to send this to a Pro DR company...send it to a well established company, not some cheap option as it is unlikely they will have the technology to recover your data.

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