match the pcb id
N2FYA, find the same id pcb then replace...

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SHAHI
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Yea, but there is no sticker or any code that's remotely similar on the new one.

Look at the third line on the big chip; your picture is blurry so it's difficult to read. The third line on both PCBs should match, eg Ardent c8c1-840UK. Do they? Also, what does it say on the chip that you circled? Since you don't see an identifying sticker on your original PCB it will be difficult to match without doing some additional work.

The third line matches. They both say "ARDENT C8C1-840UK"

The really small chip on the new board (it is non-existent on the old one) says:
25P40AV
ST93248

The "ST" part is a little logo.

That little extra chip is a flash ROM chip which contains additional firmware that is missing on the original PCB. If you have the soldering skills, you can try to remove this chip and see if that does the trick. No guarantees but it's worth a shot.

Damn.... Alright, I will try that then. Have you watched the video I posted here? If you are sure that this sound the HD is making is because of a firmware problem, I'm definitely trying to remove the chip.

Anyone?

All I need is a yes or no. Please, guru's

Incompatible firmware can cause strange sounds upon drive startup. If you are comfortable with your de-soldering skills (a heat gun will suffice) then give it a go. Frankly, you've got nothing to lose.

Heat gun temperature will destroy the ROM chip and also blow away surrounding capacitors and SMD resistors. Want to give a try ?

Variable temp heat guns work admirably.

I give up. Not for me.

This drive can't find the servo with the configured H0 on the pcb.
This can be fw missmatch, and preamp/head malfunction as well.

Regards
Janos

Alright, I'm definitely gonna try to remove the chip if I have the time, and keep you guys posted. One last question I also got one of these bad mofo's:
http://www.248am.com/images/dremel300.jpg

That thing cuts through everything, including metal. That little disk on top spins insanely fast. Would that be safer then a soldering iron?

NO.

Haha, that's clear. Thanks.

Removed the chip, no success. Same sound... When I tilt the drive and listen really closely I hear a metal-on-metal scratching sound. That's probably bad news.

If everyone is telling you that you need to match the code on the sticker on the back of the PCB, and you're saying yours doesn't have a sticker, maybe you should find one that does.

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You don't have to backup all of your files, just the ones you want to keep.

I see the data was not important...anymore.

Dickstar? Did you manage to get your Maxtor working? If still looking, check EBAY. I have seen a batch of them.