HDD printed circuit board (PCB) replacement

[andreyzag]

Hello,
I have two seagate HD with
CPB numbers:
100468979 K 700557XD
and
100468979 J 7919M2WX

Can I use PCB from one to the other? will this bring risk to corrupt data?

 

[fzabkar]

A straight board usually won't work.

You will need to transfer the 8-pin serial flash memory chip from patient to donor. This chip stores unique, drive specific "adaptive" information. Some board suppliers include a firmware transfer or ROM transfer service for US$10 - $20.

http://www.onepcbsolution.com/seagate-barracuda-7200720011.html
http://www.hdd-parts.com/firmware-transfer.html

Otherwise, if you are not adept at soldering, your local TV/AV repair shop should be able to do it for you.

The following article should help identify the components:
http://hddscan.com/doc/HDD_from_inside.html

Can you describe the failure symptom?

If you upload a detailed photo, one of us may be able to help you repair your board. Many times the problem is only a shorted diode, in which case it can simply be removed.

Otherwise, be aware that the 7200.11 models are affected by a BSY firmware bug. In such cases Seagate offers free data recovery. Alternatively, there is an easy DIY fix. The symptom is that the drive spins up but is not detected. Sometimes a drive will report 0 LBAs.

 

[lovtomin]

In most cases, you should exchange the BIOS chip before you swap hard drive PCB. Finding a matching pcb you can refer to this site: HDD Zone , there is a useful article named: "how to find a matching pcb".

 

[WyomingKnott]

Just to be a wet blanket: In most cases, exchanging circuit boards will not fix the problem. Have you done enough diagnostics to determine that the problem is, indeed, with the circuit board?

(I seem to be the resident skeptic on this topic.)

 

[ftypc]

hi, we have this matching pcb for sale. you can find it on our site: http://www.harddrivepcb.com

We can help to find the right matching board for you.

 

[fzabkar]

@flypc, just how do you propose to "find the right matching board"? Are you not aware that each board is unique down to the serial number, and that to "match" a board requires a firmware transfer?

BTW, the following supplier offers a free firmware transfer:
http://www.donordrives.com/

 

[ftypc]

Dear fzabkar, we have professional recovery engineers to help to find the matching pcb, we also offer firmware transfer for $10.

I have a little doubt: are you the owner of onepcbsolution?

 

[fzabkar]

@flypc, I don't see anywhere on your web site where you offer a $10 firmware transfer. You do however warn the customer that "you should move your original PCB's BIOS to the replacement circuit board to let the HDD be recognized", so ISTM that PCB compatibility is seen as the customer's responsibility. Still, that's better than most suppliers will do.

Furthermore, your "replacement guide" makes no mention of firmware transfers:
http://www.harddrivepcb.com/swap_replacement_guide.html

Instead it implies that merely checking the "board number" is sufficient.

As for whether I am affiliated with any supplier, clearly that's not the case. In fact I have recommended three different suppliers in this very thread. I would even consider making people aware of your business, if you were to explain your services clearly and unambiguously on your web site.

 

[ftypc]

Local TV/Phone repair shop can also offer this service for $5-$20.

 

[tomsfans]

You need to check the 2 PCB's board number is same or not? The number is is printed on the PCB's back side (the side without chips). If the 2 PCB has the same board number, also need to be changed BIOS.

You can move the BIOS from your original PCB by using hot-air gun, then solder it on the replacement board. Please refer: http://www.datarecoveryunion.com/hard-drive-rom-chip-swapreplacement/. Or you can find the electronics repair shop to help you.