How to check if SSD or HDD is fried? And if it can be saved?

[Devlin_1]

I have an SSD and a HDD, which are both fried (I think).

SSD: Kingston A400
HDD: Seagate ST1000DM003

My motherboard is: MSI B450M Mortar
My PSU: Silverstone ST60F-PB Silverstone - Strider Plus 600W 80+ Bronze

My PSU was modular and I accidentally plugged the SATA power cable to the PSU in a wrong way. It was upside down. And I smelled a burning smell coming from the HDD once. I know, pretty stupid.

Both of them are not recognized in the BIOS on boot.

My best guess is that the PCB controller thing got fried that's why they won't be recognized anymore.

Can the drives still be saved? I don' really care much about the data.
I'm planning on opening them up to see the PCB stuff. Is there a way to know what really is the issue? These are the photos of the drives: https://imgur.com/gallery/oVCuZde
My motherboard supports hotplug, I will still have to give it a try to see if they will be recognized.

 

[seagate_surfer]

Devlin_1, not much to do here. Most likely on the other side of the PCB broad there is damage. (blown capacitor) You could try to find an identical PCB board but that will not guarantee it will fix it.

 

[Devlin_1]

Thanks for your feedback seagate_surfer.

I took a look at the Seagate HDD PBC controller thing and I can't seem to see any obvious burns. Does this mean there is a high chance that the damage is inside the disk itself, right?

 

[Devlin_1]

As for the SSD, I think a saw a burn mark from on the PCB side of the power pins thing. This is a sad day.

 

[seagate_surfer]

Thanks for your feedback seagate_surfer.

I took a look at the Seagate HDD PBC controller thing and I can't seem to see any obvious burns. Does this mean there is a high chance that the damage is inside the disk itself, right?

Not necessarily. The damage can be hard to detect and not seen on the PCB at all. Internally the drive should be fine. Another option is to get an enclosure for the drive and test it on another computer.

 

[fzabkar]

@Devlin_1, there is usually a simple, no cost, DIY fix for Seagate PCBs that have been overvolted. It involves removing the affected TVS diode and flowing a blob of solder over the corresponding zero-ohm resistors.

TVS diode FAQ :
http://www.hddoracle.com/viewtopic.php?f=100&t=86

Your SSD may also have protection devices, although you would need to show us detailed photos of the component side of the PCB.

PCB protection devices:
http://www.hddoracle.com/viewtopic.php?f=100&t=1615

If you require more help, please visit hddoracle.com or hddguru.com.

 

[Devlin_1]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all your feedback. I will go to a repair shop sooner or later. I'm positive that these drives can still be salvaged. Or at least I hope HAHAHA.

 

[fzabkar]

@Devlin_1, you can order a replacement Seagate PCB (US$50) from hdd-parts.com. They will transfer the firmware ("ROM") for you for free.

"Adaptives" -- why a straight PCB swap doesn't work in modern hard drives:
http://www.hddoracle.com/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=2600#p19090

Your overvoltage scenario was covered ad infinitum in Seagate's old forum. Unfortunately its entire content was flushed away on April Fool's Day, 2014.