Advice on replacing PCB Maxtor Diamondmax Plus 9

[drtbone]

Hi
Yesterday I managed to damage my DiamondMax Plus 9 Hard drive by adjusting the power cable whilst the sytem was running. I saw a spark and smelt burning briefly. Now my PC doesn't recognise the Harddrive at all. The PCB does not have any visible damage and the drive did not make any weird noises, it has simply ceased running. Having googled and read many forum articles I am about to attempt replacing the PCB. Sorry it is so long winded, I wanted to give as much info as possible.

I have found an almost identical PCB on ebay- which I have purchased, could anyone tell me whether it is compatible with my drive? I have found an 'exact' match elsewhere (canada, I am in Maidstone, UK) but it is significantly more expensive and international delivery at christmas is likely to take a long time - apologies for the non-technical description.

MY DRIVE
DiamondMax Plus 9 250gb ATA/ 133 HDD
Code: YAR41BWO K,M,B,D
Model: 6Y250P0
Sticker on bottom (PCB side): M8FYB
Big Chip code: 040111300

Ebay PCB is exactly the same on all counts except the model is: 6Y200P0 and the size is 200gb

I have read that firmware could be an issue as the size is different, it just seems that everything else is so close. Don't want to ruin it though as I haven't backed it up in three months and have a lot to lose.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in anticipation.

[The Wise Monkey]

Replacing the PCB of a HD used to be a viable option, but since most models have highly customised firmware nowadays the chance of a PCB transfer working between two identical hard drives is very low, let alone transferring one that is "almost" identical.

You have two possible options really:

1. Take it to a data recovery specialist - they may be able to sort out the problem, and it will probably cost the same as buying the replacement parts from Canada.

2. Try fixing it yourself - I wouldn't recommend this, as you might end up completely killing the drive.

[leon2046]

Remove the PCB from both hard drives with star screwdriver. Replace the fautly PCB with replacement one. If you HDD spins up, but can’t be recognized, you should also exchange the BIOS on the PCB.

If your data is business critical, please seek professional help.

useful link you can try: http://www.hddzone.com/maxtor-pcb-c-3.html

You can provide your hard drive details to them to find the matching pcb.

[The Wise Monkey]

Hi Leon.

Thanks for contributing, but there is really no need to bump these really old threads. :)

[leon2046]

:) sorry, get it.