Computer/electronics expert needed for HD PCB issue

Ultranothing · 09-04-2008, 02:32 AM

Hi!

I have a Seagate Barracuda 320GB (7200.10) Hard drive.

Well, at least I used to. I plugged the wrong power adapter into the external enclosure.

I'll sum it up visually.

This is the entire PCB of the unit:

This is what this region of the PCB "should" look like:

And this is my poorly photoshopped representation of what it looks like now:

I am missing one(1) shielded power inductor, labeled "3R3" (3.3uh 6.5a???) which was thoroughly blown the hell away when I applied the incorrect voltage to the unit.

Has (or could) irreversible damage been done? Would replacing the inductor fix the unit possibly? What is "3R3" and is it easily obtainable? Is it difficult to solder the inductor back on? What else should I know or be aware of?

Please help. My life is on this drive.

imsati · 09-04-2008, 04:59 AM

Well, sadly...

Quote:

Has (or could) irreversible damage been done?

Yes, and...

Quote:

Would replacing the inductor fix the unit possibly?

No.

You might try taking it to a place that specializes in data recovery, though, and see what they tell you. And when I say 'specialize', I do *not* mean Geek Squad or Firedog - look in your phone book for professional companies that *only* do that kind of stuff. Keep in mind that if power surged enough to actually blow off part of the Drive, chances are the data itself is fried too.

You're probably bound to see at least one idiot Posting in this Thread to 'simply replace the platters' in another Drive...

Do yourself a favor and ignore anyone and everyone who spews crap like that.

Ultranothing · 09-04-2008, 07:00 AM

Could I possibly try replacing the entire PCB?

imsati · 09-04-2008, 01:53 PM

I've never tried. Not sure if it's even feasible, though, honestly, I would think not.

Ultranothing · 09-08-2008, 05:48 AM

Sorry for the delay in responding to the thread - I haven't been able to get ahold of the loupe again to read the nearly microscopic characters on the chip.

I'm going to purchase a magnifying glass tomorrow and hopefully that will allow me to see the code more clearly.

Thank you all very much so far, for your input. Please don't kill this thread yet...Believe me, I'm working on this

- Josh

09-04-2008, 02:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ultranothing Bronze Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 28	Computer/electronics expert needed for HD PCB issue Hi! I have a Seagate Barracuda 320GB (7200.10) Hard drive. Well, at least I used to. I plugged the wrong power adapter into the external enclosure. I'll sum it up visually. This is the entire PCB of the unit: This is what this region of the PCB "should" look like: And this is my poorly photoshopped representation of what it looks like now: I am missing one(1) shielded power inductor, labeled "3R3" (3.3uh 6.5a???) which was thoroughly blown the hell away when I applied the incorrect voltage to the unit. Has (or could) irreversible damage been done? Would replacing the inductor fix the unit possibly? What is "3R3" and is it easily obtainable? Is it difficult to solder the inductor back on? What else should I know or be aware of? Please help. My life is on this drive.

09-04-2008, 01:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
imsati VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: EHT, NJ Posts: 3,094	I've never tried. Not sure if it's even feasible, though, honestly, I would think not. __________________ --Jay Creepy Lurker Guy

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
OC expert needed here	Noir	CPUs and Overclocking	12	05-29-2008 09:24 AM
Expert Advice Needed , please .	OmegaWon	Laptop and Smartphones	15	12-07-2006 02:16 AM
Expert Help Needed - Again - Hard Disks	serverbugatgmail	Computer Cases, Power Supplies and Cooling	3	10-16-2005 04:01 PM
Expert Help Needed - Case Wiring	serverbugatgmail	Computer Cases, Power Supplies and Cooling	16	10-16-2005 02:15 AM
Winfast tv2000xp expert quality issue	Watzzupp	Video Cards and Monitors	3	08-06-2004 01:13 PM

09-04-2008, 07:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ultranothing Bronze Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 28	Could I possibly try replacing the entire PCB?

09-08-2008, 05:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
Ultranothing Bronze Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 28	Sorry for the delay in responding to the thread - I haven't been able to get ahold of the loupe again to read the nearly microscopic characters on the chip. I'm going to purchase a magnifying glass tomorrow and hopefully that will allow me to see the code more clearly. Thank you all very much so far, for your input. Please don't kill this thread yet...Believe me, I'm working on this - Josh