Western digital WD20EARS controller boards

[tirnaog1]

Hello,
Any one know where I can purchase a replacement board for this HDD?
Mine has failed and I would liek to get data off it.

 

[fzabkar]

A straight board swap most probably won't work. The Marvell MCU chip has unique, drive specific "adaptive" information that needs to be transferred to your replacement PCB.

That said, what is the problem with your board? Sometimes there is an easy, no-cost DIY fix.

 

[tirnaog1]

looks like it melted!
Drive spins up but is not seen by bios or OS.
and looking at board I can see a discoloration on the back of it.
Looking up online it sounds like what many people have come accross with this drive.
One of the items on the board frying itself.

Wife found the receipt and we were within month of warrenty expiration. so having them send us a new one. Just lossed all my data .

 

[fzabkar]

The discolouration is most probably oxidisation, in which case it is a consequence of materials changes mandated by RoHS.

Try shining up the 20-pin HDA connection pads by gently rubbing them with a soft white pencil eraser. Alternatively, try a cotton bud and metal polish such as Brasso. Clean up the powdery residue with a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol (tape head cleaner).

See the following discussions:
http://community.wdc.com/t5/Desktop/WD-HDD-PCB-Oxidization-corrosion-discolorations-you-name-it/td-p/24697

Oxidisation of Seagate & WDC PCBs:
http://groups.google.com/group/sci.electronics.repair/browse_thread/thread/2242c6be34042a28/12a896fd389028d4#12a896fd389028d4

Today's Lead Free Cr*p Solder Stories ...
http://groups.google.com/group/sci.electronics.repair/browse_thread/thread/161210aa2275c858/a1e69decdbe741b1#a1e69decdbe741b1