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Think HD is dead, is PCB replacemet best chance?

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So I had a 750 seagate barracuda HD in PC. Connected through a Raid controller. Just storage HD, the OS is on a seperate HD so PC boots up fine

Few days ago I noticed that itspartitions were not showing up. Raid showing no device detected.
So I thought maybe raid controller was bad, bought new one and same result.

I figure the drive is dead. Ive tried searching on ways to fix it long enough to copy data off it. Read about replacing the PCB.

Im wondering if I track down the same exact PCB, same firmware, manufacture date same everything. What are my chances of success?

I ordered a new HD and an external HD enclosure. When they arrive I will pull dead HD out and put new HD in. Then I will put the dead one in enclosure just to see if it powers up, as I cant hear it while its in the case. Im want to wait for new HD so that I have somewhere to copy the data aonto

If its just dead, I am thinking of trying the PCB fix.

I see you can send it in to a pro for hundreds of dollars but who wants to spen $700 or whatever on that.

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If the drive doesn't spin up, or attempt to spin up, then the PCB is most likely at fault. When replacing the PCB, be aware that most modern HDDs store unique, drive specific "adaptive" information in a serial EEPROM chip. This chip, or its contents, needs to be transferred from patient to donor, ie a straight PCB swap won't work.

The following PCB suppliers offer a firmware transfer service, either for free, or for US$10:

http://www.donordrives.com
http://www.onepcbsolution.com
http://www.hdd-parts.com

I would advise that you avoid those suppliers who don't tell you that a board won't work without modification. Often they will attempt to obscure the requirement for a firmware transfer by deceptively describing their products as being "for data recovery only".

Alternatively, if you are not adept at soldering, your local TV/AV repair shop should be able to transfer the chip for you.

See ...
http://www.donordrives.com/hard-drive-pcb-donor-swap-ma...
http://www.donordrives.com/blog/pcbswapguide
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Yes, that's what you need to do. I suggest you contact the supplier in advance, though.

Some drives may require a "PCB adaptation service" (for which you would need to provide your drive), but Seagates don't fall into this category AFAIK.

That said, if your drive spins up, then the PCB will most probably be OK.

Well I put the new HD in and formated and partitioned it and that went fine.

Put the Old Drive in the external enclosure and it will spin up but computer doesnt see it.

I put my ear up to it and turned it on and it will make a little nose in the beginning but then all you hear is the drive spinning.

I took another old external drive and put my ear to that as comparison and you can hear alot more actions going on.

Also tried connecting it to my laptop just to see if it was the PC. No luck.

So Im assuming that something major is wrong.

Any optins for a drive that will spin up?

Ive heard of the freezing method and also about lightly smacking it to loosen arms.

Not sure what to try. Just want to get in quick copy pictures at the very least

@jacobbones, if the drive spins up, then there is no reason to smack it.

A common problem with Seagate HDDs is that they have difficulty reading the firmware modules in the hidden System Area on the platters. This was a frequent problem with the 7200.11 and 7200.12 series.

What is the model number and firmware version of your drive? Is it a ST3750330AS with SD15 firmware?

Well parts finally arrived and I did the fix.
Good news is that the fix seemed to have worked as it sees the drive and can be accessed.

Bad news is that data isnt there. Its like I put a new HD in. Says its unallocated. Artitions are all gone et..

Started to run the minitool partition recovery wizard but after 3 hours was at 1% will take forever and Im not sure if thats needed.
Trying to run minitools data recovery scan see what comes up now.

Not sure what best option is from here
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