Barracuda XT, Barracuda, Barracuda Green, DiamondMax and other desktop SATA and IDE drives

[jj10]

I have a Seagate ST320413a HDD which is physically damaged and I will replace the logic board just to recover my files. Of course, a Torx screw driver is necessary, but I don't know the tool size. I went to some shops and the sellers don't know either. Does anybody know here?

[Cantbecanit]

It's a number 6 one iirc.

[jj10]

Thanks. I'll search for it.

[Cantbecanit]

It's called a T6. hth.

Message Edited by Cantbecanit on 03-02-2010 06:55 PM

[fzabkar]

Can you identify the faulty component in the photo?

http://longdata.ru/images/Seagate/ST320413A_PCB.jpg

You may not need to remove or replace the board if you are lucky.

[jj10]

Unfortunately no. The board seems perfect, but is not recognized in the bios.

[fzabkar]

The rule of thumb appears to be that, if a drive spins up but is not detected, or if it tries to spin up, then the board is probably OK. Instead the problem is most likely with the head/disc assembly (HDA).

If, OTOH, the drive makes no noise at all, and does not attempt to spin up, then the board is probably faulty.

If you intend replacing the board, be prepared to transplant the 8-pin serial EEPROM chip from patient to donor. This is because the EEPROM stores drive specific calibration data determined at the factory. This rule applies to current model drives, but may not apply to older ones, in which case a straight PCB swap may be OK for you. Even on newer drives, if the tolerances between patient and donor are close, you may still be lucky.

The following article will help you identify the components:

http://hddscan.com/doc/HDD_from_inside.html

[jj10]

Hi again. Thanks for the responses.

I've just bought a T6 and it can't open it. I'll search for a T8, maybe it will fit into this type of screw.

[Rick in PA]

I like fold-up driver-key sets.  They make one for T6 through T20 that would be good for many computer work applications.  If you can't find it at a local hardware store, industrial suppliers such as McMaster carry them.  The fold-up drivers are very handy, I have them in inch and metric Allen head (hex-key) styles plus one in a bigger size Torx set (I'm going to get the smaller size above when I get a chance).

[petec36]

I recently damaged a small chip on the main board ; where can I buy a replacement board?