Recover data on HD by swapping PCB?

[techguy817]

Hi all,

I had a RAID 0 config with two 74GB raptor drives and one of them recently failed with a clicking noise. I have a replacement on the way but I'd like to try and salvage the data via a full Ghost image if possible to prevent rebuilding (I have the data backed up). I've seen online that replacing the PCB board on the drive may work as a temporary fix. Has anyone tried this? Since I have two of the same drives manufactured close to one another will it work? I don't want to try the freezer trick because I think it doesn't work and will void my warranty on the defective drive.

Any input and suggestions are appreciated.

 

[tweakboy]

That sounds like a great idea. The Computer you put it in doesnt matter, as long as the port works.

Take it to a friends house and copy to your external ?

 

[smitbret]

I have successfully used the freezer trick on several occasions where I was able to salvage much of the data from a HDD. Make sure you put it in a Ziploc Freezer Bag and remove as much of the air as possible before putting it in the freezer to avoid condensation.

I don't know if the freezer trick would work long enough to get an entire image, though. The time I've gotten from the freezer trick is measured in single digits.

I can't fathom how they would know it had spent time in the freezer if condensation doesn't change the markers.

 

[techguy817]

Thanks for the reply.

To get 9 minutes or less of recovery time by placing it in the freezer and risking not being able to RMA it doesn't sound like a good idea to me. I guess I'll just rebuild the OS and restore the data.

 

[LurchFrinky]

I successfully rejuvenated a 1TB drive by swapping the PCB with a another. I was swapping out the power supply and (rather stupidly) forgot to swap out the modular cables as well. Needless to say, I let the magic smoke out of the drives. In this case, the drive itself was fine as the PCB took all the damage.
I am not so sure the clicking sound is a sign of a bad PCB though.

 

[Topweasel]

CoD is 99 times out of a hundred a mechanical issue and not an electrical issue. Swapping PCB should have no effect on it.