WD Hard Drive Firmware & PCB question

[Ampersander]

I had a drive cut out on me a while back, thanks to those of you that helped.

I've finally found a drive that matches the model number (WD400BB-00DEA0) however it's manufacture date is 3 years after mine (2002 v. 2005)

I've heard that the model number on WD drives indicates pretty well everything that goes into making that drive. However, would the firmware have changed over that time?

I'd like concrete answers on this before I do anything, as the seller of the drive is asking a considerably heavy price. I'd pay it to get my data back, but not all for naught. :\

 

[garebo]

Im not the final word on this matter but i have done what you are contemplating. The closer you get to the exact drive the better your chances are of swapping parts. Since you are only talking about swapping the pcb board, you arent getting into the real guts of the hard drive.

It would be best to have the exact same everything, but the one you are considering may very well work, but might not.
I had a samsung that the owner wanted data from and i tried another samsung pcb board, not even close to the same gigs or anything and it worked. I tried a maxtor before that and the maxtor was a closer match and no go, so its hard to say.

Can i ask you how much he is charging for that drive?
You should be able to pick that drive up for about $30 or less on a forum, in good working order. There are many forums that have a buy\sell section to them, techimo, anandtech, etc, etc. Just get on one and talk to someone who has a lot of posts and they will help you out. Plus, you get on one forum and ask for the names of others and you will get the names of a dozen more forums. If you go on a few of them you can get that drive for $30 or less. I know that to be a fact as i use those forums. So if this person is trying to take advantage of you, dont go there, you can advertise for the same drive on these forums!!
Im gonna look and see if i have one, but it could take me a while.





Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[Ampersander]

I've already tried an 80 gig WD that didn't work, almost identical except for the size of the drive. From what I hear, the WDs are pretty finicky on their compatibility.

The seller is asking 65$ - plus shipping. As I said, that's pretty high, especially since it's a crap shoot and not a sure deal. Any other WD 40g Caviar would cost far less.

(On a side note: He doesn't know my situation and isn't taking advantage of it. His prices just seem to be expensive.)

 

[garebo]

No way would i pay that. If you do as i suggested, you will get one for $30, I guarantee you will if you try, some of these guys at these forums are as good as the guys here, just different setup.
However, i am guessing you are from the US and that $65 is US funds. The $30 i quoted is US funds as well.
$65 would still be a bit high in Canadian prices as well.
Even if its $65 shipped its still too high and you can get 2 for that price!


Good advice + great people = tek-tips