seagate with a faulty 3.3v power

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https://www.winbond.com/hq/product/code-storage-flash-memory/serial-nor-flash/?__locale=en&partNo=W25X40CL

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Nov 14, 2025, 10:05:47 AMNov 14

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W25X40CL is a dual voltage flash therefore it can work with 2,5V and also 3,3V signals so it is not failing if there is 2,5V.

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Franck

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Nov 14, 2025, 10:36:57 AMNov 14

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Is this donor board compatible with mine?
I ve tried to connect via usb ttl to look up muc but it is denied

Data Recovery Guru

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Nov 14, 2025, 10:43:27 AMNov 14

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If the model of the PCB (etch) on the controller chip is the same, then it should be compatible. No need for terminal info.

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Anonymous

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Nov 14, 2025, 11:28:52 AMNov 14

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By comparing the two PCBs and examining the photos closely, the MCU appears to be of the same brand but a different reference, and the same applies to the SMOOT chip. Only the Samsung chip differs, as the donor board uses an ESMT chip.

The donor and recipient PCBs are otherwise identical. In your opinion, are they compatible?

Additionally, is the attached firmware valid and transferable to the donor motherboard?

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Anonymous

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Nov 14, 2025, 11:31:07 AMNov 14

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here further info if needed Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002, FW KC45, PCB 100535704 REV C/AM)

Data Recovery Guru

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Nov 14, 2025, 11:47:42 AMNov 14

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You don't mention what you have tried already, which is irritating to people who want to help.

But basically do this:

-Fix patient PCB (Test with multimeter what components may he bad: diodes, resistors, etc), if no luck, then:

-Try to read patient ROM via terminal (likely to fail)

-Desolder patient ROM, clean it and make a good backup via programmer

-Write patient read ROM to donor PCB

-Test donor PCB detached from drive (do you BSY in status register, activity in terminal? If so, then this is good).

-Test donor PCB on the patient drive

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pbzcbf...@gmail.com

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Nov 14, 2025, 12:12:40 PMNov 14

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Measure the voltages at the 3R3 and 1R2 inductors at the "SMOOTH" side of the motor controller. I believe they should be Vcore (1.2V) and Vio (2.5V).

Also measure the voltage at pin #1 of the 8-pin 4184P IC. That should be -5V (for the preamp).

NTMD4184PFR2G, On Semiconductor, marking 4184P, P-Channel, FETKY, S08, -30V -3.8A:
http://www.onsemi.com/pub/Collateral/NTMD4184PF-D.PDF

The ROM looks OK to me, although there is a small area of difference between the two BFWCTNR containers.

Anonymous

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Nov 14, 2025, 1:15:55 PMNov 14

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sorry if I have not answered that.

Here is what I tried, in order:

I tried cleaning the PCB because it was dirty (there was some dust since it had never been opened), using IPA.
Then I started testing each critical component.
In the meantime, I attempted to copy the ROM (the one I sent as an attachment).
I checked it with F3 ROM Explorer, but apparently nothing showed up. I still have doubts, which is why I asked you whether it was correct.
I tried to check the MCU, but it returned an access error.
I checked the oscillator, and it seems fine; it outputs 29.9 MHz.
About the components around the Smooth chip, I checked them and noticed small leakages, which led me to think there is an issue in the 3.3 V power stage.

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Data Recovery Guru

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Nov 14, 2025, 1:19:40 PMNov 14

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Thank you.

I would go with my plan suggested earlier.

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Cambridge: 1 Mifflin Place, Suite 400 (4th Floor), Cambridge MA 02138
Dedham: 3 Allied Drive, Suite 303 (3rd Floor), Dedham, MA 02026

Burlington: 1500 District Ave, 1st Floor, Burlington, MA 01803

Framingham: 945 Concord St., 1st Floor, Framingham, MA 01701

Providence: 10 Dorrance St., Suite 700 (7th Floor), Providence, RI 02903

New Hampshire: One Tara Blvd., Suite 200 (2nd Floor), Nashua, NH 03062