How to save a SATA HDD with a broken data connector?

hard-drive sata cable connector defective-hardware

5,815

I knew someone salvaged a drive by taking a SATA cable, stripping off one end, and soldered the cable directly to the plug. The drive worked, but he didn't keep using it. It was just an experiment.

This was one of the suggestion you listed, but I can confirm that it really will work. It'll give you the most reliable way of accessing the data, since the other methods of repair will be unreliable at best.

5,815

Murray Furtado

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Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

Murray Furtado almost 2 years
While reconfiguring my home server, I discovered why my data drive isn't detected anymore:

This is an expensive 6-terabyte drive. I'm not asking whether it can be salvaged, I'm asking how?

I can think of a few ways, but please help me choose the one with the highest chance of success! I'm very open to better ideas of course:
- Carefully try to plug it back in, then use epoxy to keep it in place. Afraid that the connectors won't touch well, or bend the leads. This is a one-shot chance.
- Cut the cable open to salvage the broken off connector, then use instant glue(?) to put it back in place to connect a new cable. Afraid that glueing that tiny bit of plastic isn't going to be reliable enough for use.
- Cut off the blocked cable end and then solder the cable leads directly onto the connector leads. Best chance of electrical connection, but requires delicate work. (I'm good with soldering, and I have heatshrinks.)
I have seen this similar question and I see that glueing helped him, but I can't tell from the page whether his situation was really similar. Also, the external USB dock is a nice try but not reliable and not suited as permanent solution.

I am aware that I need to be ultra careful with this weak spot in the future. I don't like this situation, but I have to deal with it.
Kinnectus over 7 years

I'd be suggesting the same thing in this case... tin the pins and then get a blank sata and solder to the existing pins.
Tobias Knauss over 7 years

The only sensible solution!
Murray Furtado over 7 years

ad expensive, I needed to mention this because I am not going to spend hundreds of bucks on a new drive. I'm on a budget here. Ad Be prepared for this drive to fail again I only agree insofar as the connector is concerned; the rest of the drive is still basically brand new.
Tobias Knauss over 7 years

I would also wrap the cable around and attach it to the housing of the drive, so that the mechanical force on the cable isn't forwarded to the pins ("cable relief"). This drive could run for years if it hasn't fallen on the floor... only the connector was broken.