How to Replace the Pins on a Laptop Hard Drive

Laptop hard drive and controller board

The laptop hard drive, mostly a reduced version of a standard hard drive, has data cable connector pins that may break off. Replacing these pins is a straightforward process that will require moderate computer hardware skills.

Things You'll Need

• Damaged laptop hard drive
• Replacement controller board
• Small screwdrivers (Phillips and TORX)

Instructions

1. Unscrew the damaged hard drive's TORX screws that are holding the controller circuit board in place. The controller cards contain all of the data pins, which cannot be easily re-soldered.

2. Carefully remove the controller board from the hard drive. There is a small ribbon cable on the back or bottom of the card that will tear if not handled properly. Tugging on it very gently will dislodge it. If the ribbon cable comes from the hard drive and plugs into the controller card, then it must be removed, not cut.

3. Replace the controller board with one from a similar make and model, and plug in the ribbon cable. Some manufacturers will use the same controller cards for several models over a product's lifespan. Since the pins are very small and very close together, it is not possible to repair them once they break off. They must be replaced with the controller board.

4. Replace the TORX screws that hold the board to the hard drive. Be careful to not over-tighten them. The drive should now be installed into the laptop, and tested.

Tips & Warnings

• One controller card can be used to save the data from several damaged hard drives.

• Computer components are fragile and subject to static shock; discharge static electricity before working on them.