URGENT: SATA connector snapped

basmic · 12 Jun 2007 at 15:03

SATA connector snapped off my old 250gb HD, with data on it.

Luckily I managed to bodge it, and am backing everything up to my 400gb HD as I speak.

I really need to know if Hitachi will accept this drive for an RMA.

The plastic SATA connector has snapped, but none of the metal contacts.

basmic · 12 Jun 2007 at 15:28

Phemo said:
I doubt it as they will almost certainly look at it as being down to your own carelessness.

I have done this on a drive before and I've superglued the plastic bit back in place no problems - are you not able to do this? Mine has been fine ever since

The plastic part in the SATA connector.

Hitachi just said yes, they'll RMA it - and it's in warranty too.

basmic · 12 Jun 2007 at 18:18

The top drive in the above picture shows exactly what has happened to my drive.

Needless to say, the drive is winging it's way to Hitachi HD heaven via Recorded Delivery. :mad:

basmic · 12 Jun 2007 at 18:47

Phemo said:
That's not too bad, you could've probably got the plastic bit out with a needle or by tearing apart the SATA cable plug and superglued it back in though It's cool that Hitachi are going to accept it for an RMA though, I am surprised by that. At least you're not totally losing out

Put it this way - I'd be lying to say I wasn't nervous on the phone, when I asked them.

At the end of the day, I was honest with them - I still honestly don't remember tugging that cable. It must have been when I was tugging the power cables...

I hope they bring out a much sturdier connector than that out - that's just laughable how easily it broke.

I was nervous about losing on a 250gb drive - in which case, I would have bodged the connector. But no way would I have trusted the drive enough to use as my backup drive.

basmic · 14 Jun 2007 at 16:55

RMA number: ********

The returned defective hard disk drive was received and the replacement hard disk drive has not been shipped yet.

RMA issued on June 12, 2007

Defective hard disk drive received on June 13, 2007

Please be aware that you may experience a delay in receiving your replacement disk drive based on stock availability. If product is available, your replacement order will be processed within 14 working days after the receipt of your defective disk drive.

So far, so good.