Mismatched PSU cable, fried an HDD and SSD, what’s the best path forward?

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Navigating the Aftermath of Mismatched PSU Cables: A Cautionary Tale for Tech Users

Today, I found myself on the receiving end of an expensive and hard-learned lesson about power supply unit (PSU) cables. It appears that many in the tech community recognize that PSU cables are not universally interchangeable, but I didn’t know this critical detail until it was too late.

In a moment of oversight, I decided to repurpose the peripheral cable from my previous PSU. Unfortunately, this seemingly harmless choice resulted in my two storage drives—an HDD and an SSD—being rendered inoperative. The affected drives are:

  • HDD: Seagate Barracuda 2TB (Model: ST2000DM006)
  • SSD: Samsung 860 EVO V-NAND (Model: MZ-76E1T0)

Now, I’m left grappling with the aftermath of this situation and am seeking advice on how to approach recovering any potentially lost data.

Steps to Consider for Data Recovery

  1. Assess the Damage: Begin by verifying the extent of the damage to your drives. Connect them to a different, functioning system to see if they are recognized. Sometimes, the drives may show signs of life even if data isn’t accessible.

  2. Consult Frustration-Free Resources: There are various forums and websites dedicated to data recovery. Consider reaching out to communities that specialize in hardware issues, such as those on Reddit or tech support websites.

  3. Professional Data Recovery Services: If the data is invaluable and the drives do not respond at all, it might be wise to consult a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise that can help retrieve lost data, although this option can be quite costly.

  4. Backup Solutions for the Future: Once the immediate concerns are addressed, it’s essential to establish a robust data backup plan. Using cloud services or external drives can help mitigate future data loss.

  5. Educate Yourself on Hardware Compatibility: To prevent similar mishaps in the future, take the time to learn about hardware compatibility, especially when working with power supplies and their connectors. Understanding the specifications can save you from costly errors.

This experience has been a profound reminder of the importance of caution when handling computer hardware. I hope that by sharing my journey, others can avoid similar pitfalls and learn to navigate their own tech environments with greater confidence. If anyone has further suggestions or

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2 questions: 1. How to test a Backup Windows System Image, to ensure it’ll actually recover your backed up data? 2. If your backup skips some files because they are deemed “corrupt”, what are your options? Thanks! 😊

Navigating Windows Backup: Testing Your System Image and Handling Corrupt...
BCAdmin1 Comment on 2 questions: 1. How to test a Backup Windows System Image, to ensure it’ll actually recover your backed up data? 2. If your backup skips some files because they are deemed “corrupt”, what are your options? Thanks! 😊

One Comment

  1. Thank you for sharing your experience. When dealing with PSU cables and storage devices, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility and proper connections to avoid hardware damage. Here are some steps and tips to assist you moving forward:

    • Verify Power Connections: Always double-check that the PSU cables match the connectors on your drives. Use the original cables when possible and consult your power supply’s documentation for compatibility details.
    • Inspect Your Drives: If drives are not recognized, try connecting them to a different system or via a new interface to determine if they are physically functional. Be cautious when handling drives to prevent additional damage.
    • Data Recovery Support: For critical data, professional data recovery services often have cleanroom environments and specialized tools necessary to recover data from damaged drives. Approach reputable providers with experience in SSD and HDD recovery.
    • Preventative Measures: Consider creating a data backup plan that includes regular backups to external drives or cloud storage to minimize data loss risks in future incidents.
    • Hardware Safety Tips: When working with power supplies, it’s recommended to use cables specifically designed for your PSU model. Adapters or repurposed cables can be risky unless they are confirmed compatible, as mismatched voltages can cause hardware failure.

    If you decide to attempt data recovery yourself, ensure the drives are powered off

    Reply

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