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Donor Hard Drives for Physical Data Recovery

Precision Matching for Successful Head & Motor Replacements

In the specialized field of physical data recovery, the success of a mechanical intervention—such as a head stack assembly (HSA) replacement or a platter swap—depends entirely on the compatibility of the donor hard drive. At HDD Donor, we understand that a “similar” model is not enough. To ensure a successful read/write head initialization, you must match specific internal parameters that go beyond the external label. Our Donor Drives category is a meticulously cataloged repository of storage hardware, featuring legacy and modern drives from Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Hitachi (HGST), and Samsung.

We prioritize technical transparency by providing critical data for every unit in our inventory. This includes matching the DCM (Drive Configuration Matrix) and Media ID for Western Digital, or the Site Code, Date Code, and Firmware Revision for Seagate drives. Whether you are dealing with a clicking drive, a seized spindle motor, or a “death beep,” our donor units are tested to ensure they are mechanically sound before they reach your cleanroom. By sourcing your donor hardware from a specialist rather than a general recycler, you reduce the risk of head-to-platter incompatibility and increase the probability of a full data clone. Browse our categorized inventory to find the exact mechanical twin for your patient drive and restore access to your client’s critical data.

Expert Guide to Selecting Donor Hard Drives

What is a "Donor Hard Drive" in data recovery?
A donor hard drive is a functional unit used to provide healthy mechanical parts (like head stacks or motors) to a failed "patient" drive of the same model and technical specifications.
Why can't I just buy any drive with the same model number?
Hard drive manufacturers change internal components and firmware versions frequently. Even drives with the same model number can have different head maps or preamp types that are incompatible.
How do I match a Western Digital donor drive?
For WD, the most critical match is the first few characters of the DCM (Drive Configuration Matrix) and the "Model String" on the label, which indicates the head assembly type.
What should I look for when matching a Seagate donor?
When sourcing a Seagate donor, you must prioritize matching the Site Code, Firmware (F/W) version, and the Part Number (P/N) to ensure the F3 architecture is compatible.
Are these donor drives guaranteed to work for my recovery?
While we guarantee the donor drive is functional and healthy upon arrival, the success of the recovery depends on the technician's skill and the condition of the patient drive's platters.
Do you ship donor drives for older legacy IDE models?
Yes. We maintain a specific stock of legacy IDE and early SATA drives for older data recovery cases that are no longer available in retail stores.
How are the donor drives packaged for shipping?
Each drive is sealed in an anti-static bag and wrapped in thick, shock-absorbent foam to prevent any mechanical shock to the delicate internal head assembly during transit.
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