seagate has a bad history....so thats a nogo...
wd is sorta ok...
samsung...not quite sure what the story is..some like em..some hate them...
hitachi sas drives are ok..not sure of their sata line...

I have only had problems with WD once (a raptor) and thats what 90% of my drives have been over the last 5 years. (from greenpowers to vRaps)

Before that I was using hitachis as they were king of the perf/price coop, but everyone claimed they had epic fail rates too (no issues)

Before that I was using Maxtors (staples purchases) and only had one of them that died... well I was a n00b and shorted it... heh heh


IF you try the freezer trick play with the software first.
Put it in the freezer in an air tight (air removed bag) for an hour pop it into the system. If it is a mechanical issue that might bring it back to life.

I have successfully recovered files off of two dead drives... the other 3 (none where mine) nothing worked. I have never done the PCB flip, just what I saw recommended.

Thanks for the input ........ This just sucks

will try to freeze the bastard this weekend ..... and hope for the best