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Mid 2010 Model A1278 / 2.4 or 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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My MacBook Pro won't recognize it's internal hard disc

Hi guys

A few months ago my computer froze completely after getting overheated, and since then my computer hasn't been able to find my internal harddisc. However, when I checked if it was possible to salvage anything from the harddisc, it turned out that it wasn't damaged at all! So it has to be either the cable or the motherboard. This is how my motherboard looks like:

Block Image

To me it seems like there is a little area where the nodes have been fried a bit (yellow color), but I'm not sure.

So the question is: Is my motherboard fried or is it just the cable that needs to be changed?

One more thing. I still use my computer with an external harddisk, and on one occasion it got really warm, but was still functioning. Then I managed to drop it on the floor. After I then restarted the computer, it suddently managed to recognize the internal harddisk.

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Can you supply the last three digits of your serial number so we can correctly ID your system and its logic board.

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I came across the same issue where my internal hard drive was not being recognized. I tried tesing multiple SSD's and regular standard hard drives, issue still occurred. I tried testing with external adapters, still issue occurred. Then I switched out the cable, issue fixed! Also changed out the hard drive to an SSD 480GB and switched out the RAM to 16GB RAM.

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This type of problem has become so prevalent that I now stock two each of both the 15" and 13" cables. I would replace the cable and see if the issue is gone. (use a NEW cable, not used): MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2010 Hard Drive Cable Replacement

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If does appear you have some corrosion damage as the solder pads of the vacant chip location look discolored.

Did you get your system wet (damp) at some point?

I would remove the battery and with distilled water (not tap!) scrub down the areas which appear discolored. Make sure not to snag any of the small components with the cotton swabs. Once you've finished go over the same places again this time with a good quality isopropyl alcohol (the higher the proof the better). This will help in drying out the water. Give your logic board a good day to finish drying, then reassemble. If the HD SATA cable connections look discolored I would replace it.

You may need to retouch the solder joints. If you've not worked on such small components I would recommend bring your system into an authorized Apple service center for them to fix your system (after you have cleaned up the corrosion).

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Thank you very much for your answer!

I don't think my computer has ever been exposed to water, but I will do as you suggested.

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Use 90% isopropyl alcohol to clean any electronics. Not water!!!

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I think you're confusing tap or spring water here. Yes, these would be bad! Not the base water its self, its what is dissolved within the water that kills the electronics! Salts, metals and other junk. Its this other stuff you need to worry about unlike pure distilled water which is pure H2O.

Distilled water is just fine when you're cleaning off something that is water soluble or trying to neutralize something that is acidic or alkali. You do need to dry the parts completely before you power the system up first.

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