Should I source this IC from China?

[iXod]

I’m repairing a HDD PCB. The motor controller, a TI SH6125B, is NLA. The only source I can find is from China sellers on eBay (US).

Yes there are used PCBs available to replace the non-functional one, and donor boards that I can take a (maybe) functional controller IC from. But both these options are more spendy than this hobby project is worth.

What’s the likelihood that these China-sourced chips are legitimate and not counterfeit trash?

Thanks.

[Jan Audio]

If it cost nothing you can try,
they recycle also, you will see fast enough after the mail arrives.

[iXod]

I forgot about eBay's guarantee. If it's counterfeit, I get a refund. Thanks for the reminder.

The only question is whether a fake IC would cause damage to the otherwise-functional (it seems) PCB?

Thanks.

[magic]

It could, if it's some completely different IC with fake markings. Such things happen, so always carefully inspect your eBay scores for signs of grinding, blacktopping, different font style, misaligned text, that sort of stuff.