Do I still need to change the chips on the new controller board?

Hello. I purchased a replacement controller PCB from you a while ago.  The HDD I am repairing has NEVER been used.  It was brand new when I broke the SATA connector and had to buy a replacement PCB.

Since my HDD has never been formatted or had any data on it before, do I still need to change the chips on the new controller board?

Every PCB’ BIOS  includes the unique info. You need to move your original PCB’s BIOS to the replacement PCB.

You can move the BIOS from your original PCB by using hot-air gun, then soldered it on the replacement board. Please refer: hard drive pcb firmware transfer  Or you can find an electronics repair shop help you.