Is it safe?

tom736928

Weaksauce
Joined
Mar 14, 2010
Messages
126
Is it safe for me to plug in and out the 4pin molex on my pc when it is operating,or do should i switch the PC off for safety reason? For quick installation of my new 120mm fans and UV Cathode.
 
I wouldn't recommend it, but it will probably work. The risk just isn't worth it.

1) Save your game
2) Shutdown the PC
3) Pull the power
4) Open the case and plug in your stuff
5) Plug power back in
6) Start up
7) Play game

Total time: 10 min tops. Do it.
 
If you are *not* unplugging other devices in the process, and just activating/deactivating the fans/cold cathode, then you should be fine.

The powersupply can handle transient loads. What do you think happens when you spin-up your DVD drive?

I've done it many times when adding a new fan to my system, to get an overall feel for the sound the fan adds to the existing noise. If you turn a fan on and off several times when the system is running, you get a good feel for the true increase in noise.
 
Alright thanks for the info, for my scenario, fan noise probably doesnt makes any difference anymore, 5970 on load with eyefinity, my pc sounds like a mini vacuum
 
I'm not concerned about plugging in the fans... I'd be worried about my clumsiness. I'd end up jamming my pinky finger in another fan, or ESDing a drive, or some other such nonsense. But honestly, yeah, I'd probably do it too. 'Cuz I'm lazy as well as clumsy. But in general, doing this is stupid.
 
just be sure you ground yourself before poking around in an open, operating PC...you don't want a static shock jumping from a finger tip to the board
 
regarding grounding... just touch the case first, so you're at the same potential.
 
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