Is it safe to plug and unplug fans with the comp running?

[jbslow]

I am wondering if it would be safe to plug or unplug a fan while the comp is up and running? I've heard bad things about unplugging vc's with the comp running but what about fans? If you have done this let me know.

[dugans]

Been there done that!

Usually I do it when I'm trying to get some air flowing exactly where I want it- and that has caused problems:

worst one: cooling a northbridge chip (fanless) and the home-made METAL bracket slipped.......goodbye GeForce Ultra 32!

Old card, yes, but not being a hardcore gamer it was fine for me!

[Yodums]

To be on the safe side why would you do it?

Its not safe for your motherboard and the fan itself.

Best to shut off and do it then, it could save alot of hassle.

[jbslow]

Ya thats what I thought I was just going to try and find the immediate affects of running only one delta 80mm screamer and both @ 7v but it seems silly to try it now without shutting down (I like my video card and my mobo way to much).

[Diggrr]

I can't do that. If I plug or unplug anything drawing more than 1/2 an amp while the power is on my Sparkle psu shuts off. I have to switch off then back on to reset it.
Sometimes it's a pain when setting up, but with current sensing that good, I know if something goes wrong, the computer is off in a flash. That's kind of nice to know.:)

[eobard]

If you have an old AT or XT powersupply you could hook the fans up to that ps and then try your 7v mods vs 12v. That way if something blows you'll only lose the old power supply.

[Silver]

Touched my arm to the case while adjusting a cpu water block clamp and good bye 1 Ghz R. This was while the computer was off but the plug was still connected. I no longer adjust anything with that power cord hooked up and have not had an incident since. I sure would'nt do it.

[Mike K]

I unplugged and plugged in case fans while my comp was running and nothing happened. They connect to the psu though, not the mobo.

[Wonko The Sane]

I plugged a fan in while the comp was on a few times, and it worked OK. It was a fan on a mobo header.