Reference number: CH001059

What devices are and are not hot-swappable on a computer?

Question:

What devices are and are not hot-swappable on a computer?

Answer:

A hot-swappable device is anything that can be safely connected and disconnected while the computer and/or the device being connected or disconnected is powered on and running.

Caution: This document is meant for general information to what is and is not hot-swappable on your computer. We still always suggest that you consult your documentation before disconnecting and connecting components to the computer while it's on.

What can be plugged-in while the computer is on

• Audio ports (e.g. speakers, microphone, headphones, etc.)
• FireWire devices
• Modem/Phone cord (RJ-11)
• Network cable (RJ-45)
• SATA devices
• USB devices

* Although the interface may be hot-swappable some devices such as disk drives may need to be shutdown before they are hot-swapped.

What should not be disconnected while the computer is on

• AT port and devices
• Internal hardware - Devices attached inside your computer such as your sound card, video card, CD-ROM, IDE hard drive, etc. are not hot-swappable.
• Parallel port and parallel port devices
• PS/2 port and devices (e.g. PS/2 keyboard and mouse)
• Serial Port and devices

* Disconnecting a device that is not hot-swappable while the computer is on will cause the device to stop working or not work and can also cause physical damage to the computer and/or the device being disconnected.

Additional information:

• See our hot swapping and hot-swappable dictionary definitions for additional information and related terms.