What's hot-swappable or can be unplugged while computer is on?
Question
What's hot-swappable or can be unplugged while computer is on?
Answer
A hot-swappable device is anything that can be safely connected and disconnected while the computer 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 or unplugged 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 or the device being disconnected.
Additional information
- See the hot swapping and hot-swappable definitions for further information and related terms.