[SOLVED] Hot plug a HDD

[Chebron]

So I wanted to get the info out of my old laptop harddrive, however I'm having some boot issues when started up my pc with both my SSD and the laptop HDD hooked up. So I was wondering if I could just hook up the HDD to the system while it's running without anything exploding.

 

[USAFRet]

That might completely corrupt the data on the drive, or worse.

You best solution is to buy a USB dock. Power up the system, then turn that dock on with the laptop drive in it.

Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/iDsonix-Drive-Docking-Station-Cable/dp/B00FDLCTQO
or this
https://www.amazon.com/SISUN-Docking-Station-Reader-Black/dp/B009F7TXMK

 

[Chebron]

That might completely corrupt the data on the drive, or worse.

You best solution is to buy a USB dock. Power up the system, then turn that dock on with the laptop drive in it.

Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/iDsonix-Drive-Docking-Station-Cable/dp/B00FDLCTQO
or this
https://www.amazon.com/SISUN-Docking-Station-Reader-Black/dp/B009F7TXMK

Even if my board has hot plug support?

 

[USAFRet]

Even if my board has hot plug support?

Well, that's a whole different thing.

But...
If I say 'Go ahead', and it all works, great.
If I say 'Go ahead', and it kills the drive or motherboard....then what?

You can try it if you like.
I wouldn't...😉

 

[ConanLock]

SATA is, technically, hot swappable. However, for it to work, the controller must also support SATA hot swapping. In your case, seeming as the PC you want to use does support it (you said), then it should all work fine. The biggest risk of damage would be shorting the connectors when you plug it in. To avoid this, be sure to plug the connectors in with a single quick movement, dead straight into place. Don't wiggle them/put them in wonky.

 

[Deleted member 14196]

Well, that's a whole different thing.

But...
If I say 'Go ahead', and it all works, great.
If I say 'Go ahead', and it kills the drive or motherboard....then what?

You can try it if you like.
I wouldn't...😉

This. Don’t even try it