Question Is it safe to disconnect a SATA cable while PSU is on?

[donaastor]

While a computer is not running, but its PSU is connected to wall and switched on, can I disconnect a SATA cable from a HDD/SSD (the power supply cable of the disk would still be connected to the disk)? Can I do the same but now reconnecting the SATA cable? I am assuming it is safer to do this with the SATA cable instead of both the SATA and the power supply cable, is this correct?

I thought I would find this on internet, but I couldn't maybe I don't know how to make a proper search query, anyway...

 

[USAFRet]

While a computer is not running, but its PSU is connected to wall and switched on, can I disconnect a SATA cable from a HDD/SSD (the power supply cable of the disk would still be connected to the disk)? Can I do the same but now reconnecting the SATA cable? I am assuming it is safer to do this with the SATA cable instead of both the SATA and the power supply cable, is this correct?

I thought I would find this on internet, but I couldn't maybe I don't know how to make a proper search query, anyway...

As long as the PC is not running, yes, you can disconnect the SATA cables.

 

[Aeacus]

While a computer is not running, but its PSU is connected to wall and switched on, can I disconnect a SATA cable from a HDD/SSD (the power supply cable of the disk would still be connected to the disk)? Can I do the same but now reconnecting the SATA cable?

The data cable? If so, there's no harm in that.

Unless you have complete junk of a PSU.
Speaking of PSU; PSU make and model (or part number) is? Also, how old the PSU is, and was the PSU bought new or used/refurbished?
Full system specs wouldn't hurt either.

Unplugging and replugging SATA power cable, for the most part (when PC is turned off, but PSU switch is ON and PSU is plugged to the mains), isn't an issue either. Since PSU is powered off and will not feed +5V via the SATA power cable.

 

[donaastor]

The data cable? If so, there's no harm in that.

Unless you have complete junk of a PSU.
Speaking of PSU; PSU make and model (or part number) is? Also, how old the PSU is, and was the PSU bought new or used/refurbished?
Full system specs wouldn't hurt either.

Unplugging and replugging SATA power cable, for the most part (when PC is turned off, but PSU switch is ON and PSU is plugged to the mains), isn't an issue either. Since PSU is powered off and will not feed +5V via the SATA power cable.

Thank you! Sorry, I can't lookup my PSU model right now, but it is supposed to be a decent model and I bought it new. Anyway, you say it is safe and that is what I needed, thank you. I notice I wasn't precise enough with my scenario. Can I then use my PC (turn it on and use it), while my SATA SSD is connected only with the power cable, but not data cable?

 

[USAFRet]

Thank you! Sorry, I can't lookup my PSU model right now, but it is supposed to be a decent model and I bought it new. Anyway, you say it is safe and that is what I needed, thank you. I notice I wasn't precise enough with my scenario. Can I then use my PC (turn it on and use it), while my SATA SSD is connected only with the power cable, but not data cable?

Well, that drive will NOT be seen in the OS.

Some clarification...what, exactly, are you trying to do?

 

[donaastor]

Well, that drive will NOT be seen in the OS.

Some clarification...what, exactly, are you trying to do?

I know I would not see the drive. That is what I want. My concern is damaging the hardware. If I disconnect the power cable while PSU is on, I might damage the drive. So I can turn off the PSU, disconnect both cable, turn on PSU and then PC. But that's a hassle. So I wonder if I can simply disconnect the data cable while PC (motherboard, to be precise) is off. Is it safe to disconnect it and is kt safe to then use the PC while this drive is connected only with the power cable. Can I damage the drive somehow?

 

[USAFRet]

I know I would not see the drive. That is what I want. My concern is damaging the hardware. If I disconnect the power cable while PSU is on, I might damage the drive. So I can turn off the PSU, disconnect both cable, turn on PSU and then PC. But that's a hassle. So I wonder if I can simply disconnect the data cable while PC (motherboard, to be precise) is off. Is it safe to disconnect it and is kt safe to then use the PC while this drive is connected only with the power cable. Can I damage the drive somehow?

No, it won't damage the drive.

But why are you asking and doing this?

 

[Aeacus]

but it is supposed to be a decent model and I bought it new

Most PSUs are bought new, both the crap ones and good ones.

But given that you don't know your PSU make and model + you assume it to be just "decent", indicates that you either have crap quality unit, or at best, low quality unit. Neither isn't good enough to power any PC.