Can you unplug a powered PC fan?

it's not dangerous if it's connected to the power supply.
if it comes from the motherboard, it's more dangerous.
put a potentiometer to reduce the speed if the noise bothers you;
but in general, we add more.

not recommended the engine or a fan like that why do you want to do this? if it’s not too indiscreet
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'script-kiddies hacked to help not to steal!!!

Hello again, and thank you for your quick responses!

Configuration: C2D E6750, Asus p5k, GeForce 8800 GT, Seasonic 500 W S12II, a single fan salvaged from an old case.

As you might guess, I'm looking into this because of the noise. The thing is, I don't need the fan all the time (only when I play, to cool the motherboard). I would like to be able to disable it the rest of the time, without having to turn the PC off and on again (which is apparently not good for the components).

The potentiometer is a good idea, but I will have a hard time getting one immediately. In the meantime, would this workaround be sufficient (directly connected to the power supply, by the way)? Or if you have another solution?
If there is any risk, I do not want to take it.

alin44> you say it's more dangerous if it's connected to the motherboard, so is there a risk?
TheTROLL> can you elaborate, please?

Thank you.

If I understood correctly, if there was a switch outside the tower to turn the fan on/off, there would be no risk?

The only risks are therefore improper handling (touching something else).

I'm insisting a bit because I didn't understand the story about the loose connection.

it's 12V DC

it's not dangerous for you, but disconnecting from the motherboard, it doesn't like that much.

if it's coming directly from the power supply on a 4-pin molex (red, black, yellow), you can unplug and replug, the power supply can handle it.

but no short circuit, Simon, you're good to change the fuse of the power supply.

Hi! Just so you know, never unplug a fan while your PC is running!! It's a matter of safety above all!
And yes, there are speed controllers!! For fans!

Well, do you want to take a hit?
Then you might risk damaging your computer!!

Theoretically, there is no danger for either you or the PC, but you run the risk of getting a shock or creating a short circuit by fiddling with the PC while it is on!

false contact okay but a false contact also means danger for your PC!! or the motherboard!!

It comes directly from the power supply on a 4-pin Molex, red, black, yellow.

Short circuit?

Well yes, between direct contact between the click wires and the fuse blowing

you can put a switch on the molex without any problem, but be careful about the overheating of the PC

install this to check the temperatures

http://www.infos-du-net.com/telecharger/2008-PC-Wizard,0301-3703.html

and turn it back on when needed

there are molex made for that

double plug with an extra 2-wire output

I see.

Well, thank you everyone for your help, I will conclude the topic with the following summary, correct me if I misunderstood:

If a fan is directly connected to the power supply (not directly to the motherboard), it can be unplugged safely in theory.

In practice, there is always the risk of mishandling.

Alternatively, there is the option of installing a potentiometer (which allows adjusting the fan speed) or a switch.

Thanks again, and feel free to post if you have any additional information.

Well, I think that's well summarized... You might want to add that unplugging a fan always carries a risk of overheating, and therefore it's important to keep an eye on the temperatures as alin44 pointed out.

You're welcome :)