atx power switch for test bench

[yonjun]

I'm planning to set up a little test bench for mobo, cpu, memory etc.
I could set them up in an open carboad box or a piece of wooden board or something.
my concern is if there's an easier way to use somthing as a power button to the mobo.
Should I spare an old case just for the power button?

 

[Tran23]

I recall seeing a simple device that just basically a button on a jumper (I can't find any links atm). I normally just short the pins with a screwdriver.

edit: found this kit over at FrozenCPU ATX Control Kit

 

[pdo]

you should be able to get a switch from RadioShack or your local autoparts store, otherwise just short the 2 pins.

 

[Chappie]

Hey Yonjun,

I'm interested in doing the same thing. Can you tell me your plans for building your test bench?? I'm thinking about building a two level system like they sell at High Speed PC.

What materials are you going to use??

thanks,

Chappie

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Tran23
edit: found this kit over at FrozenCPU ATX Control Kit

Heh, that looks like a pretty slick kit.

I normally just use a screwdriver, but I happen to have a panel ripped off a broken case that has the power/reset and some LEDs on it. Speaker was also a case donation. If you don't have any broken cases for donors, perhaps check with your local mom&pop computer shops. Some of them may give you the stuff for free (I know we did) or for real cheap.

 

[yonjun]

ok.

so ATX power button is just shorting the power pins from mobo and open when pressed?


Chappie,
I won't make a fancy set up. I just happen to have several cpus and some boards need to be tested but it's pain in the a$$ to put the board/cpu in the case every time I need to test it. So I just wanted to make every thing out of case open in the air. PSU, mobo, cpu, videocard are all I need. I'll just put the board on a non-conducting material (wooden panel/board or carboard box etc.).
I checked out highspeed pc test station. If I do testing more often I'll definately build one of those. looks nice.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: yonjun
ok.

so ATX power button is just shorting the power pins from mobo and open when pressed?


Chappie,
I won't make a fancy set up. I just happen to have several cpus and some boards need to be tested but it's pain in the a$$ to put the board/cpu in the case every time I need to test it. So I just wanted to make every thing out of case open in the air. PSU, mobo, cpu, videocard are all I need. I'll just put the board on a non-conducting material (wooden panel/board or carboard box etc.).
I checked out highspeed pc test station. If I do testing more often I'll definately build one of those. looks nice.

Yes, the switch for an ATX mobo / PSU is a momenty contact switch. So shorting the pins temporarily will work just fine.

 

[Aquila76]

On some boards, especially microATX, a screwdriver blade can be a little too wide to use an you end up hitting other pins.

If you want, you can buy a cheap normally open push button switch at Radioshack and just solder on a two plug cable. Prolly cost you $5, tops.
Or you can go ghetto and use a paper clip wrapped in electrical tape.

 

[yonjun]

paper clip sounds cheap/simpel.