Dumb question, but I'll ask it anyway

[cowdog]

If I have all the parts for a system but no case, can I setup the system to see if everything is working etc.? I expect the answer is yes, but.

 

[magomago]

yeah, just make sure that whatever you set it on, it isn't metal or else you'll have some problems

 

[KidChaos]

I always wondered this. Usually there is a wire running from the power button of the case to the motherboard. How would you turn on the system without the case.

 

[mechBgon]

Touch the Power Button pins with a screwdriver tip momentarily, and it should start.

 

[KidChaos]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Touch the Power Button pins with a screwdriver tip momentarily, and it should start.

Wow, you're The Oracle! Thanx mechBgon!

 

[CZroe]

Or you could use a spare jumper if you yank it before it shuts back off again

 

[brinstar117]

More info at 2CPU forum thread

Many computer enthusiasts like to tinker with computer hardware configurations before installing them into a case.

Sometimes I have had to take out all my parts from a case and run them to make sure the parts were still working. (System would not boot because the motherboard standoffs were shorting the system.)

Just make sure to have plenty of antistatic sheets under your parts and use common sense when it comes to equipment with electricity running through them.

Since you don't have a case with a power button right now, in order to start your system you must have the power supply turned on and plugged in (of course). Then you can power on the system by shorting the 2 prong "power on" jumper. I usually use a screwdriver tip and touch the jumpers to short them and start the system.

All of this depends on your motherboard. All that I have encountered in the ATX form factor use jumpers. I have an Abit TH7-II which has a power button and reset button soldered on the motherboard PCB itself, it's neat to have but once it's installed into a case I never used them again.

It has been known that people have run systems 24/7 without cases. They are mostly for distributed computing projects, hardware firewalls, or entry level servers doing small tasks that can be tucked away without being seen or requiring a case. However, for all intensive purposes, I install parts into a quality case to help ensure the parts don't get damaged by accidents.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[cowdog]

Thanks. I setup my new system and everythings A-OK. I didn't get back online, so it took me awhile to figure out how to power up. For a moment I thought maybe my power supply was bad, but then the lightbulb came on. PSUs are always on and there is a power button on systems. Just a matter of finding the right something on the mobo. When I finally touched the two pwr pins with a screwdriver and it booted up, I let out one big sigh of relief!

Aside from powering up, the only issue I had was that the video card was slightly unseated. Part of the back tab (not sure what to call it) sticks down from the mobo a bit, and I must've slightly pushed it out when plugging in the main power. Once I figured that out, it was smooth sailing