I want another way to turn on an ATX computer (power button on a wire?)

osirisjem

Junior Member
Oct 29, 2006
2
0
0
You normally turn on a computer by pressing the button on the ATX case, is there another way ? I want to put a computer in a wall unit (vented of course)(lots of room) and just have the monitor visible. I don't want to have to open up the doors to turn it on. I don't want the computer on 24/7 in standby mode (or I could just get a ATI wonder remote to wake it up). I want to turn it on when needed with some sort of remote ATX power switch. Is there such a beast ?
 

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
31,528
3
76
"Remote ATX power switch." You answered your own question. Unless you want to get into IR repeaters for wireless remotes, you're only option is a wired remote.

Extend the wires leading to the momentary pushbutton switch that is the On/Off Button (power switch) as far as you need to. All that button really does is momentarily jump two wires in the 20/24 pin connector. I think they are purple and green or green and black.

Obviously, I'm not sure on the wire colors, but I know what the on/off button does.

It sounds like you're looking to build a HTPC. That's great. :thumbsup: Just get a really good CPU HSF and a nice, quiet exhaust fan, set the CPU shut down temp in the bios and leave the damn thing running 24/7 like the rest of us. :p
 

pkme2

Diamond Member
Sep 30, 2005
3,896
0
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You can adapt your computer to turn on immediately when you turn on power from say a power console or even an remote contol button.

I can envision a single console that will turn on all the peripheals but leave the computer for the final switch on, because that's what I have.

Remember all your peripherals are plugged into one power console with your computer. Your computer can be wired to power on when main console is switched.

I wouldn't recommend it, but it's your choice. Good wiring.





 

Fullmetal Chocobo

Moderator<br>Distributed Computing
Moderator
May 13, 2003
13,704
7
81
I had an idea about putting my server out in a room built off of the main house... Then I wondered how I could turn it on / off if I needed to, and I thought about running wires to the green & black of the PSU, and just have a switch in the computer room for it. Not sure if it would work (electrically, sure. But I'm not sure about strength of signal and distances)...

For you, you don't have to necessarily have a wireless switch, just a hidden switch. Like wire the black & green wires of the 24 pin connector to a light switch or something....
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
31,205
45
91
Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
I had an idea about putting my server out in a room built off of the main house... Then I wondered how I could turn it on / off if I needed to, and I thought about running wires to the green & black of the PSU, and just have a switch in the computer room for it. Not sure if it would work (electrically, sure. But I'm not sure about strength of signal and distances)...

For you, you don't have to necessarily have a wireless switch, just a hidden switch. Like wire the black & green wires of the 24 pin connector to a light switch or something....

I would try going right to the power switch connection on the motherboard before messing with the PSU.

Welcome to AT too osirisjem
 

Fullmetal Chocobo

Moderator<br>Distributed Computing
Moderator
May 13, 2003
13,704
7
81
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
I had an idea about putting my server out in a room built off of the main house... Then I wondered how I could turn it on / off if I needed to, and I thought about running wires to the green & black of the PSU, and just have a switch in the computer room for it. Not sure if it would work (electrically, sure. But I'm not sure about strength of signal and distances)...

For you, you don't have to necessarily have a wireless switch, just a hidden switch. Like wire the black & green wires of the 24 pin connector to a light switch or something....

I would try going right to the power switch connection on the motherboard before messing with the PSU.

Welcome to AT too osirisjem

Well, like I did on my server, I used a 24 pin extension, and pulled the pins out of the extension, and used that to do the mod. I would run a line to those to pins to control the machine...
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
31,205
45
91
Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
I had an idea about putting my server out in a room built off of the main house... Then I wondered how I could turn it on / off if I needed to, and I thought about running wires to the green & black of the PSU, and just have a switch in the computer room for it. Not sure if it would work (electrically, sure. But I'm not sure about strength of signal and distances)...

For you, you don't have to necessarily have a wireless switch, just a hidden switch. Like wire the black & green wires of the 24 pin connector to a light switch or something....

I would try going right to the power switch connection on the motherboard before messing with the PSU.

Welcome to AT too osirisjem

Well, like I did on my server, I used a 24 pin extension, and pulled the pins out of the extension, and used that to do the mod. I would run a line to those to pins to control the machine...

Yeah, I can see how that would work fine, but without an extension cable to work with I would be reluctant to start taking pins out or stripping wires when the motherboard pins are just sitting there in the open ready to take a connection :)
 

skyking

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
22,808
5,972
146
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
I had an idea about putting my server out in a room built off of the main house... Then I wondered how I could turn it on / off if I needed to, and I thought about running wires to the green & black of the PSU, and just have a switch in the computer room for it. Not sure if it would work (electrically, sure. But I'm not sure about strength of signal and distances)...

For you, you don't have to necessarily have a wireless switch, just a hidden switch. Like wire the black & green wires of the 24 pin connector to a light switch or something....

I would try going right to the power switch connection on the motherboard before messing with the PSU.

Welcome to AT too osirisjem

Well, like I did on my server, I used a 24 pin extension, and pulled the pins out of the extension, and used that to do the mod. I would run a line to those to pins to control the machine...

Yeah, I can see how that would work fine, but without an extension cable to work with I would be reluctant to start taking pins out or stripping wires when the motherboard pins are just sitting there in the open ready to take a connection :)

ready to take a screwdriver, AKA the frankenbuild:p
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
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0
Used to be able to get those simple remote controls from Creative on eBay for low bucks. Just bulid a little clear window into your cabinet for the IR to pass thru. There is a little (less than 100 Bytes) executable program out there to turn the system of - just have one of the remote's commands run that program. You can set your system to "Wake On" whatever port the remote receiver uses.

.bh.
 

Aluvus

Platinum Member
Apr 27, 2006
2,913
1
0
You can run quite long wires to the motherboard "power switch" header. Connecting directly to the powe supply is harder and doesn't accomplish anything more.

Wireless is not too hard if you're willing to use a slightly ghetto solution.
 

AllThingsEnd

Member
Oct 16, 2006
49
0
0
how far away is the computer going to be from where you want this button?

theres a bunch of things you can do. get an RF remote, wake on power, or just simply extend the wires for the power button. if you have a electrical socket that is controlled by a wall switch you can use that switch to power on the comp when you walk in the room. theres also this: remote control
it has a remote like your cars fob.