power PC on using just the kb

[luv2liv]

on old Macs, I can power on the machine using just the keyboard.
is this feature possible with Windows machines? what is it called?
i would love to turn the machine on when it's entirely shut off, not sleep mode. please help!

 

[ViRGE]

It's a BIOS option, so it varies from system to system.

 

[luv2liv]

It's a BIOS option, so it varies from system to system.

what is it called in the bios?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Generally, it is found in the Power Management options, and is usually called "Power-on by keyboard".

 

[LTC8K6]

on old Macs, I can power on the machine using just the keyboard.
is this feature possible with Windows machines? what is it called?
i would love to turn the machine on when it's entirely shut off, not sleep mode. please help!

Well, it can't be entirely shut off, and still monitor the keyboard.

 

[luv2liv]

Generally, it is found in the Power Management options, and is usually called "Power-on by keyboard".

thanks, i found out my gigabyte mb has it! but can only be done with through the ps2 port, NOT usb. looks like i have to part with my wireless usb kb for now.

btw, the reason i need to power on from cold boot with the kb is because my baby son has damaged the power button. i could repair it, but then he's just gonna damage it again or turn the machine off when im not looking.

 

[LTC8K6]

Use a momentary key switch.

 

[Magic Carpet]

i would love to turn the machine on when it's entirely shut off, not sleep mode. please help!

You want an ASRock mobo. Last time I tried that kind of functionality that fully worked (even from a cold start*). Recent MSI and Asus boards may have some "issues".

*when your PSU is cut from power.

thanks, i found out my gigabyte mb has it! but can only be done with through the ps2 port, NOT usb. looks like i have to part with my wireless usb kb for now.

Wireless USB device? No way. Get some proper PS/2 keyboard (buy elsewhere).

 

[luv2liv]

Use a momentary key switch.

i did not know such a thing exists!
i will get this then so i dont have to give up my thin wireless usb kb. thanks!

 

[MrTeal]

You want an ASRock mobo. Last time I tried that kind of functionality that fully worked (even from a cold start*). Recent MSI and Asus boards may have some "issues".

*when your PSU is cut from power.

You tested a keyboard powerup that worked when the PSU was cut from power? How on earth did that work, a UPS connected keyboard?

 

[Magic Carpet]

How on earth did that work, a UPS connected keyboard?

An old-school PS/2 Microsoft keyboard, pure mechanics, no fancy media addons, built-in keyloggers/LCDs and all of that crap. No UPS, the power was cut off completely and all the capacitors had been emptied. It's a motherboard feature, when the power is back on, the motherboard cleverly supplies all ports with standby power, so things like smartphones begin charging again and obviously you can start up your computer. It's worth noting though, that a "cold" keyboard start is only available with a PS/2 device. With USB devices (mice, kbs, remotes) you can only resume from sleep and start up a computer from a "hot" shutdown (once the PSU is fully depleted, your only choice is a PS/2 keyboard or physical access to the computer). This is by design. The pictures below should give you an idea. Not all the mobos are the same and these little things (perhaps, niche) are often overlooked by reviewers. All I can say, it's a nice feature to have if you prefer to use older style PS/2 keyboards, like I do. It's best to contact manufacturer, so they can check the feature-set you require. Some newer boards don't even have a Numlock kb switch in BIOS. Little things here and there that seem to be not so important to the vast majority of people and thus, don't even come mentioned in professional reviews.

 

[MrTeal]

An old-school PS/2 Microsoft keyboard, pure mechanics, no fancy media addons, built-in keyloggers/LCDs and all of that crap. No UPS, the power was cut off completely and all the capacitors had been emptied. It's a motherboard feature, when the power is back on, the motherboard cleverly supplies all ports with standby power, so things like smartphones begin charging again and obviously you can start up your computer. It's worth noting though, that a "cold" keyboard start is only available with a PS/2 device. With USB devices (mice, kbs, remotes) you can only resume from sleep and start up a computer from a "hot" shutdown (once the PSU is fully depleted, your only choice is a PS/2 keyboard or physical access to the computer). This is by design. The pictures below should give you an idea. Not all the mobos are the same and these little things (perhaps, niche) are often overlooked by reviewers. All I can say, it's a nice feature to have if you prefer to use older style PS/2 keyboards, like I do. It's best to contact manufacturer, so they can check the feature-set you require. Some newer boards don't even have a Numlock kb switch in BIOS. Little things here and there that seem to be not so important to the vast majority of people and thus, don't even come mentioned in professional reviews.

That's a little different though, that's just using the 5VSB of the PSU to turn on the motherboard. Power is still available to the PSU and it can't power on the PSU, so it's not really cut from power.

There are some MBs that will supply 5VSB to the USB ports as well and can be turned on through USB. Some you might have to manually supply 5VSB to USB with a jumper, and it can be a little hit or miss with different keyboards.

 

[LTC8K6]

i did not know such a thing exists!
i will get this then so i dont have to give up my thin wireless usb kb. thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/Momentary-Key-Switch-2-Keys/dp/B0002ZPBHK

One like that could be easily mounted to substitute for the push-button switch.

 

[frogspawn]

Yeahj ive had that issue too. The functionm never works right from a cold powerup.Also in the POST PS2 ports are ALWAYS engaged before USB anyway in the startup process.

 

[Magic Carpet]

That's a little different though, that's just using the 5VSB of the PSU to turn on the motherboard. Power is still available to the PSU and it can't power on the PSU, so it's not really cut from power.

There are some MBs that will supply 5VSB to the USB ports as well and can be turned on through USB. Some you might have to manually supply 5VSB to USB with a jumper, and it can be a little hit or miss with different keyboards.

Technically, every modern motherboard out there can have this convenient functionality, but few do it reliably. Most boards just give up as soon as you cut the AC power for long enough and thus, requiring you to stretch out your arm for the power button, lead or a screwdriver. I doubt, even your enthusiast-class board can.