Wiring a switch to turn computer on and off

massahwahl

massahwahl

VIP Member
Hoping someone has done this before, I am going to be mounting a computer behind the wall where my tv hangs and instead of having to reach into the cubby behind the tv, I would like to wire a switch that I could use to turn it on and off. Is it possible to wire a switch to the psu somehow or would it go to the motherboard?
 
It can be done, I basically had to do this when an OEM machine's power button broke. I drilled a hole next to the original power button and bought a push button on/off switch from home depot. Cut the wires for the power switch and extend them to wherever you plan on putting the new power switch. You'll need some low gauge wire, like 18 or 20.
 
So just extend the wires from the power button? I thought it was going to be a lot more complicated than that! Would a wall switch work or does it have to be a push button?
 
I would use a push button type as a wall switch wouldn't be very useful and if the case has a restart button, I would also extend that one as well in case the system freezes up, would be easy to restart.
 
Instead of cutting/extending the wires at the power on switch, just disconnect the power switch leads at the motherboard and run leads from there to your new button wherever you mount it. That way if you ever decide to use that computer for something else, you will just need to pull the new wires off the MB and connect the originals.

A standard wall switch won't work because you need a momentary contact push button switch.
 
strollin said:
Instead of cutting/extending the wires at the power on switch, just disconnect the power switch leads at the motherboard and run leads from there to your new button wherever you mount it. That way if you ever decide to use that computer for something else, you will just need to pull the new wires off the MB and connect the originals.

A standard wall switch won't work because you need a momentary contact push button switch.
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Where are you gonna find wires that already have the motherboard connector? Thats why you leave enough wire going to the switch on the pc so you can splice them back together later if you want.
 
johnb35 said:
Where are you gonna find wires that already have the motherboard connector? Thats why you leave enough wire going to the switch on the pc so you can splice them back together later if you want.
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The connectors are available and wouldn't be impossible to find. It's a matter of doing it right vs patching it together.
 
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