"switch" the computer on without a switch

**mazda8** · 05-07-2009, 11:41 AM

Okay, so I need to power up the computer outside the car, and my case doesn't have a switch. I am not familiar with how the power works on the computer switches. You have the red and black from the motherboard to the switch. But does it simply make a connection between those to turn it on/off?

can I just complete that connection with a paperclip or something to turn it on?

**malcom2073** · 05-07-2009, 11:45 AM

Yes a paperclip would work. Anything to make the connection between those two wires

**mazda8** · 05-07-2009, 12:09 PM

Is there any potential to short it (assuming I don't touch anything in the wrong place.) Like could this harm the MB?

**Ramb0_Command0** · 05-07-2009, 01:49 PM

possibly if you shorted the wrong two jumpers or something you might, I use a cable I got from something else that connected to jumpers and cut the other end off of it and stripped the wire off. So it has the normal connection a switch has on one end, and bare wire on the other.

You could also buy a PC switch if you really wanted

**DarquePervert** · 05-07-2009, 08:04 PM

Or use one from an old PC case.

**mazda8** · 05-07-2009, 08:05 PM

Well i know the correct pins. I was just afraid it could cause a short or something. I'm just gonna go ghetto and get a paperclip. Thanks guys!

**Curiosity** · 05-07-2009, 09:54 PM

Just so you know, that's momentary. All you need to do is touch them together briefly or find another pushbutton and make something nicer.

**shatteredzman** · 05-09-2009, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by mazda8

Well i know the correct pins. I was just afraid it could cause a short or something. I'm just gonna go ghetto and get a paperclip. Thanks guys!

You will cause a short if you cross the pins, thats the point! All a switch does is cause a short between the two power switch pins.

**colin** · 05-09-2009, 10:06 AM

When I used to run my computer without a case, I used a screwdriver to turn it on most times. Occasionally I hit the wrong pins, most computers are actually fine with it.

**shatteredzman** · 05-09-2009, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by colin

When I used to run my computer without a case, I used a screwdriver to turn it on most times. Occasionally I hit the wrong pins, most computers are actually fine with it.

That reminds me of my first time building my own computer. I shorted the wrong pins and it sparked then the motherboard started beeping. I thought I ruined the board but I turned it off and back on and it worked fine.