Changing a PC's power switch...will this work?

Matrix_Prime · 19-February-05, 08:59 AM

Hi, I'm a new member and I've never modded a PC before, but I would like to. I built a MAME arcade machine, and rather than ripping out the components to the PC and installing them in the cabinet, the computer simply sits in its case inside the cabinet. Well this makes it VERY hard to access the power switch on the front of the case. What I want to do is add a toggle power switch so that I can run it to the exterior of the cabinet. If I buy a toggle switch, can I simply splice into the wires for the power switch in the cabinet to accomplish my goal, or is there more involved?

Jonny English · 19-February-05, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matrix_Prime


	Hi, I'm a new member and I've never modded a PC before, but I would like to. I built a MAME arcade machine, and rather than ripping out the components to the PC and installing them in the cabinet, the computer simply sits in its case inside the cabinet. Well this makes it VERY hard to access the power switch on the front of the case. What I want to do is add a toggle power switch so that I can run it to the exterior of the cabinet. If I buy a toggle switch, can I simply splice into the wires for the power switch in the cabinet to accomplish my goal, or is there more involved?

Assuming it's an ATX PC (anything built 1999 on) you can just splice a switch in - but it needs to be momentary (only on while pressed), not a toggle (on/off) switch.

Matrix_Prime · 19-February-05, 09:39 AM

It is an ATX, I just bought it last fall. Where does one find a momentary switch? I don't have any PC parts stores in my area, is this something that could be found at Radio Shack or something?

Jonny English · 19-February-05, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matrix_Prime


	It is an ATX, I just bought it last fall. Where does one find a momentary switch? I don't have any PC parts stores in my area, is this something that could be found at Radio Shack or something?

Yup - I whacked "momentary switch" in the search box @ http://www.radioshack.com & came up with 7-8 suitable matches - you need one of the "normally open" variety

19-February-05, 08:59 AM		#1 (permalink)
Matrix_Prime Apex Techie Wannabe	Changing a PC's power switch...will this work? Hi, I'm a new member and I've never modded a PC before, but I would like to. I built a MAME arcade machine, and rather than ripping out the components to the PC and installing them in the cabinet, the computer simply sits in its case inside the cabinet. Well this makes it VERY hard to access the power switch on the front of the case. What I want to do is add a toggle power switch so that I can run it to the exterior of the cabinet. If I buy a toggle switch, can I simply splice into the wires for the power switch in the cabinet to accomplish my goal, or is there more involved?

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19-February-05, 09:39 AM		#3 (permalink)
Matrix_Prime Apex Techie Wannabe	It is an ATX, I just bought it last fall. Where does one find a momentary switch? I don't have any PC parts stores in my area, is this something that could be found at Radio Shack or something?