Use toggle switch for main power of PC

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Hi there, I was looking to use a toggle switch as the main power for my PC I built. I heard that it won't work with the computer because if you leave the toggle on the "ON" side it will be like holding the power button of a PC down.

I am looking to somehow set one up so that I flick it up to turn it on and it stays up, then when I wish to turn it off (forced shut down) I flick it down.

Is this possible? I am alright with computers, I have built 3, but this is very confusing for me.

Thanks in advance for reading this and putting up with my noobish description!
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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1. The ON switch is a momentary switch. You just have to give a pulse to the PSU/motherboard to start everything up.

Look around and you could find a spring-loaded toggle that looks like that.

But if you don't know what you're doing vis a vis wiring and switches, you will let the magic smoke out of the box.

2. To turn off, you should really shut down via Windows. That allows the OS to clean up anything it needs to.
 
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Thank you for replying.

So, what your saying is that there is no possible way to set it up so that flicking(and leaving) the switch up will turn the PC on and do nothing more?

If that is true, that's ok and I will just get a spring-loaded toggle switch with (ON) OFF (ON) setup. Do you know where I could find one of those to buy online and the voltage I would use for my Gigabyte GA-H87-D3H?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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What I'm saying is a standard SPST On/Off switch won't work. It needs to be some momentary on/off thing.

And now we get to my default question....Why? What are you trying to do?
Achieve a particular look and feel? There are probably hundreds of cool looking momentary switch things available.
Military styled, vehicle, robotic, micro, whatever...

Look around and see what you might like.
 
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Outlander_04

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You are theoretically wrong , because flicking the toggle switch on and then off again as quickly as possible WILL work

its merely unwise , and not unworkable
 
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USAFRet

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True, but what the OP seems to be asking for is:
"set it up so that flicking(and leaving) the switch up"

Which will not work with a standard On/Off switch.

Could you do it? Yes. Up for 0.1sec, then off.
It is wise? No.
 
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Guest

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I was looking for the "Nuclear/Missile Launch" feel when I flip open the red cover I bought and flick the switch up. Anyways, what I now intend to do is buy a spring loaded momentary switch so that I flick it up, it turns the PC on and then it springs back the middle "OFF" position.

Now my question is, where can I find a spring loaded momentary switch, and is that the right name for it?

 
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USAFRet

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You can get that type of cover, even without the actual switch.
COVER_8.jpg

http://factory-automation.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-toggle-safety-cover-provides.html
 
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RealBeast

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As USAFRet said, buy a momentary switch, aka an ATX power switch -- Google it there are many styles available. The old AT switches were like a light switch, now you simply need to short the two header pins for a second.

Those are some cool looking switches!
 
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I already have the Red Cover, this switch is now all I need. Thanks a lot USAFret!
 
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