power switch psu

ccqueen · Dec 4, 2013

I was looking at a computer on newegg, and the power supply (atx 600w switching power supply/model: SL-8600EPS) had a power switch on it. What does the power switch act as. Whats it for? I've never seen a psu with a on/off switch and I was also wondering (if I was to buy the computer) when I would need to turn it off or on. Like during gaming, turning the computer on/off, etc.

COLGeek · Dec 4, 2013

It is just that, a power switch. Many PSUs actually have them. They are left in the "on" position nearly all of the time. The switch serves to cut external power from accessing the PSU, but from a practical standpoint you won't use it to power down your system (that is handled by the OS or by use of the power button on the case).

InvalidError · Dec 4, 2013

Many if not most PSUs have a "hard-switch" to complement ATX's soft-on power.

The soft-switch controls the main PSU outputs while the hard-switch turns everything including standby power (used for standby, wake-on-LAN/mouse/keyboard, soft-on and USB charger ports) off.

ccqueen · Dec 4, 2013

COLGeek :

Okay so leave the button on all the time? And could you give me some examples on why to turn it off (if any at all)?

InvalidError · Dec 4, 2013

ccqueen :

Humm...
- thunderstorm
- working in the case using the power cable for grounding
- not having sparks fly out of the plug at either end of the cable when you plug/unplug it
- reset the CMOS memory by pulling power and the battery
- turn off the PC when soft-off does not appear to be working

I'm sure others can come up with a few more.

ccqueen · Dec 4, 2013

Okay. thanks for the replies, I understand now

COLGeek · Dec 4, 2013

InvalidError :

ccqueen :

Humm...
- thunderstorm
- working in the case using the power cable for grounding
- not having sparks fly out of the plug at either end of the cable when you plug/unplug it
- reset the CMOS memory by pulling power and the battery
- turn off the PC when soft-off does not appear to be working

I'm sure others can come up with a few more.

Excellent examples. Can also be used to "reset" a failing PSU.

InvalidError · Dec 4, 2013

COLGeek :

Forgot that one... failing is not exactly the right word though - at least not all of the time.

Many PSUs have protection circuitry that requires power-cycling to reset after getting tripped, usually by a primary-side over-current event to prevent unattended boot-looping after something has gone wrong.

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