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power switch psu

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  • ATX
  • Power Supplies
  • Computers
  • Power Switch
  • Components
Last response: in Components
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December 4, 2013 12:48:05 PM

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.

More about : power switch psu

a b ) Power supply
December 4, 2013 12:53:02 PM

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).
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a b ) Power supply
December 4, 2013 12:54:17 PM

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.
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December 4, 2013 1:23:29 PM

COLGeek said:
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).

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)?
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a b ) Power supply
December 4, 2013 1:33:24 PM

ccqueen said:
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)?

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.
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December 4, 2013 1:40:53 PM

Okay. thanks for the replies, I understand now :) 
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a b ) Power supply
December 4, 2013 2:55:06 PM

InvalidError said:
ccqueen said:
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)?

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.
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a b ) Power supply
December 4, 2013 4:25:33 PM

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

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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