How to boot a computer without a case

PcGAmeR22

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Jan 27, 2012, 8:54:18 AM1/27/12

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I know how to build a computer , i know where every cable belongs and i
know how to install a cpu , a psu , a gpu etc.
and a friend of mine told me you can actually boot a computer without a
case
the case is just there so you dont have to deal with all those pieces
floating around your desktop
but if there is no on/off button and no case
how can i run a computer ?

PcGAmeR22

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Jan 27, 2012, 3:38:26 PM1/27/12

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hah im telling ya
i reset it and when i plug the psu to the wall the pc boots by its self

PcGAmeR22

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Jan 27, 2012, 11:46:18 AM1/27/12

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Something i should try
btw my old dell motherboard , there are 2 jumpers next to the cmos
battery
one is for the cmos and the other one is errr i cant remember
anyway
if the pc is off and i take that jumper off for 15 secs and put it back
in and JUST plug the computer into the wall
the pc turns on by itself , without me even hitting the atx button
is this normal ??

rb

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Jan 27, 2012, 11:40:05 AM1/27/12

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Aside from electrical safety issues, the case also helps regulate
airflow over components, and prevents objects(spilled drink, paper
clips, etc) from causing damage to the components.

As for starting the pc, the ATX power switch is a 'momentary' action
switch. When you press the switch, it simply shorts the power pins on
the motherboard header for an instant, then releases.
To start the pc without the ATX switch, all you need to do is touch the
power pins on the motherboard header for an instant with a small
screwdriver, which does the same as pressing the power
button...momentarily shorting the pins. :)

That said, if your going to run the pc without the case, a few tips:
place the components on a piece of cardboard;
leave the plastic motherboard stand-offs on the motherboard which will
help prevent it from grounding and allow clearance for expansion card
brackets(they extend below motherboard at edge);
position the pc fans(or other fan) to blow across motherboard especially
to keep the chipset and memory cool;
keep food and drink and other objects away from the exposed components!

Any for safety sake, unplug the PSU when not using the 'exposed' system,
especially if theres young children in the household!!! :eek:

rb

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Jan 27, 2012, 12:29:12 PM1/27/12

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The other jumper is for resetting the BIOS password. I'm not aware of
that jumper affecting power up.. :confused:

Paul

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Jan 28, 2012, 2:44:11 AM1/28/12

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PcGAmeR22 wrote:
> hah im telling ya
> i reset it and when i plug the psu to the wall the pc boots by its self
>
>

And when you enter the BIOS and check the settings, is there
are a setting for what to do after power recovery ?

The setting could be called "Restore on AC Power Loss" and
the default value is [Power Off].

The other values are [Power On] and [Previous State]. Choosing
the [Power On] setting, could result in your symptoms. Change
to [Power Off], Save and Exit. And then later, retest it.

Not all BIOS will have that setting, but it's one to check.

The power path works like this:

Momentary -------- motherboard logic ---- PS_ON# --- ATX
Switch converts pulse to Signal Supply
(Pulse Low) steady level

Paul