How/where to get power when computer is off?

J

jeece

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 27, 2004
Messages
316
I want my computer's power switch to light up while computer is OFF (but plugged, of course). I'll be using an LED for this purpose, so I don't need a lot of power.

I know there's some current in the PSU -> mobo cable even when computer is turned off. Would it be possible AND safe to hack some wires from this connector in order to get power? Which ones should I use?

My Asus mobo has an LED that is active as soon as the computer's plugged in. I thought of making an extension from this LED to the switch... but I'd prefer not to mess with the mobo. :D

Any other ideas?
 
Isn't it the green wire on the ATX connector that is live all the time?
 
Haste266 said:
a simple search or reading the FAQ would have answered this for you...

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1026117194&postcount=8
Click to expand...

I know that trick, but I don't see how it can help me. :confused: If I'd jump the green wire and the ground while the PSU is hooked to the mobo, I guess it'll turn on the computer? Also powering up all the fans and stuff that are plugged in the computer?

Basically, I want an LED to stay on on a fully assembled computer when it's off. I won't be using a dedicated supply for this LED, now don't I? ;)
 
You can connect your power indicator to +5VSB (purple wire). It is always on whether the PC is running or not. +5VSB generally has a low current capability so you can't connect much to it, but an LED should be fine.
 
Wonder if it would have enough juice to run my LDC display on my case...that would be cool to have on...
 
Met-AL said:
Wonder if it would have enough juice to run my LDC display on my case...that would be cool to have on...
Click to expand...

It is about 2 amps max on most PSUs. How much does your LCD require?
 
What would the LCD display if the PC is powered off :rolleyes: Unless it's a MO display on an internal USB header, but that would be harmful to have the text burning in when PC is off for a long time.
You can also draw 5vsb from some mobo's onboard USB headers, my Gigabyte has that.
 
I'm talking about the LCD from the RaidMax X1
x1-meter.jpg


What function would it serve? Absolutely no function at all.

But it would display the temp still, which I will have wired up to my inline water temp probe once it get's here tomorrow from FrozenCPU.
 
Frank4d said:
You can connect your power indicator to +5VSB (purple wire). It is always on whether the PC is running or not. +5VSB generally has a low current capability so you can't connect much to it, but an LED should be fine.
Click to expand...

Cool, thank you. This info was in the PSU FAQ though, labeled "Soft Power (Power On and 5V Standby Signals)". It didn't occur to me it was what I was looking for when I read it the first time around. :confused:
 
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