Powering up the motherboard outside the computer’s case is typical when troubleshooting PC builds. The board displays diagnostic information and PCI cards and quickly adds or removes memory. On most motherboards, you turn on the computer with the case switch instead of the power switch on motherboard. Connect the relevant header pins to the motherboard and mimic the action of the power switch to turn it on outside the computer.
Three steps are given below
Step 1
For the motherboard’s power switch, you must locate the suitable connector and pins in the manual that came with the board. The switch connection comprises two pins, usually labeled “POWER SW” or similar.
Step 2
Using a screwdriver or similar metal tool, briefly connect the two power switch pins on the motherboard. The motherboard will then be able to turn on. Keeping the pins low voltage (five volts or fewer) ensures that no electric shock will occur.
Step 3
You can turn the motherboard off by connecting the power switch pins again, or by leaving them connected until it shuts down. A similar action simulates holding the switch down on a computer and signaling the board to turn off.
How to turn on a motherboard in other manners
You can also turn on your motherboard using a couple of other methods. If the power button on your PC case or the jumper cable is broken, these methods may come in handy:
How to use Standalone Power Switch Cables
It’s pretty straightforward to use these.
The jumpers are connected to the pins on the Front Header Panel of the Power Switch on one end. You find a push-button towards the other end, which operates just like the PC case button.
Particularly useful if you want to bench test your motherboard — i.e., test the motherboard outside the case.
Manually Jump Starting Your Motherboard
Suppose there is no power on the switch at all. Use a precision screwdriver to jumpstart the motherboard.
It is a matter of touching the two power switch pins on the Front Panel Header with the screwdriver.
If the screw drive touches any other pins here, it would be prudent to remove it. Therefore, a precision screwdriver or a small flat screwdriver is recommended.
Summary
We explain how to turn on the computer via the power switch on motherboard on this page.
Connecting the power switch to your motherboard is pretty straightforward once you understand the Front Panel Header and its pin configuration. Plug the Power Switch Jumper cable from your PC case onto the pins on the Front Panel Header that correspond to the Power On Switch.
This guide should help you better understand all about power switches on motherboards.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a power button on a motherboard?
Power is usually supplied by the case switch rather than a switch on the motherboard. To power on the motherboard outside the case, you must connect the relevant header pins and mimic the power switch.
How does a motherboard power switch work?
What is the function of a power button? Two pins on the motherboard are connected to the cable connected to the power button. On the mainboard, a circuit is closed by pressing the power button. When the computer receives the signal to start, the power supply supplies it with power, and thus the computer starts.
Will the motherboard turn on without a CPU?
A motherboard with a BIOS flashback feature can quickly boot and post despite the absence of a CPU. Some motherboards will not power on without the CPU, but others will. Without a CPU, you won’t do anything with the computer. Check the motherboard LEDs to see if it is on.
How do I know if my motherboard has power?
Please turn off the power to your motherboard and insert a single stick of RAM after unplugging it. Now try booting up again. Using a monitor connected to the onboard video card, you can observe the boot process or change the CPU fan speed to confirm it’s working.
