Confused about Step 10 on "having problems with your PC" sticky...

[DemonFlame5]

10) Use a small screwdriver to momentarily short the power switch connector on the motherboard. Consult your motherboard manual to find which two pins connect to your case's power switch. Then touch both pins with a screwdriver to complete the circuit and boot the system.

I have no idea what it's saying. So we connect everything, turn on the powersupply, and then we touch the mobo in the power switch connector? Isn't something already plugged into that? And what's the point of this step. I really don't understand it.


Sorry title of the sticky was "Having problems with your new build? Try this!"

[Lespaul20]

It's assuming it's outside your case so having the power button plugged in would be difficult if not impossible. So then you would have to short the power button lead instead of pushing the power button on the case.

[Jimmy0]

You should only be using this step if you are having problems with your new build, and you have taken your motherboard out of the case (so nothing will be attached to the power pins).

Then you have to identify what the power pins are from your motherboard manual, and momentarily bridge them with your screwdriver.

[blue60007]

Touching a screwdriver to the appropriate pins simulates pushing the power button. That button just momentarily connects those two pins. I always do the out of case test on new builds before putting them in the case to make sure the basics all work before going through the trouble of installing everything in the case to find the motherboard doesn't work or something.

[DemonFlame5]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH, THANKS a lot, I understand now.

[doubledragon5]

It is also a good idea to short the pins before you assemble you pc.. This way here if you have a problem it will be easier to diagnose before you actually assemble it in the case..