Is It Damaging To Power On A Mobo Using Screwdriver?

[MikeTyson]

I dont actually have a power button and have never had one lol, I always just power on by shorting the pins on the motherboard labelled for PWR

Is this damaging in any way or shall I just carry on? It's a new mobo after all, wanna keep it tip-top

 

[choppy]

isnt that exactly what a power button does anyway?

 

[Athlon2K15]

isnt that exactly what a power button does anyway?

+1

 

[mlee49]

Yes, you will eventually degrade the pins and cause damage. Granted that may take quite some time but eventually it will cause problems.

They do make cheap switches, even PCI switches. Why not just raid an old computer case and gut it's power button? I have an extra one even.

 

[W1zzard]

it's no problem using whatever metal piece you have handy. there is no degrading unless you bend them back and forth all the time

 

[Mussels]

as said by everyone else, its fine. just be careful not to stab the motherboard with the screwdriver.

 

[aCid888*]

Pay postage and I will send you one? (power button)

Price of a stamp.



Give me your address and you get one for free lol

 

[MikeTyson]

thanks everyone

currently im just using the end of a USB plug from an iPod adapter... cos hey, it's made of metal so why the hell not

 

[MikeTyson]

Pay postage and I will send you one? (power button)

Price of a stamp.



Give me your address and you get one for free lol

Ohhh really? Such a kind man! THank yooouu! Ha

 

[sylva]

There will be no damage, just watch not to touch anything inadvertently, especially pins of chips; they short very easily. I have an old board that I use as a test bench. I start it exactly as you're starting yours. Since voltages are very low, no sparks will ensue. My board's pins are Au coated and, therefore, there's no danger for corrosion either. S.

 

[twilyth]

I like to put on leather soled shoes and drag my feet over some nylon carpet for a few minutes first though to build up a nice charge.

{kidding}

 

[DanishDevil]

I started my PC with a screwdriver/keys/etc. for about 4 months straight.

 

[Maban]

I once started a friend's once with a screwdriver and it sparked. Scared the hell out of me. But the board did just fine.

 

[Completely Bonkers]

I have to start my server with a screwdriver. I really dont want to... but the STUPID SUPERMICRO case comes with a proprietary header that does not match with my mainboard... And in Europe there is ZERO support from Supermicro, so I would have to fly in a compatible connector-lead from North America. Part = $5. Postage = $80. Hell no. So I keep using the screwdriver.

Wont ever buy supermicro again.

 

[Maban]

I used to start my PC by remote control. Took apart a small RC car and had fun. Hooked it up to 5VSB power.

 

[TheLaughingMan]

I still start my computer with magic.

The ritual takes a lot of time and preparation, so I try not to turn my computer off. I mean, you can only summon the eternal lord of power Mnyzelenath to start your PC with a bolt of magic lightning before he starts that whole, "this is not what magic is for...." speech. Man that speech gets old fast.

 

[p_o_s_pc]

When I had all the crunching and folding rigs i started them with any metal i had close.didn't cause any damage.

 

[Kantastic]

I once started a friend's once with a screwdriver and it sparked. Scared the hell out of me. But the board did just fine.

+1

My friend's board sparked and I thought I broke it, turns out I didn't plug in the 4870's PCI-E cables.

 

[TheLaughingMan]

Is this why mobo manufacturers started adding power buttons and reset buttons to the board itself? I mean I like the reset button, OMG that feature took too long to be added, but I never saw a reason for the power button until now.

 

[Kenshai]

When I had my computer out on the bench it was the easiest way to start it. I thought I was the only one that did that