[SOLVED] I would like to install custom switches for my PC but not sure if its possible?

[Quinntastic]

I would like to add something new to my build and I like the feedback of physical switches. I would like to use the toggle switch to supply the main power to the PC, the start/stop as the button to turn on/off. And I was going to hook the other three up to LEDs for around my desk. However, I'm not sure if it is possible to hook the toggle switch to the main power of the PC for safety reasons. Or if I'm even able to do this at all. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Switch Board

 

[USAFRet]

If you are unsure of what you're doing, the toggle for power to the system may be an issue.
The push button to turn it on, or the LED....no problem.

 

[Quinntastic]

I have an idea of what I am doing. I would just want to know if it's possible. One approach I was going to have was to strip a place in the wire going to the PC and hook in the switch there. But I am unsure if the switch will be able to safely handle the amps.

 

[USAFRet]

I have an idea of what I am doing. I would just want to know if it's possible. One approach I was going to have was to strip a place in the wire going to the PC and hook in the switch there. But I am unsure if the switch will be able to safely handle the amps.

Unsure of the power rating for that toggle switch. The pics at amazon do not show what it printed on the side of that particular switch.

 

[Quinntastic]

For the standard computer cable, if I was to do this. What power rating would I be looking for? I know how to do the wring, but unsure on the power ratings etc. And I would like to do it as safely as possible.

 

[USAFRet]

For the standard computer cable, if I was to do this. What power rating would I be looking for? I know how to do the wring, but unsure on the power ratings etc. And I would like to do it as safely as possible.

If I understand correctly, this means interrupting the power between the wall and the PC?

In the US, that would be something rated for15A, 120v.

 

[Quinntastic]

Yes, you are correct. I am in the UK, so the mains are 230V. But from what I read, the Amps depend on the plug. My PC has a 1000 Watt PSU. So if my maths is correct it should be around 4.3 Amps.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, you are correct. I am in the UK, so the mains are 230V. But from what I read, the Amps depend on the plug. My PC has a 1000 Watt PSU. So if my maths is correct it should be around 4.3 Amps.

1000w PSU is its theoretical max capacity, not what it delivers all the time.
Without knowing what parts are in your PC, I'd be surprised if you consumed over 500watts under max load.

But, a switch in the chain from PC to wall absolutely needs to be rated for the absolute potential max power draw.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm also curious about the wall disconnection thing with that toggle switch.
Generally, PC's should not be isolated from the wall all the time.

 

[Quinntastic]

The specs that I can remember are an i7 7700k quad for 4.7Ghz, 32Gb DDR4 Corsair Vengeance and a GTX 1080Ti

 

[Quinntastic]

I'm also curious about the wall disconnection thing with that toggle switch.
Generally, PC's should not be isolated from the wall all the time.

I just thought it would be cool, to be honest, and it's something I've always wanted to do.

 

[USAFRet]

The specs that I can remember are an i7 7700k quad for 4.7Ghz, 32Gb DDR4 Corsair Vengeance and a GTX 1080Ti

Yeah, that's about right.

In any case, a switch between the wall and the PC needs the same rating as the cable between the wall and the PC.

 

[USAFRet]

I just thought it would be cool, to be honest, and it's something I've always wanted to do.

On the current PSU, there is a I/O switch. Do you turn it off all the time?

 

[Quinntastic]

There is an I/O switch, but I usually leave it on. as well as the mains power, I tend to just use the normal power button.

 

[USAFRet]

There is an I/O switch, but I usually leave it on. as well as the mains power, I tend to just use the normal power button.

Exactly. This toggle switch would be performing the same thing. Basically, ON all the time.
The push button power thing..that IS a viable addition. Replacing the power button curerntly on the case.

 

[Quinntastic]

I see your point, However, I thought it would have a good visual look to it.

 

[USAFRet]

I see your point, However, I thought it would have a good visual look to it.

For the visual industrial look, sure!
Functional? Not so much and not needed.

 

[Quinntastic]

Instead of having the first switch as functional. Do you have any ideas what I could hook it up to do it would still light up and visually look good?

 

[USAFRet]

Instead of having the first switch as functional. Do you have any ideas what I could hook it up to do it would still light up and visually look good?

The power on LED?

I have a similar switch in my 23 year old truck, to control power to the dashcam.
Just because it looks cool.

 

[Quinntastic]

Yeah to power on the LED, as it looks cool.

 

[USAFRet]

Yeah to power on the LED, as it looks cool.

Right.
Attach the power on LED wires to that toggle switch LED.

 

[Quinntastic]

Ohhhh, thank you!

 

[USAFRet]

In my truck: