Physical key to switch on computer

[Mattios]

Hi all,

I recently saw an AMAZING build where you had to insert a key into a slot, turn it and then and only then will the PC switch on.

It looks like that except obviously a different thing at the back. Would it be some kind of metal contact? Turning the key would move some metal into position that would complete a circuit and activate the motherboard (isn't that how a normal switch works, a circuit is completed by pressing the button down and power is supplied to the mobo?)

Or is there something like this already about...?

Thanks in advance 😀

 

[punahou1]

Some PCs in the 80's and 90's use to have a key in the back to open the case. Using a key to turn on a PC is like using a key to start a car - yes there would be contacts in the back to effectively complete a circuit to power on the system. Not very secure for all it would take would be to open the case and bridge the circuit.

 

[Mattios]

Some PCs in the 80's and 90's use to have a key in the back to open the case. Using a key to turn on a PC is like using a key to start a car - yes there would be contacts in the back to effectively complete a circuit to power on the system. Not very secure for all it would take would be to open the case and bridge the circuit.

Yeah I know it would be easy to go around but just for looks really, it was a modern build that had this key thing.

 

[punahou1]

Some PCs in the 80's and 90's use to have a key in the back to open the case. Using a key to turn on a PC is like using a key to start a car - yes there would be contacts in the back to effectively complete a circuit to power on the system. Not very secure for all it would take would be to open the case and bridge the circuit.

Yeah I know it would be easy to go around but just for looks really, it was a modern build that had this key thing.

What would be cool would be to do a Steampunk build with a skeleton key that bridges the circuit.