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PC power on/off switch WITHOUT modifying PC motherboard/switch
bkenobi:
Many motherboards have options for powering on upon some trigger. On most of mine, I can select things like: modem, USB, LAN, keyboard, and maybe a couple others for newer boards. Keyboard is the one that you need to select if it's there (I can't imagine it not being there). Be aware that if the machine is completely powered down, these triggers won't work to turn it back on (if the PSU power toggle switch is OFF or switched OFF then ON or if the power strip is turned OFF then ON). The motherboard needs to have some power in order to detect these triggers.
yotsuya:
Kinda off-topic, but how well does the Zino do with MAME and the front end?
edub:
Nope - not really off topic. I do plan to post my "project" as I get further along. It feels like FOREVER in the planning stages. I'm past the year point now. Anyway, the Dell Zino HD that I bought was the first entry-level version they made - $250 delivered with Win7 64-bit. I did upgrade the memory to 4G (probably overkill, but who knows about future expansion). MAME works perfect as well as Maximus Arcade. I wanted to have an HDMI connection from the PC to the LCD monitor (26" Samsung) in order to play various types of games as well as MAME. I have played many of the oldies and they look great with this setup. No complaints.
Anything specific you wanted to know?
yotsuya:
Thanks, edub. I'm toying with the idea of getting a Zino from the Dell Outlet to use in a cab project and was curious as to how it performed.
NightGod:
I know this is a month after the last posting, but I'm a Dell warranty tech and I checked the disassembly pics for the Zino. First off, getting to where the power button plugs into the motherboard is dead simple-a couple of push-button release panels and 4 screws or so. Secondly, the connector for the button to the motherboard is a 5 pic fan connector with four wires being used, so it is not like any of the ones show on that Amazon page. If you can find an old fan plug of the right type, you might very well be able to just use that and leave your original power button unmolested. Attached an image of what the power button looks like so you can see what you'll be working with. If you need more images for the machine, let me know, I have access to tear-down views from taking the cover off to replacing a motherboard and every step in between.