I need power for a project inside my PC, even when the PC is off. I know modern PSUs have a standby +5v line that delivers about 1A max even when the PC (and thus the PSU) is off. I don't know where I can "tap" it from though. What are my possibilities?
dont quote me on this but i think its the Green line i will look for linkage to see EDIT its the purple line linkage
Yes it's the purple one. Here's all you need on power related issues regarding PC's. Be sure to look at the ATX/NLX connector instead of the others Also beware that some manufacturers have other color schemes for their ATX cable (compaq), it's the position that counts. More sources for +5 standby: - Onboard WOL, or perhaps even your NIC's WOL connector(?) - internal USB headers, depends on mobo brand, but you can easily probe it with a multimeter. FIY my Gigabyte mobo's internal headers are always powered up.
Look in the "Jumpers and Connectors" section of your mobo manual. I've two points on mine, one the Wake on LAN (WOL) header and another on the Modem Wake-Up header.
Whilst the standby line can deliver up to 2 amps, (my psu has max standby current of 2 amps) don't forget that the motherboard will be using at least some power to run its own circuits (wake on Lan, keep the BIOS running without discharging the battery, etc.) Some motherboards are quite greedy, and may require a significant percentage of the standby power available. If the project you are building is large, it may be a good idea to measure the current in the standby line when the PC is 'off' to find out how much power is available before trying to use it.
Thanks all! I'll try and search some pins in the manual, if that doesn't works I guess I'll have to tap it from the big purple line . The project isn't that big, so no worries there.
