How does computer power switch work

A computer power switch works by completing an electrical circuit to turn the computer on or off. When you press the power switch on your computer, it sends a signal to the motherboard to start the boot-up process. This signal is sent through the power switch cable connected to the motherboard.

When the power switch is pressed, it momentarily completes a circuit inside the power supply unit (PSU), which then provides power to the motherboard. The motherboard then sends a signal to the processor, RAM, and other components to start up.

To turn off the computer, the power switch works by cutting off power to the motherboard, signaling the computer to shut down properly. This process ensures that all running programs are closed safely and the computer is powered down correctly.

In modern computers, the power switch may be a physical button or a touch-sensitive sensor on the case. However, the basic principle of completing an electrical circuit to turn the computer on or off remains the same.