How I Silenced My Computer

[EdwardATeller]

I finally got my STV setup working fine, but adding a new CPU and extra hard drive made my computer too loud. I know a couple quieting solutions exist, but I decided to do the following.

I pulled up the carpet from the corner behind the TV, drilled a hole down to the basement, and put my computer on a high shelf down there, right below the hole. I ran the necessary cables up the the TV, and now my setup is whisper quiet while watching. The only expense I had was a couple bucks for a RJ-45 coupler to make the ethernet cable reach.

I do miss seeing the beautiful case I paid up for, but I don't miss the background whine. Another benefit, I took the top cover off, and now it runs very cool.

Since I don't have a way to power up the computer without going downstairs, I just leave it on. My BIOS claims to power up from PS/2 keyboard, but I couldn't get it to work. Any good solutions to this problem?

[thatdude90210]

You can always just build your own switch. It's easiest if you have an old case that isn't being used to rip the switch and led from. Just extend the wires to the length you need.

Another option is to grab one of these switches. If you can't find a connector with wiring for the led, just get another one of those switches, cut off the switch and use the wiring for the led.

Or see if you can find a switch like this one.

[Menehune]

You could get a DC controlled AC power strip. Run a control voltage from a 12V wall wart down into the basement.
Set the PC BIOS to "boot when power is applied". Apply 12V dc to the power strip, PC starts.

DC controlled power strip-pdf document, 150kb
power supply

Another way that the fire department, insurance co & electrical inspectors won't like-mount the power strip upstairs, run an extension cord downstairs to the computer. A remote switch for the PC.

Or if you have tons of money to burn, you could get a network controlled (IP) power strip.

[jerryt]

Originally Posted by EdwardATeller

My BIOS claims to power up from PS/2 keyboard, but I couldn't get it to work. Any good solutions to this problem?

Normally you have to position a jumper on the motherboard for wake on keyboard. It powers the keyboard on standby.

[kevine]

I kind of did the same thing. My whole setup is in the basement. I ran the wires throught the wall to the furnace room where the cable TV comes into the house. The modem is there as well. My HDTV is right outside the furnace room door. My only problem is hearing the furnace rumble.

[EdwardATeller]

Thanks for the helpful replies. I forgot completely about the motherboard jumpers. I have a Microsoft wireless keyboard that uses the USB ports. My motherboard has a wake on USB feature. Can't wait to try it. Need to figure out the difference between S1 and S3 sleep mode. Anyone know what the standard XP Standby is?

The wake when power is applied is also a great option. I have an X10 remote control switch that would be perfect for that.

In the meantime, this is the Rube Goldberg solution I used. I have an old Dell that powers up on power application, so I put the X10 switch on the Dell to turn it on. Then I used a Wake On LAN batch file in the startup menu to send a magic packet to my DVR. Then I used Slawdog's AutoShutdown to turn the Dell off after a couple of minutes, then I powered it down with the X10 switch.

EDIT: Can't get it to resume from standby even with the jumpers set. In my research, I found this article:

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/...4&m=5560975395

It helped me understand the different power states of the computer.

I'll try running a switch up to the living room next. Seems like a sure thing, but I don't like losing the power button downstairs.

[EdwardATeller]

Originally Posted by Menehune

You could get a DC controlled AC power strip. Run a control voltage from a 12V wall wart down into the basement.
Set the PC BIOS to "boot when power is applied". Apply 12V dc to the power strip, PC starts.

Wasn't able to get the computer to boot when power is applied. Plus, it is usually in Suspend, waiting for STV to bring it out.