Can I use the I/O Header on the NUC8I7HNK to add an external power button?

[JJank6]

I just purchased a NUC8I7HNK for work as we are making a mobile console station. The nuc will reside inside of the cart which will not be super accessible to the operator, so I would like to add a switch to the carts desk so they can easily turn the system on. Looking through the Technical Product Specifications PDF (linked below) there is an I/O header that has a few things related to the power button. I've added a picture of the header:

Theres a PWR_BTN_N which I'm assuming can be used for an external power button as I read this, the USB 3.0 header and the SATA power header were added for future docking station possibilities. We are essentially trying to make a big docking station on wheels.

I don't want to start jumping pins though, so my question is, would adding a momentary switch between pins PWR_BTN_N and 5v work as an external power button? Or is PWR_BTN_N already 5V and should it be tied to GND?

[n_scott_pearson · Accepted solution]

For a remote power button, you want to use a momentary switch that shorts PWR_BTN_N to GND.

Similarly, for a remote reset button, you want to use a momentary switch that shorts RST_N to GND.

If you would like to emulate the Front Panel header found on most desktop motherboards, connect the pins in the 2x5 header as follows:

For more information, consult this page: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000007309/mini-pcs.html.

Hope this helps,

...S

<<< Edited to show connector better >>>

[JJank6]

Great, thank you for the information! This helps a lot.

[ERegn]

Hey JJank6

This Intel's accessory could save you lot of time if you're not familiar with solderings, and most importantly it will spare your warranty over the PC.

Intel took some years engineering this aspect on their PCs: my company for every project needs to make a remote power button and activity LED for each PC, I'm in charge of it and have been years of soldering. Intel does nothing about other models, no adaptors, no cables, nothing.

[n_scott_pearson]

This is true, unfortunately. While front panel header is included in the board layout on almost all models, it has typically only the Extreme​/Enthusiast and (especially, because also sold as board-only) Business models that provide the actual pins in the header.

...S