My setup is very similar with the case on a large shelf on the top, I dealt with climbing a stool to power my PC for months (I know, I know...) until I bought this, which works wonders. I'll try to post my setup once I'm happy with cable management
I use this bad boy
uxcell 67" Desktop Computer Case Power Supply Reset HDD Button Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HG7HO22?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Not only does it stop the kids and cats from pushing the button, it's fun to turn it on with a button from my desk.
You can buy satisfying big buttons that wires to your front panel connectors on your MB and it on your desk (wherever you prefer in range). Looks great for a red led rig too lol. Heres an example from amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desktop-Computer-Supply-Button-Switch/dp/B00HG7HO22
There is also a way to set up your pc to turn on via a magic packet (correct me if im wrong) which you can send over the phone via an app. I think the pc needs a LAN connection too (again anyone correct if wrong my friend has this setup so he can boot up while he walk into his house). Not sure if they're amazing ideas but I hope it helps :)
This part and about 10 minutes will take care of the issue for you if it's just a power switch.
I would recommend you read up on ESD damage prevention but the cliff notes version is this - unplug everything, work on the case on a table, do not stand on carpet and ground your body to the actual PC chassis at any time you're working on the PC.
Thanks for the reply.
1) Yes, I have been checking reviews and have an idea but like to hear what my fellow redditors have approved of! And to help narrow things down, I don't OC the cards myself, ever. And noise is NOT a concern. Every bunk has 1 - 2 fans going 24/7. No one can hear it but me and I game with a headset since guys may be sleeping.
As for 180 flip. Maybe? I'd have to drill some more cable holes and re-route, but the major concern is the 180 flip would place the power/reset buttons against back of locker and out of reach. I guess these exist and could be a solution.
Now that you have my wheels turning I think the 180 flip might be the best idea ever! You sir are a mad genius! This actually can solve a bunch of other minor cable issues/annoyances.
Plus I get to bring all the power tools in and practice my carpentry. =D
I still need to pick the coolest GPU but I feel like we have solved my ventilation dilemma. Also, my case, I know it's not the best but I searched for a about 2 weeks to find something the the proper dimensions to fit on that shelf. At the time, it was the only MATX that would fit. =(
Thanks for your reply sir!
Interesting! Well the obvious solution to me, would just be take out the original power switch and add that to your new case in some way shape or form. This will lead to your being able to add a new PSU and keep the old power switch. If you imagine the one you pull from your old chassis to act like this: https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Desktop-Computer-Supply-Button/dp/B00HG7HO22 It should work fine!
Thanks for the response! This idea is still in its infancy and was actually prompted because I had to purchase one of these to move power from the front panel. I agree that extending a USB 3.0 to a hub is probably the better idea, as I'd probably only really need one or two up top. Also, when I refer to moving the computer to 'another room' I really only mean bridging to the opposite side of a wall, which adds probably a foot tops to the length of the cabling.
Audio quality is probably the one thing im truly skeptical about, and I may just end up running a dedicated cable for it.
This is a perfect opportunity to show you this thing. I put one into my friend's computer over the weekend.
After installing it on a friend's computer who's power switch broke on his case, I've considered installing one into my build at home. It hooks directly into the MOBO like your case power switch, but you can put the power button anywhere.
You can get external power buttons with a long cable that you can place where you want. Example
Or just make one yourself, all you need to do is short the two designated power pins.
(Although buying one is safer, looks better and is more useful over time)
https://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-a13112600ux0340-Computer-Supply-Button/dp/B00HG7HO22
i've seen this..... do i have to solder it??
Power your PC on with that button, will make it easier
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HG7HO22/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RD0EBNB8YJ8YBCREAEH7 I used this works like a charm
EDIT: Found this one on Amazon
https://smile.amazon.com/Uxcell-a13112600ux0340-Computer-Supply-Button/dp/B00HG7HO22
I just use one of these and put the reset on the clear bios instead.
What you could do is replace power button with this or something like it and just hide the button in a drawer
That would be my Power button/HD Activity Light/Reset button. You can buy them here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HG7HO22/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use one of these:
no reset button on my case (node 304). But I've been thinking about buying one of these, and maybe now is the time.
I recommend one of these. They're super convenient for testing rigs.
Finally, Some options for after party power buttons.
This one would work as it is a stylish button that runs out of the rear of the case and sits near the computer it also has LED connections if you want that: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HG7HO22/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_U2LixbWM7JQSM
This one is a simple button that you could leave inside your case: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2ZBYGG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_G4Lixb9BF4X17
You could use this:
http://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Desktop-Computer-Supply-Button/dp/B00HG7HO22