testing MB without a case
 

I have a motherboard and processor that might be in working condition. I wnat to test them as I have all the parts needed except a case. since most cases use a momentary switch for power is it possible to just jump the connnection on the board to get it to boot? I dont want anything fancy just enough to test the thing before spending money on a case for it.

Yes, just make sure the motherboard is NOT touching a desk or anything that could conduct electricity. Make sure that you have risers or even screws into the motherboard to suspend it off of your work area if you have doubts.
You can also use cardboard under it.
Here is an example
http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfadden/g...benchtestS.JPG

cool thanks just happy to know I wont fry the thing while testing to see if it works

place it on the static bag it came from.

and to power it on, find where the power switch connects to the MB and cross the 2 pins with a screwdriver for a sec till you see the fan turn on.

No, don't use the ESD static bag it came with, trust me.

Yes, running a board sitting on an ESD bag is quite safe for bench testing. I don't think I'd want to do it permanently though.

Just do it on the kitchen table.

As long as your kitchen table isn't metal, that is.

The ESD bag does its job because it's coated with a metallic film/grid that dissipates static electricity. Putting a running mobo on one could very likely short the traces and fry it.

I needed to set up a temporary computer, and the board I had wouldn't fit my spare case. So I set the board on a cardboard box (make sure it's free of staples or metallic ink!) next to the case and used its power supply. Worked just fine.

I knew about not using the static bags and am waiting for a little bit of time to set it up with some cardboard or a piece of wood. Ans thanks for all your help

I still maintain the ESD bag is not a Bad Idea.

At work (yes, I work in a computer factory) we used to bench-test boards sitting on top of their boxes. One day about 2 years ago, a Microstar (MSI) field engineer was visiting our facility, saw us doing that, and recommended that we use static bags instead. We have done this since.

That's good enough for me.

i've always used the bags and they work fine. this includes when i was working with the testing engineers at my old place which constantly have to test new mobos.