Windows 7 - Cars have ignition keys...why can't computers?

ok, so I have wanted to make a wooden case for my computer for quite a while. i might get the stuff in and do it...

what i was thinking was to get two more power supplies in (yes, a PC with THREE power supplies) and get it starting up on an ignition chamber (thats found in cars).



am I mad? should I do it?

EDIT

Maybe I could get a board expert to make me a board that can make a "dash board" for it, to monitor fan speeds and stuff (using RPM counters and the leds)

Sounds like it might look cool. Be better if you had a car starting sound to play
Why would you need three PSUs though?

car sound would be good, but im going to use a USB project board that runs after windows has logged in.

Three PSU's : one for the motherboard, one for extras, one for even more extras. purely because I have three ignition starter points. (I, II, START)

Cars are moving away from keys and ignition cylinders. RF Transponders in keyfobs and a start button are going to be the future.

3 PSU's will be a waste and more problems than you think.
Even though the ignition has 3 steps, only the first two are constant, while the 3rd, the starter engage is a momentary style switch. It's only enableb as long as you keep the key turned.

True...


a waste, i will agree.. but I'm cool like that. the 3rd will be the one thats connected to the motherboard anyway. the momentary part of the switch will be hooked to the motherboards "Power" pins to fire the motherboard up...hence firing up the third power supply.


the first and second PSU's will be to take the load of extras like gpus, HDD's, DVD's, "sextras" (extras to make it look sexy)

I love the idea, but I also think three psu's are excessive.. If it were me, I would do it fancy like point 1 turns on my monitors and speakers etc, point 2 turns on my computer fans, and point 3 turns on the actual computer.

I like this idea...but it will require putting 250v through the keychamber...which I dont think is very healthy... seen as the chamber is designed for 12v (24 for trucks/lorries)

Edit

done a bit of research, and I came up with two projects for monitoring system stats with gauges, both very plausable due to having many usb ports and audio out ports.

Monitor with AUDIO
Monitor with USB

Check this Thread by Lordbob75 [Project] CM Haf 932 Paint Job and Wiring He made/used a Key start switch in his build

The green wire!

Thats what turns the PSU on and off.
Look it up.

Like Zepher said, cars are moving away from keys. Just so happens I've made a USB key to start my car.
Its nifty.
I can probably mod it for a PC too, I guess. So it will only turn on when you plug in this usb key.

I like this idea, too, and you've put a thought into my head...

In the days before ATX power supplies, most computer cases had a keyboard lock. It was usually a chrome switch with a key right on the front of the case.

I'm going to put an ATX board and power supply in an old case and attach the keyboard lock to the power switch input on the board so that turning the key will turn on the system. The big, obvious power switch on the front panel won't be connected to anything so hilarity will ensue when anyone tries to turn it on.

Kent