I Can Control My PC From Anywhere in the World (JetKVM)

10:072 min readBetter Stack10/31/2026Computing/Software · Consumer Electronics · Internet Technology

Key Takeaway

Integrating an open-source JetKVM device with an ATX extension board allows remote power control and hardware-level desktop management from anywhere via a web browser.

Highlights

  • JetKVM is an open-source KVM over IP device smaller than a deck of cards that captures video output and controls keyboard and mouse input.

  • The device features a hardware video encoder running on a Rockchip chip that captures computer screens through HDMI at up to 1080p and 60 frames per second.

  • Streaming latency between the host machine and the browser ranges from 30 to 60 milliseconds.

  • An ATX extension board connects to the motherboard front panel header to allow remote power button presses and power LED status reading.

  • Browser-based remote access utilizes WebRTC, which can be blocked by certain VPN extensions if connection issues occur.

Timeline

  1. Overview and Hardware Features

    Standard remote desktop software fails when a computer is completely powered off or needs BIOS-level configuration. JetKVM solves this limitation by sitting externally alongside the host system. It processes video signals via HDMI and emulates USB keyboard and mouse inputs, while the ATX add-on board bridges the gap for remote power activation.

    • A high-end workstation with an RTX graphics card and 64 gigabytes of RAM requires a remote power and control solution.
    • JetKVM operates on a hardware level to enable BIOS adjustments and remote desktop functionality through a browser.
    • An additional ATX extension board provides the ability to press the physical power button and read power LED states remotely.
  2. Wiring and Installation

    Installation begins with safety precautions by shutting down the system and disconnecting power. The ribbon cable from the ATX extension board connects to the motherboard front-panel pins, while jumper wires allow the original case button to remain functional. Four primary cables connect the JetKVM unit: Ethernet for network access, HDMI for video capture, USB-C for input emulation, and a cable linking to the ATX board.

    • Motherboard front panel headers require careful manual verification against manufacturer diagrams for proper wire placement.
    • DuPont jumper wires connect the original case power button alongside the ATX extension board to preserve physical button functionality.
    • External wall power must supply the ATX board and JetKVM because internal USB ports lack power when the host computer is shut down.
  3. Remote Operation and Cloud Access

    Once powered and connected to the local network, the JetKVM interface displays the host display output from startup through the operating system login screen. Activating cloud settings extends this capability to mobile devices outside the local network. Disabling interfering browser extensions restores the WebRTC video stream if connection failures occur.

    • Web browsers access the local IP address or cloud service to display the complete boot sequence and operating system interface.
    • Cloud access through app.jetkvm.com enables remote operation from mobile devices and external networks.
    • Browser VPN extensions blocking WebRTC can interrupt the video stream connection during initial setup.

Description

I wired a JetKVM, a tiny open-source KVM over IP device that's smaller than a deck of cards, into my RTX 5090 workstation so I can turn it on, use it and shut it down without being anywhere near it. JetKVM captures the computer's screen over HDMI at up to 1080p and 60 fps, acts as a keyboard and mouse over USB-C, and streams everything to your browser over WebRTC, so you can watch the machine boot and even get into the BIOS. Add the ATX Extension Board, and it can press the power button for you too. I show how I wired the board to my Gigabyte motherboard's front panel header without losing the case's own power button, which cables go where, how to power it correctly, and how I now turn my workstation on from my phone through JetKVM's free cloud service. This video isn't sponsored. 🔗 Relevant Links JetKVM: https://jetkvm.com JetKVM on GitHub: https://github.com/jetkvm/kvm JetKVM Cloud: https://app.jetkvm.com ❤️ More about us Radically better observability stack: https://betterstack.com/ Written tutorials: https://betterstack.com/community/ Example projects: https://github.com/BetterStackHQ 📱 Socials Twitter: https://twitter.com/betterstackhq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterstackhq/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterstack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterstack 📌 Chapters: 0:00 Turning on my PC from anywhere 1:37 Meet JetKVM 2:09 How a KVM over IP works 2:35 Why I needed the ATX Extension Board 3:04 Finding the front panel header 3:34 Wiring the ATX board 4:16 Keeping the case's power button 4:58 Mounting the board 5:11 Testing the power button 5:26 Connecting the cables 5:59 Powering the JetKVM the right way 6:32 Demo: booting my PC from the browser 7:53 Turning it on from my phone 8:44 Tip: stuck on "Connecting"? 9:08 Final thoughts

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