Thread: Help with new boat installation

Originally Posted by SirBradley

Hi everyone, I am looking at building an ITX system for my boat which is a liveaboard catamarran. Space is not a very important consideration but power consumption is.

I use a computer on the boat for wifi, Skype, a little word processing, storing and burning MP3 files and navigation.

What suggestions does anyone have as to motherboard, power supply, screens, etc.

Thanks for any help and suggestions.

SirBradley,

If you want to go for a very easy, lower power solution you can always buy a mac mini (~50 watts depending on usage) with a 12v power supply and a 12v screen.

Mac mini power supply (make sure to get mac cable kit)
http://store.mp3car.com/Carnetix_CNX..._p/pwr-010.htm



1. Motherboards - All of the motherboards we stock will perform these basic functions.
2. Power Supply - This question is highly dependent on what case you get. You definitely should get some type of regulated power supply. I assume your system is 12v. The M2-atx Power supply will filter power from 6 to 24V.
3. All of our screens will work. 12v screens will avoid the use of an inverter. For best screen quality and longevity, power your screens off of filtered power.

If I was putting one in my friends boat I might recommend:

30-45 watt Intel board - http://store.mp3car.com/product_p/mtb-057.htm

m2-atx http://store.mp3car.com/M2_ATX_160W_..._p/pwr-015.htm

small case - http://store.mp3car.com/Morex_3677_M..._p/enc-022.htm

external optical drive (use as needed to save power)
http://store.mp3car.com/Ultra_Slim_E..._p/com-002.htm

More usb ports (avoid using hubs)
http://store.mp3car.com/USB_Header_E..._p/cbl-059.htm

You would then need to pick a few small other parts like cables, hard drive and memory depending on your needs/budget.

Hopefully this will give you some ideas to get started. Welcome to the forums.