No one uses the EPIA-TC1000 or TC600, why?

*alias · 08-03-2004, 04:10 PM

I am trying to sift through the pros and cons of the different form factors, options, expandablitiy, flexibility, power, heat issues of a specific motherboard/processor combination and I'm surprised to see the lack of interest in VIA's TC1000 or lower power/heat TC600. I understand that the integrated 12V DC input does require regulation to design/build/test or simply buy a 8V to say 15V DC regulator is quite simple and inexpensive. Despite my [in]ability to find the TC1000 board at US $190 and assuming around $20 in homebrew regulator parts or even a commecial solution it seems that this path far offsets the price of an Opus or other such DC ATX power supplies. Assuming robust design on the regulator automatic boot and shutdown along with "surviving" cranking [read: having the computer not reboot due to the power supplies' inability to supply sufficient voltage to the motherboard] this board I think really deserves more credit. It also seems like for the price/performance and lack of headaches about heat and power this board offers it seems it would still come out shining.
Basically I am interested in other people's thoughts on this. I have thought about using mini-ATX form factor custom built setups but using any kind of "modern" processor [read: Athalon XP or even higher speed Durons or moderate speed Pentium 4s or Celerons] introduces a good deal of cooling issues and power issues while using the mini-ITXs ease a lot of those concerns (along with still saving space, but you lose out as far as money but again after considering commerical or diy DC ATX power supplies the margins of saving are not that great assuming the use of all "modern" components]
So this is a pretty confusing post because it's just off the top of my head after many months of pondering... so basically I just want to hear people's thoughts on this or anything you think I'm missing. Because I am sure I am and appreciate any constructive input.
Also if anyone's trying to get an eGalax touchscreen to work with Debian [although many people here use Windows 2000 or XP] feel free to get in touch with me as well. Thanks everyone, I look forward to your comments.
I see one major drawback to this board though, the lack of a decent on-board audio controller, it being only 2 channel and the sentiment on these boards that the on-board audio is bad anyway. Just thought I'd mention my own omission.

**Dominik** · 08-03-2004, 06:24 PM

When i saw the TC1000, i started regretting buying a lowly Epia800 (though i bought it second hand so i cant really complain). Onboard PSU makes for more space savings, and certainly costs less than getting a separate Opus.

But i can think of 3 reasons why people would stick to the holy Opus:
1) It can handle down to 7v or something like that
2) It has shutdown/startup controllers.
3) Onboard PSU for TC1000 is only 60W - means you are restricted to Laptop drives and minimal USB devices. Opus handles more

However i'd take the TC1000 - Think of how easy it would be to fit that into a single din headunit!!!

I think that the Carnetix CNPX2160 (or whatever it is - there is only one!!!), would be perfect for that. Its a 12V revulator which handles down to 7V as well, and has shutdown controllers as well!

I know that if i started again, i would choose the TC1000...

**Pabs** · 08-04-2004, 04:00 AM

See above post by dominik:

I own a tc10000. It is wicked :P I will, when it arrives, be using the carnetix psu which is far cheaper than the opus. Combined cost of this tc10000 and carnetix is cheaper than the opus and an mII 12000. I got the tc10000 with the pcmcia and compact flash adapter too, and so pop in my pcmcia wireless adapter and hey presto, i have wireless LAN to my car from my driveway.

The onboard psu is indeed 60w. however, the board only consumes around 12w, say 20w max, leaving 40w for drives, usb, etc etc. I have, so far, managed to power:
1x 3.5" 20gig hdd.
1x 3.5" cd-rom
1x GPS mouse
1x touchscreen (usb also)
1x dlink usb radio

With this setup, i havent had any problems with power levels. Running winXP is good as I now use hibernate, which means boot time is less than 20secs from cold to music playing.

From my experience, I cant recommend this board enough! Its tiny with onboard psu did it for me. Saved me getting a morex etc etc, and was a piece of cake to set up. Only problem I have had was getting compatible memory, as it doesnt use desktop ram, it uses DDR266 laptop ram, and can be picky as to what type, ie registered/unregistered, ecc/non-ecc etc etc.

I would deffo go buy this board again!

**acura cl** · 08-04-2004, 09:35 AM

hey pabs... i'm having a problem with mine rebooting like crazy.

i have a 3.5" 160 gig hard drive on mine and its regulated with an ITPS.

other people on the forum said it was the hard drive making it reboot.

are you having this problem?

thanks.

*alias · 08-04-2004, 02:55 PM

Where did you purchase your board? Also I notice that after looking in to the audio situation a little more you CAN apparently get a TC board with Via's VT1616 audio chip, as far as actual availability and price.... well yeah we'll see. My question is, is your board AC '97 codec equipped? Although I doubt I'll be watching DVDs or playing games with 5.1 audio output, it would be very nice to have this capability , especially given that a 5.1 setup in my car is very easy. Thanks and glad to hear this board's working out for you!

**Pabs** · 08-04-2004, 04:15 PM

Hi
Not sure on the audio chipset on this. I am not at home and so will look when I get back and let you know. I remember reading tho that it is possible to make it spdif out, and hence 5.1 output. I am only using the line-out and it will feed several channels on an amplifier in the boot.

Acura cl - Nope, not having this problem at all? Do you have the mains "brick" psu? If so, try using it at home without the itps. I have heard this could cause the problems.
It depends on how much current your harddrive etc is drawing. I am not using an optical drive at all anymore as I dont need it (wireless LAN) but was thinking of getting a laptop dvd-rom from ebay for it. Just not sure on the interface connections... Can you just use the ide adapter from 3.5-2.5" drives?

Your problem could be ur hdd as i see it is a 160gig. probably draws a lot. Find the spec sheet on it and find the required power (W) and see how close the whole setup comes to the max 60w.

I also know that the RAM is picky. Have u tried a different RAM stick?
Hope this helps.

**4u2n** · 08-04-2004, 04:16 PM

I do

Then you only need dc-dc controler, not a complet atx power supply

**bertybassett** · 08-04-2004, 04:39 PM

Can you just use the ide adapter from 3.5-2.5" drives?

___________________________

YES

*alias · 08-04-2004, 04:49 PM

Good to hear that Pabs. I had seen people screaming power requirements left and right all the time... I always wonder if people actually ever read the data sheets provided with their components or before they buy them... of course you can't take the numbers 100% for sure but if the company is somewhat respectable you can go by the numbers supplied and as long as you leave yourself a bit of a margin you should be fine. This motivates me more to FINALLY place my order for this board. I still am angry that supposedly you can't run 800x480 resolution with the VIA onboard video... oh well crappy PCI graphics card is ok by me..
Also, I e-mailed VIA about the descrpency on their website and in their manual for the TC1000 board to try to see if I can get a TC1000 with the 6 channel chip... let's see if I actually don't go unnoticed :-P.

**Pabs** · 08-04-2004, 05:31 PM

hehe....who knows?

To be honest, I dont have the entire system up and running yet, so more will be known when a)the psu from carnetix arrives, b)when i get my new car (v soon)
I have big plans, but they may fail yet!
I am running 800*600 OK on the xenarc, doesnt look too bad....
Will have a play around in a few days i expect...when i eventually go home that is.....