QUestion! HP e-pc modifications....

**Mrcat88** · 06-22-2005, 10:12 PM

Hi all!
I'm new here, but I build computers for a living and in the meantime I restore classic cars. I'm trying to get my hands on a carputer for my Early Bronco, or maybe for my daily driver....but either way, I have a few quick questions:

1. What does the majority recommend....a buildup using a mini-itx case and aquiring all the parts I want, or purchasing a HP e-pc (alot cheaper) and adding a few things to it?

2. (the main question) Has anyone ever taken a HP e-pc and gutted it to upgrade it with a mini-itx board? In other words...the HP e-pcs only come to a max of (I think) 1.7 ghz, and I want the ability to have future upgradeability, but will a mini-itx form factor board fit in a hp case?
Will the PS work with the new board?
need to be modified?

My goal is to get at least 2.5 ghz on the board, a dvd drive, a regular size HDD (at least 150 gig), without making something that may overheat.

I think the HP setup is great, and it uses a regular HDD, but takes a slim media drive (I'm trying to get everything regular size...parts are ALOT cheaper that way)

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

**hammerboy** · 06-22-2005, 10:25 PM

The only fault i see is with the HDD. Make sure to mount it vertically. I am going to be using an E-Vectra in my install and my primary concern is the HDD. 3.5 inch drives are not to good at handling road vibration.

**Mrcat88** · 06-22-2005, 10:52 PM

Vertically?

I've seen many HDDs take abuse quite well, and I'm not trying to be rude...but has anyone else had a problem with this?

Thanks for all responses!

**DarquePervert** · 06-22-2005, 11:33 PM

Gentlemen.....
There is lots of threads about this. There is no definitive answer to the vertical vs. parallel debate.

Searching on hard drive mounting yields them...

**jagsnag** · 07-25-2005, 06:18 PM

I don't think the e-PC has an internal power supply. talked to a dealer that blows out mass corporate lease-returns for a couple hundred bucks and he said they use an external ac adapter like a laptop. I'm assuming its a brick. I was hoping I could just swap out the psu for an opus and get an instant SFF car pc. if you have new or diff info pls let me know....