Thread: Mac Mini Carputer Setup idea

Originally Posted by ebmx66

Ok im kinda a newbie and want to set up a mac mini carputer in my new 07 Silverado....i am going to run windows on it (gps reasons) and i have a general idea of what i will need but have some questions and want some suggestions and thoughts...i need to get a list of all the main parts i am going to need before i start buying

Product List so far:
-Intel Mac Mini 1.66ghz Combo
-Lilliput GL701NP 7" Motorized In-dash or Xenarc 700ts (not sure yet)
-OPUS 150 watt DC-DC power supple SFX.1215
-BU-353 GPS Reciever
-Most likely using roadrunner maybe streetdeck

I don't think that the Opus PSU will work witht he Mac mini. The Mac Mini's motherboard isn't ATX-compliant. The Opus is an ATX-compliant PSU.
I think you're going to want a Carnetix P1900 or P2140.

-I want this system to have good sound quality so i am going to need an external sound card and a 4-channel amp right? How much power will i need from the amp? Recommendations please

"Good sound quality" is relative. What I would consider good SQ would make true audiophiles vomit, I'm certain.
I suggest giving the built-in sound a try. If it's acceptable to you, then great. If not, it's not all that difficult to add an external sound card.

-Will the OPUS do all the work with powering my system or what will i need in addition to that? Will it work with the MacPac?

Nope. See above.

-I would like to have control over my sound that i can mount in my dash like a sound processor with an equalizer and crossover but don't know which one (looking at Clarion EQS746 and Soundstream MPQ-7XO) Recommendations....i don't want it to be too complicated that i wont be able to work with it

That will inmprove your sound quality immensely. My setup (when it's installed) will include an AudioControl Three.1 for that very purpose. It's a simple device, and small, too (1/2 DIN). It has fader and balance control, bass adjustment and a comparatively small EQ. It also boosts line levels, which will help combat system noise somewhat as well as provide a strong signal to the amplifiers.

Both of the units you specified will accomplish the same thing, and will likely do you well.

the AudioControl three.1 looks very nice and i think i will be adding that to my system

i have been reading up on sound quality which is really what i am looking for and from what i have gathered i would get the best sound with a sound card and external dac right?

i would put the music from the computer to the sound card and then to the dac which i would locate close to the 4-channel amp for the speakers i think?.....but i would like to know where i would locate the AudioControl processor, would that go in-between the sound card and dac?

i would gladly appreciate it if anyone would change/tweak my system for sound quality because i still have plenty time to change as i haven't ordered anything yet

thanks

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

I don't think that the Opus PSU will work witht he Mac mini. The Mac Mini's motherboard isn't ATX-compliant. The Opus is an ATX-compliant PSU.

Opus is claiming that their 150W and 180W dual and triple output DC-DC units work with mini. they suggest DC07 and DC09 to their mac mini customers.