Parts list - Proposed Setup - Mazda 5 CarPC

**DocHoss** · 05-04-2009, 11:58 AM

I have been interested in putting together a CarPC for several years, but have only just gotten to the point where I'll actually be able to do it this summer maybe...assuming my finances pan out the way I'd like. Here's a list of parts that I'm planning on using, which is VERY open to suggestions. I'm still in the planning phase, so modifications are easy!

(Edits are indicated in BOLD)

PSU - CarNetix P2140 (Link) (I decided to go with the Carnetix due to the reviews I've seen of the M4...this is my first venture into carpc's so I'd rather go with something that won't have issues right out of the box)
Mobo - Zotac 630i, bought from jpinkerton (Link)
Processor - Pentium D 830 3.0Ghz (already have it)
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 160GB SATA 3.5" HDD (already have it) (although I'm thinking about going with flash memory...I'm in a rural area for the summer...lots of big bumps in the road, don't want it crapping out)
Screen - 7" LED-backlit Lilliput (Still have to buy)
Dash kit - vehicle specific; from Crutchfield (Link)
Steering wheel controls adapter - from Crutchfield (Link) (Might not need...may keep the factory stereo and stash it somewhere...)
GPS - GlobalSat GPS Receiver (Link)
Wifi - w/external antenna (Link)
ODBII - from MCS (Link)
USB IR Transmitter/Receiver - from mp3Car Store (Link, thanks KiaTuner!) (If I keep factory radio, won't need this)

Am I missing anything at this point? Do these components look like they'll be solid?

Thanks very much in advance guys!

**KiaTuner** · 05-04-2009, 01:51 PM

Do you have memory for that board? I was going to use the same board, but went with a cheaper one (celeron) to keep cost down, and because I didn't like the fact that the Atom does not prioritize instructions.

I noticed you didn't list a model number or link for the screen. Haven't decided yet? Judging by the dash kit , it looks like the Lilliput EBY701 would do well. They can be had on ebay for ~$170.

I would be sure to make an ISO backup of your HDD with all the software setup how you want so when it goes bad, you can easily restore it to a new drive. Or you could look into a laptop drive a it will last longer and stand the car environment better.

The steering wheel controls are going to be sending out infrared signals with that adapter you've picked, do you have something for the PC to receive them?

I also don't see a cd/dvd drive, are you going to leave that out, many do, but I think its a very valuable thing to include, even if hidden. If you do get one, I'd suggest a slot-loading one as they withstand vibrations better.

I look forward to seeing your progress, keep us updated.

**DocHoss** · 05-04-2009, 02:25 PM

Doh! Forgot memory. Thanks for the reminder.

I actually just found a screen in the "classifieds" section of mp3car.com forums and the guy is able to do $100 for a 7" touchscreen from Digital Worldwide...the company seems a little sketchy, but the guy says the screen works great. Any thoughts there?

Yeah, I thought about getting a 2.5" drive, but they're so pricey, it might be worth it just to have a standard 3.5" sata and just run it till it falls of the rails...keeping everything backed up, of course. And thanks for the imaging-backup tip!

Urgh! One more thing...an IR receiver. I think those are fairly cheap though. Add it to the list in a bit.

I think once everything's installed at the build table, I won't be using a cd/dvd drive. I can just use flash drives and wifi for getting things I need.

I'm hoping to start ordering parts within the week, so I'll start a worklog as soon as I get the first part! I'm super excited about this project!!!

**jpinkerton** · 05-04-2009, 02:54 PM

Laptop drives are cheap on Newegg.com, I'm liking my Western Digital laptop drive and I haven't even used it in the car yet.

What are you going to do for a case?
Do you know how you're going to tap into the battery lines/ignition line for the carputer?

I'm buying new terminals to make tapping into the battery line easier and I have an available accessory slot in my fuse box that I'm going to use.

This FAQ helped me a lot

**KiaTuner** · 05-04-2009, 05:06 PM

Another place to get cheap Laptop drives is here: http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=906 . I managed to pickup a 120GB Seagate for $30 the other day (last one, sorry) from there. Also look on Ebay, I've found some good deals there, best being my slot loading drive for 15 bucks shipped (cdrw/dvd reader)

**b3tts32** · 05-05-2009, 07:50 PM

Hey man nice to see that you're local. We're actually having a meet this weekend I'm sure you'd get plenty of ideas and thoughts for your setup seeing that you're just getting started.

Monthly North Texas Meet Thread

**DocHoss** · 05-05-2009, 10:23 PM

Hey, that's great! Unfortunately, I'm completely swamped this weekend. I'd love to come to some smaller "informal" meets for the DFW crew

Just can't do it this weekend, what with Mother's Day and the last week of college classes coming up. Stay in touch!

**strife** · 05-06-2009, 07:17 AM

Do you plan to use this as a standalone system or with a car radio. If its standalone you may want a AM/FM tunner, CD/DVD player, Satalite radio, etc.
Good luck!

**DocHoss** · 05-06-2009, 09:22 AM

Strife - I had considered keeping the stock headunit, but I'd have to squirrel it away somewhere. That would mean making extensions for the cables to it, and securing it somewhere.

Hmm...now you've got me thinking more about that though...if I did that, I wouldn't have to buy an amp or steering wheel control adapter...or even the IR receiver. I may look into that further!

On another note, I've been looking at cutting costs, and I have a Pentium D 3Ghz processor and motherboard already. The two problems with that are: 1) no built-in video, so I'd have to use a video card somehow. 2) BIG power draw...I think the processor itself draws 95W. But coupled with the 250W M4-ATX, that might be enough, so long as I don't go crazy with the peripherals. Any thoughts on that?

**strife** · 05-06-2009, 10:04 PM

That computer setup should work just fine. Although its huge and uses allot of power. Your going to need to rig a start up/shut down controller too.

It might just be worth it an spend the $250 to by a barebones carputer from one of the online stores. It might be less of a headache in the end. Just my $0.02.
Brian-