Newbie.....questions before I get started

**hvaughn** · 06-29-2007, 06:58 PM

I hope this isn't too long...so please bear with me. I've been browsing the forums and thinking about building a pc for my truck. But before I begin, I have a few questions before I can decide if this will even be possible for me.

My main concern is mounting the PC. It seems that under the seat is not the best location. So, my only other option (that I can think of) would be to mount it in my center console. If I do this, I will have to mount it vertically.

Question: Will it be okay to mount it vertically?

Ventilation will be limited also. I could cut a few slots in the sides of the console next to the seats.

Question: Will this be enough ventilation?

And for the screen. I would like to mount it in my dash. If so it will cover up my A/C vents. This should be OK in the summer, but what about the winter?

Question: Will the heat (from the heater) harm my screen?

Question: Do I have to use a touchscreen?

I would like to mount a mouse (similar to what is on a notebook) and use it and/or a wireless mouse instead of touching the screen. If I can do this, who makes a screen that I could use that isn't a touchscreen?

Unfortunately...I don't know exactly which screen or pc I want yet. Still deciding. Just don't want to spend the money if I can't mount the items in the locations specified above.

I really appreciate any information and/or direction that anyone could provide me with.

Thanks,
Heath

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-29-2007, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by hvaughn

Question: Will it be okay to mount it vertically?

Should be fine. I ran a full size drive for 2 years vertically without any problems.

Ventilation will be limited also. I could cut a few slots in the sides of the console next to the seats.

Question: Will this be enough ventilation?

Just keep this in mind when you're picking your mobo/processor combo. If it comes down to it, you can run a fan to push and/or pull air across the board.

And for the screen. I would like to mount it in my dash. If so it will cover up my A/C vents. This should be OK in the summer, but what about the winter?

Question: Will the heat (from the heater) harm my screen?

It is something you will want to consider. Depends on how hot you'll be running the heater. Down here, it wouldn't really be a problem but it doesn't get that cold down here that long.

Based on this, I'm guessing you're talking about a fold out screen?

Question: Do I have to use a touchscreen?

I would like to mount a mouse (similar to what is on a notebook) and use it and/or a wireless mouse instead of touching the screen. If I can do this, who makes a screen that I could use that isn't a touchscreen?

Nope - don't have to use a touch screen.

I'm not aware of anyone out there that makes a non-ts fold out VGA screen for this use.

to the forums!

**hvaughn** · 06-29-2007, 07:52 PM

thanks, not planning or running a fold out. I would like to cut the dash and remove the a/c vents and place the TV where the head unit and vents are now.

If I go with the vertical mount, will I still be able to use a disc drive for dvds, etc. ?

Since it seems that I may be able to proceed. Any suggestions on a good pc?
Was thinking of just ordering a pre-built from the mp3car store or somewhere else online. Thoughts/opinions????

thanks, again

**FusionFanatic** · 06-30-2007, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by hvaughn

My main concern is mounting the PC. It seems that under the seat is not the best location. So, my only other option (that I can think of) would be to mount it in my center console

under the seat may not be the best location, but inside the console is certainly not the best location either.

with that truck you are very limited with your installation/location options, but I don't think that the center console is the best option. if you do decice to mount it there, then I would recommend cutting a hole and putting a fan in the back of the console instead of cutting slots in the side. if you use a hole-saw to cut the fan opening and paint thre fan grille to match the colsole color I wouldn't look bad at all, and should provide enough airflow to keep things cool (you may have to cut slots or add an intake fan on the inside of the console to allow cooler air in). I would consider your center console your last option.

I had a 2004 Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab. if yours is a quad cab then there's lots of room behind the rear seat backs to mount it (I had two 12" subs and an 800w amplifier mounted back there in my truck). if yours is a regular/standard cab then you should probably have similar space behind the driver and front passenger seats.

if for whatever reason behind the seats is not an option for you, then I would recommend you look into installing it under a seat (make sure you tie down all wires to avoid catching any of them in the seat mechanisms). is there enough clearance to slide the seat back and forth?

**hvaughn** · 07-01-2007, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by ComputerGeek

under the seat may not be the best location, but inside the console is certainly not the best location either.

with that truck you are very limited with your installation/location options, but I don't think that the center console is the best option. if you do decice to mount it there, then I would recommend cutting a hole and putting a fan in the back of the console instead of cutting slots in the side. if you use a hole-saw to cut the fan opening and paint thre fan grille to match the colsole color I wouldn't look bad at all, and should provide enough airflow to keep things cool (you may have to cut slots or add an intake fan on the inside of the console to allow cooler air in). I would consider your center console your last option.

I had a 2004 Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab. if yours is a quad cab then there's lots of room behind the rear seat backs to mount it (I had two 12" subs and an 800w amplifier mounted back there in my truck). if yours is a regular/standard cab then you should probably have similar space behind the driver and front passenger seats.

if for whatever reason behind the seats is not an option for you, then I would recommend you look into installing it under a seat (make sure you tie down all wires to avoid catching any of them in the seat mechanisms). is there enough clearance to slide the seat back and forth?

yeah....that's what I'm worried about. I currently have a din sized stand alone dvd player under the passenger seat. It works fine, but I'm a little hesitant in putting a pc there b/c I don't think that I can find one small enough.
The area behind my seat is used for an amp rack that stretches past my center console. I have just enough room to carry a third person on the passenger side. So if I mount it there, I loose that option. Guess that would be ok, though. Should I be concerned with mounting the pc close to my subwoofer box...vibrations, etc.

**FusionFanatic** · 07-01-2007, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by hvaughn

Should I be concerned with mounting the pc close to my subwoofer box...vibrations, etc.

I was worried about that too at first, but not anymore...

I have a laptop mounted right next to a 10" Infinity [ported] subwoofer. the sub vibrates everything in my car (including me

) but the PC never skips a beat. the vibrations are distributed all around the vehicle, not just near the sub itself, so I don't think it really matters how close it is to the sub.

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-01-2007, 10:55 PM

Of course, keeping it further away is better.

Keeping it away from the sub magnets is important too.

140dB+ in our car from SPL runs and no issues short of the CD playing not handling the SPL levels.