Thread: Another new project

Originally Posted by Champak

New and getting into this and would like feedback from the experts.

This PC will be in the trunk.

$260 - Monitor 8" = http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Show=TechSpecs
$60 - DVD Burner = http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106096
$10 - Switch Blue = http://store.mp3car.com/ROUND_ROCKER..._p/sup-074.htm
$10 - Switch Green = http://store.mp3car.com/ROUND_ROCKER..._p/sup-075.htm
$40 - Multimedia Volume Control = http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate#
$50 - Case = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147098
$95 - External HD = http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822136059
$50 - PC Radio Tuner Card = http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16815117801
$60 - Memory = http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820146599
$15 - USB Extension = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812116123 (powered for the monitor...may also need another for the HD)

I'm looking for a DC-DC power supply for an ATX format 250W-300W but I don't see any, if someone can point me in the right direction please.

You're not looking very hard.
Try the mp3car.com store.

Honestly, though...
What type of system are you going to assemble that requires that much power?
Another question to ask yourself..
Are you going to be doing anything with that system that actually requires that much power?
Most likely not.

What are the specs of the motherboard and CPU you intend to use? That is going to be a primary factor in your PSU choice.

Already have the ATX MB, and an internal HD. I might get rid of the internal HD and just boot from the external USB HD I'm getting....should I do that?

I wouldn't recommend it. If you have one USB issue, you're kinda SOL.
It can work, but there's a higher probability of reliability issues.

1/ First, what is your overall opinion of my setup?

Dont' know enough about it, honestly. My thoughts on power consumption are above.

2/ I'm accustomed to instant activity with my computers and that comes with a good amount of RAM, at least with the software I generally use. I've seen a few places here saying stick with less RAM and something about hybernation, but never an explanation about it. Can someone tell me how the RAM REALLY affects hybernation in these systems, and what the big deal is with hybernation....only because I always disable that on my PCs and if I need to keep it on for the car PC I would like to know why. (Generally software I'll be using is MS Office 2007, MS Streets&Trips 07/08,iGuidance, DVDs and Mp3s...2Gigs might be overkill, but it's cheap)

When a PC goes into hibernation mode, it writes the contents of RAM to a file on the hard drive.
More RAM = more data to write and a larger hibernation file, which means hibernation is slower.
Less RAM = the exact opposite.

We like to use hibernation because resuming from hibernation is faster than a full boot and doesn't consume power when the PC is off like Standby does.

And yes, 2GB is overkill IMHO. But whatever.

All this is covered in the FAQs: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advfaq.php
I highly suggest digging in and doing some research and learning.

3/ I'm thinking of putting the slim dvd in the dash and then wiring it to the cpu in the trunk. Will that be possible in regards to cable length? The only computer cable I've run any extra length is a cat5. What I would probobly do is use an IDE->USB converter and run a powered usb cable. Would it work?

The USB adapter would work. It's simpler to simply get a USB enclosure and run a USB cable and/or extension to the back.

4/ I have never worried about a PSU before, I usually put a good 400-600W in computers I build, but now I'm trying to keep that down because as I've read if use more than a 350W I pretty much need to go with an inverter; but I don't want to do that because they seem to interfere with audio. So, how many of you are using those 150-160W PSU that plug direct to the motherboards, and how are they working for you?

Lots of us. I actually have a 220w PSU that works rather nicely, even overkill for my system.

Do you have as much or more than what I'm putting together?

First of all, we don't know what your system specs are, only that you intend to use "an ATX motherboard".
Second of all, there is a Show Off Your Projects forum as well as a Worklogs forum that show peoples projects as well as the parts they use and the work they're doing.
Tird, the PSU that "plugs into tthe motherboard" is called ATX-Compliant, meaning it meets the ATX power specification.

5/ I don't see much talk about Tank Circuit, should I have one?

Again, you're not looking very hard.
ou haven't decided on how you're going to power your system yet, so there's no way to answer this. If you go with a full-featured ATX DC-DC PSU, you won't need a tank circuit.

6/ I plan on putting a temp monitor in the trunk and run it into the dash so I can monitor the temp, has anyone done that?

I'm pretty sure.

I have more questions, but it is 4:30AM and my mind is starting to shut down.

Before you get into another round of questions, I highly suggest doing some reading here. I already linked you to the primary FAQ, but here are some more informational resources that should help you:
FAQ Emporium forum: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/faq-emporium/
MP3Car wiki: http://www.mp3car.com/wiki (It's constantly being developed and growing steadily)

Also, searching these forums for specific topics (use keywords, of course) will yield even more information.