A Quick Question.

**LegacyCore** · 09-07-2008, 02:09 AM

Hello everybody, just had a quick question that I'm sure is buried somewhere on this site. But I will take the chance of asking it anyways.

Why is it a bad idea to use a regular desktop PC for a carputer platform over something built off MP3Car's store? I can build a Slim MicroATX system with better specs, that will fit in any car for a lot cheaper than something off this websites store. Are the components more stable to the shock of daily driving compared to desktop components? Or is the extra small tower from mp3car's store more appealing to those building over the bigger boxes for normal desktops? List the pros and cons of a desktop tower over a carputer tower or laptop?? Thanks.

**2k1Toaster** · 09-07-2008, 02:23 AM

nothing wrong with using a big (size) computer. But using a big (powered) computer is a dumb idea. It will eat a bunch of power and you are doing is playing music and videos and doing some GPS and such. Nothing that a Pentium 3 can't do. So when a via system pulls 11W and does the same thing as a system that pulls 800W just as well, where is the benefit?

Now for intensive applications, do a generation jump to the low wattage, high power (work) processors like the Core 2 Duos and such.

But the form factor is mainly because some can fit it behind the dash with a mini-itx. Also with a nano or mini itx board you can fit it in a small case and tuck it away somewhere or show it off like an amp and doesnt have a huge tower.

If using a high powered system, you will also need a very very expensive power supply.

**LegacyCore** · 09-07-2008, 03:43 PM

Well this is one system that I threw together off of Newegg.com.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154061

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136195

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813153073

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118019

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134594

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103197

All together $220 after S&H.

**2k1Toaster** · 09-08-2008, 08:03 AM

Full Size HD = big power draw on 12v and 5v rail.
Full Size Optical Drive = big big big power draw on 12v rail
CPU/Mobo = ok, not what I what choose for good performance/money but I guess it works

Also need: PSU, Touchscreen, GPS, Wires, Amp.

**LegacyCore** · 09-08-2008, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Full Size HD = big power draw on 12v and 5v rail.
Full Size Optical Drive = big big big power draw on 12v rail
CPU/Mobo = ok, not what I what choose for good performance/money but I guess it works

Also need: PSU, Touchscreen, GPS, Wires, Amp.

Yeah after waiting for a while for my last post to appear on the thread, I had time to do more research on my build. And yeah it is way to much, I now understand why people go with these smaller VIA and Intel systems. I was able to put together a smaller Intel system, 1.33GHz CPU, 512MB DDR2 533 Memory, 2.5" Laptop HDD 140GB SATA 1.5Gb/s HDD, 90W PSU, with DC-DC regulator, 7" in Dash touchscreen LCD for about $600 before S&H. So I'm looking around $700 for the build I want. All I want it to do is play music, movies, and connect to my WiFi in my apartment. Maybe later down the road some GPS as well.

**LegacyCore** · 09-08-2008, 10:53 AM

Now that I think about it, in my closet at home is a old HP system. It is a HP E vectra 533Mhz Intel PIII, 512MB SDRAM memory, 40GB ATA100 Hdd, Laptop style 42x CD ROM. The only thing I might have to do is swap out the HDD for the smaller laptop style one. It runs XP Pro with no issue what so ever, and instead of a regular PSU like in a desktop it is powered like a laptop. Her is a picture of it.

You think it would be a good solution to what I'm wanting to do?

**2k1Toaster** · 09-08-2008, 12:26 PM

Might be a good starting point. I would leave the big HD and just remove the cd drive since you wont use it after OS and driver install since all your music will be on the HD anyways.

Only thing is if this is a "starter CarPC" then buying a DC-DC to power that, and then a DC-DC to power a new one will cost you more because they are incompatible.

**LegacyCore** · 09-08-2008, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Might be a good starting point. I would leave the big HD and just remove the cd drive since you wont use it after OS and driver install since all your music will be on the HD anyways.

Only thing is if this is a "starter CarPC" then buying a DC-DC to power that, and then a DC-DC to power a new one will cost you more because they are incompatible.

After looking over my e-Vectra I have decided that it is powerful enough to do what I need it to do. So I'm going to stick with it, I have upgraded a few things on it so the following are the new specs.

Intel Celeron 533MHz CPU (upgradeable)
256MB Patriot SDRAM PC133
82.8GB Hitachi ATA 133 HDD
24x Sony CD-ROM
2x USB 1.1 Ports
3COM 10/100 NIC
2x AGP Onboard SiS 6MB Video max resolution 1600x1200
Width: 3.51 inches
Depth: 9.46 inches
Height: 10.72 inches
Weight: 8.6lb

For playing music, watching videos, and possibly GPS down the road I think this will be more than enough. Now I need to get a DC-DC regulator, touchscreen, and all the wiring.