Carputer opitions for me

**Bonezz2k** · 10-07-2008, 07:35 PM

Hello Everyone, I'm new the carputer world but have been working with computers for while. After some time of looking, thinking and comparing. I have come to a fork on the road, and need some help.

By the looks of it is much easier, cheaper and less of a headache if i just buy a small computer/carputer instead of trying to build one out. Is this true, or is there other options?

I have found a few computers ranging from price between 200-600 bucks similar to [URL="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883104036"]this one[/URL]
and it looks promising but I'm a bit nervous. any recommendations?

Is there a major difference between using a micro desktop like the shuttle brand or going with a actual car pc like the voompc or is it a matter of choice? ( I know that the desktops will need some sort of invertor and the car based pc's have a DC- DC power supply?)

Any input is appreciated. Thank you in Advance.

p.s. very sorry if I missed a link in the FAQ that answers my question.

**Punky** · 10-07-2008, 11:29 PM

The main two difference is the power consumption and the size.
The desktop boards takes more space and eats a lot of power. There are bigger power supplies now that can handle them, but some people still prefer small and efficient boards.
That setup would work if you have a proper powersupply.
The alternative to desktop board is the mini itx boards that fits into the voompc, right now the intel dual core atom is very good and very inexpensive. That should be a good start for you

**HiJackZX1** · 10-08-2008, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by Punky

The main two difference is the power consumption and the size.
The desktop boards takes more space and eats a lot of power. There are bigger power supplies now that can handle them, but some people still prefer small and efficient boards.
That setup would work if you have a proper powersupply.
The alternative to desktop board is the mini itx boards that fits into the voompc, right now the intel dual core atom is very good and very inexpensive. That should be a good start for you

Go Mini-Itx......... If you decide to go with a desktop board, which are cheaper, then you'll have to go with a beefier power supply like the OPUS 320. You just got to basically lookup up the items you can and add all thier power consumption together. They have power consumption calculators online. Here is a link to one of them http://www.journeysystems.com/?powercalc