PonyPC, 02 Mustang

**Archy88** · 10-13-2008, 09:04 PM

Good Evening,
I was seriously contemplating the idea of a Pioneer Avic Z3 Navigation system with the internal hard drive & the whole 9 yards. However, that system retails for an easy 1800! This got me thinking into creating my own PC where I can install anyyyything for half the price.
After about a week of research I think I have narrowed it down to two motherboards.

I would like a motherboard that has at least 1.5ghz+ for a processor, and is capable of at least 2gb memory. I have a motto of...do it right the first time, so I would rather overkill on the board a bit, but I know it won't be obsolete in 6 months. However, I don't know if the price difference of the two motherboards is worth the extra muscle.

The Intel D945GCLF2 comes in a kit with a voomPC case, or I can buy everything separate. Either way, the total comes to about $400 with the case, PSU, Mobo, 2gb memory, cd/dvd, and 320gb seagate drive.
If I figure it correctly, the Intel DG45FC is close to $600 with the same items.

I plan to run navigation on it, while certainly having a large collection of music/videos on the harddrive. I would also like to find an FM Tuner, possibly with the tv/ HDtv possibilites. It also has to be capable of playing cd/dvd's. If I can find the right hardware/software, I would like to use the CarPC as a vehicle tuner. I will probably tether my phone for internet usage, so the ability to stream files from home & online would be nice. I'm sure once I have the carPC intact, there will be all kinds of fun things that I can add to it.

One of the most important factors is the sound card. I plan on purchasing 2 sets of component speakers with a 4 way amp along with the carPC. I also have 2 12" subs w/ amp previously installed in the car. Therefore, my sound quality is certainly a huge factor! The 7.1 on the Intel DG45FC seems nice, but will that do the trick? I also have a Soundblaster Audigy 2zs Platinum(??) in my current PC that I would not mind putting into the carPC if necessary. However i am not sure if it would fit or not!

Basically, which of the two motherboards would be the best bet(or is there another one I have overlooked?).
Which FM/AM(tv/hdtv??) tuner do most people have the best luck with? I will connect this to my factory antennae if necessary.
Lastly, is it possible for the CarPC to act as a handheld tuner for the vehicle? I Haven't exactly narrowed that answer down.

I'm sorry for the long post, but I wanted to cover the bases. For now..

**Punky** · 10-13-2008, 09:46 PM

For me definitely the DG45FC, because you have optical output which is awsome if you have a digtal processor. another thing is the processing power, with a 2ghz+ core2duo processor is a lot faster than the atom dual core, but of course all that does come with a bigger price tag.

**DarquePervert** · 10-14-2008, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by Archy88

The Intel D945GCLF2 comes in a kit with a voomPC case, or I can buy everything separate. Either way, the total comes to about $400 with the case, PSU, Mobo, 2gb memory, cd/dvd, and 320gb seagate drive.
If I figure it correctly, the Intel DG45FC is close to $600 with the same items.

Honetly, either one would meet your needs. The Atom board has a very low power draw, and I'd recommend that board for that reason only.

One of the most important factors is the sound card. I plan on purchasing 2 sets of component speakers with a 4 way amp along with the carPC. I also have 2 12" subs w/ amp previously installed in the car. Therefore, my sound quality is certainly a huge factor! The 7.1 on the Intel DG45FC seems nice, but will that do the trick? I also have a Soundblaster Audigy 2zs Platinum(??) in my current PC that I would not mind putting into the carPC if necessary. However i am not sure if it would fit or not!

Not in a Voom case.
Honestly, I'd at least try the onboard audio to see if it meets your needs. It will for most people, assuming they do a proper instll to eliminate noise from bad grounds, crap wiring, etc.
If it's not up yo your specs, then look into a different audio solution.

Which FM/AM(tv/hdtv??) tuner do most people have the best luck with? I will connect this to my factory antennae if necessary.

TV reception in the car sucks. Don't even bother.
As far as radio, there is an HD Radio that many users here like. There is also the HQCT, but it's pricey and doesn't do HD Radio.

Lastly, is it possible for the CarPC to act as a handheld tuner for the vehicle? I Haven't exactly narrowed that answer down.

Yes, but you'd need to purchase the software necessary to tune your vehicle, and that could be very expensive, depending.

**Archy88** · 10-14-2008, 02:51 PM

First & foremost, thanks for the quick replies! I wasn't sure if people would take this thread serious or not
Will the onboard audio for the Intel D945GCLF2 still have a chance of meeting my needs? Or should I go with the other mobo if I plan on trying the onboard audio?

You mention there are some users around that prefer a certain HD radio over the others? Would you happen to know which receiver that might be?

As for the vehicle, it's good to know that it is ultimately possible, so I will have to try & locate the software for an 02 mustang v6.

Thanks again for the replies. Any suggestions, comments, etc are greatly appreciated!!

**DarquePervert** · 10-15-2008, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Archy88

First & foremost, thanks for the quick replies! I wasn't sure if people would take this thread serious or not
Will the onboard audio for the Intel D945GCLF2 still have a chance of meeting my needs? Or should I go with the other mobo if I plan on trying the onboard audio?

I don't know about the audio quality of the onboard sound of either of those boards. I made a suggestion based on power draw alone.
As far as audio quality of the onboard chipsets, that's something you're going to have to figure out on your own.

You mention there are some users around that prefer a certain HD radio over the others? Would you happen to know which receiver that might be?

No, but I'm certain if you do some searching in the forums, you'll find it.

**JohnWPB** · 10-23-2008, 10:02 AM

Check out this Radio as an alternative.

You can pick em up on ebay for around $50. Mitch has a cable in the Mp3Car store for like $20 to hook it to a PC.

Advantages:

- CHEAP! (Tuner and cable will run you around $70)
- Plugins available for Road Runner & Centrafuse as well as a stand alone application
- Receives AM + FM + HD radio! (Most car solutions (like the HQCT) only have FM)
- RDS text display (In Road Runner I can see the name of the song playing, as well as the name and artist of the song on the HD side band when available, and tap either name to switch back and forth)

Looking around on Ebay over the course of a couple of weeks, I picked one up for $32 including shipping.

**vtecfelon23** · 10-23-2008, 11:52 AM

I think i would go with the D945GCLF2. I have built a bunch of machines with these and they seem to be abosultley solid. no problems yet. The G45 board is surely sweet too, but it is a little large. It will only fit into some cases. I think the atom board should suit your needs and save you some money too (and space).

Try the onboard audio. It should be alright, I might recommend a usb audio card. The andrea USB-SA sounds really good. Or use that extra money you saved going with the D945GCLF2, and treat yourself to something nice.

As for radio. I think HD is probably the best way to go. John has a good suggestion.

**Archy88** · 10-23-2008, 03:37 PM

Thanks a ton for the replies!

You mention a stand alone applicaton, I am assuming that would be the LCD display. Are there any Visteon units that don't ship with the that display? I'm curious if it would be cheaper to go that route, since I will use the pc to control any radio functions. UNLESS, I can bypass the PC and listen to the radio without ever powering on the PC. Then it certainly would be useful. What are your thoughts?

Tough call, There is pretty much a split on the two boards, that sure is going to make for an interesting decision. Im thinking about having a custom case made, so I will have to see which board will fit & go from there.

For those with the smaller unit, do you seem any problems with streaming video(if you have tried it), or some real cpu hogs? I'm curious to see how it would respond to that. I would hate to be in the middle of nowhere & trying to get directions, and for the PC to bog down.

**JohnWPB** · 10-23-2008, 09:40 PM

No, the PC would need to be on to be able to use the radio. The only other option would be to unplug the cable to the PC, and then just plug the display back in. If you are an electronics whiz, a switch with 8 wires could be used to go between one and the other. An old paralell switcher would probably do the trick....

ALl the radio's ship with the display, all of us using the Visteon just have it laying around in a junk drawer somewhere

**HiJackZX1** · 10-24-2008, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Archy88

Good Evening,
I was seriously contemplating the idea of a Pioneer Avic Z3 Navigation system with the internal hard drive & the whole 9 yards. However, that system retails for an easy 1800! This got me thinking into creating my own PC where I can install anyyyything for half the price.
After about a week of research I think I have narrowed it down to two motherboards.

I would like a motherboard that has at least 1.5ghz+ for a processor, and is capable of at least 2gb memory. I have a motto of...do it right the first time, so I would rather overkill on the board a bit, but I know it won't be obsolete in 6 months. However, I don't know if the price difference of the two motherboards is worth the extra muscle.

The Intel D945GCLF2 comes in a kit with a voomPC case, or I can buy everything separate. Either way, the total comes to about $400 with the case, PSU, Mobo, 2gb memory, cd/dvd, and 320gb seagate drive.
If I figure it correctly, the Intel DG45FC is close to $600 with the same items.

I plan to run navigation on it, while certainly having a large collection of music/videos on the harddrive. I would also like to find an FM Tuner, possibly with the tv/ HDtv possibilites. It also has to be capable of playing cd/dvd's. If I can find the right hardware/software, I would like to use the CarPC as a vehicle tuner. I will probably tether my phone for internet usage, so the ability to stream files from home & online would be nice. I'm sure once I have the carPC intact, there will be all kinds of fun things that I can add to it.

One of the most important factors is the sound card. I plan on purchasing 2 sets of component speakers with a 4 way amp along with the carPC. I also have 2 12" subs w/ amp previously installed in the car. Therefore, my sound quality is certainly a huge factor! The 7.1 on the Intel DG45FC seems nice, but will that do the trick? I also have a Soundblaster Audigy 2zs Platinum(??) in my current PC that I would not mind putting into the carPC if necessary. However i am not sure if it would fit or not!

Basically, which of the two motherboards would be the best bet(or is there another one I have overlooked?).
Which FM/AM(tv/hdtv??) tuner do most people have the best luck with? I will connect this to my factory antennae if necessary.
Lastly, is it possible for the CarPC to act as a handheld tuner for the vehicle? I Haven't exactly narrowed that answer down.

I'm sorry for the long post, but I wanted to cover the bases. For now..

I would go with what ever mobo is more powerful. i know that more power equals more power draw, but you can always get a powerful PSU, like the OPUS 320. As far as the TV is conserned, buy a SlingBox AV. Then buy a aircard for the PC in your car and simply get TV that way. I wanted Dish Network in my car since all other cars only have Direct TV (they only have a mobile system). People are so shocked that i dont have the bulky equipment on my roof, just the antenna for the aircard. It will cost you $60.00 a month from Sprint, but its worth it because ou can also listen to Internet Radio and surf the net when you want.

Most cars have a 4 speaker setup. When using a SoundBlaster card you set it to 5.1 and just turn off center so it pumps through the left and right front. I was very picky with my sound, I had to have 7.1. i have the 4 speakers that came with the car and now im adding 1 more set of speakers for the 3rd row of seats. I went with a SB X-Fi XtremeGamer card since the onboard sound sucks and the SB live USB gave me issue and wasnt 7.1. I am still not going to put the center speaker (so technically its 6.1), since when i did put it, I didnt notice any diffrence. It seems that SB has mastered simulating the center speaker. Your card will fit, you just have to design something to fit it. When I got my X-Fi i didnt realize it was so long. I used a riser and the X-Fi just wouldnt fit, so I moded the case so I can have the X-Fi sit directly on the PCI slot. Thankfully my case was custom in the first place so it wasnt to hard.

Do not use a AM/FM tuner, if you want good sounding radio, I would go with a Visteon HD Radio and buy the PC cable from Mitch. This is the best solution and even if you dont have HD in your area it will switch to analog and give you great sounding radio. The HD soulution works better because it is made for a car and its enviroment, all the others are made for desktop use.

PS: go with the mobo that has a better graphics chip, otherwise things like youtube will be choppy and not watchable. Once again i use slingbox av and it has the ability to connect 2 devices. So I have Dishnet and my mediacenter PC which has all my movies (to lazy to install them on the CarPC HDD). Plus the Media Center interface is easy for passengers to use.