Converting Desktop to CarPC

**f250crewcab** · 06-06-2004, 01:28 AM

ive looked around and got some ideas and before i go ahead and build a pc i wanted to see if anyone thinks it would be easier to wait for a good deal with dell or a company like that pick up a pc from them then dismantle it and put it in a custom case that id design for my truck or would this be a lot more work

**jjh221** · 06-06-2004, 01:41 AM

i think it would be cheaper to search a bit more and build your own and not have to pay for a case you will not use and the labor that put it all together.

**binary.h4x** · 06-06-2004, 06:33 AM

Dell and many company's like them use proprietary board layouts, power supplies, etc. so i would stay away.

**newbiemcnewb** · 06-06-2004, 07:47 AM

im a complete newb on the carpc seen, hence the name, but ive got a question kinda like f250crewcab's.

ill be building my pc under a false floor in the trunk, with lots of cooling fans etc, but because i wont be restrained to a certain size i would like to use an ATX board with a decent CPU, gfx card etc etc. So, my question is, can I use a standard PSU, and if so how? I know ill need an inverter to convert the 12v feed to 240v (UK) but how do you control the startup and shut down functions ala Opus?

cheers

**carpcnoobie** · 06-06-2004, 10:09 AM

I hate to say this, but do a lot of searching. I'm using an ATX set up as well, and a lot of my reading, searching and research paid off in this sight.

So

for shutdown controllers. Also, look at UPS setups and what people are working on at using them to shut the computer down.

**Confused** · 06-06-2004, 10:45 AM

Stay away from standard power supplies and Inverters, they are baaad.

Get yourself a 150W Opus, don't skimp on the power, it is the most important part, and you need to get it right, the Opus is the only way to to in my opinion (and experience). They are available from LinITX in the UK.

Garry

**newbiemcnewb** · 06-06-2004, 11:01 AM

why are theyso bad??

i was looking at the opus, but once my eyes had come to rest on the price tag i passed out!! lol might have to bite the bullet and get one anyway.

**Motoko** · 06-06-2004, 11:51 AM

Or go with Maestros MK4 PSU, but u gotta build it your self

**Confused** · 06-06-2004, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by newbiemcnewb

why are theyso bad??

i was looking at the opus, but once my eyes had come to rest on the price tag i passed out!! lol might have to bite the bullet and get one anyway.

They're inefficient (along with an inefficient standard desktop PSU, you're looking at ~50% efficiency compared to >90% efficiency with the Opus), unreliable (in my experience, don't always work properly), don't survive cranking (PC reboots when you start the car), no startup/shutdown controller (have to manually start up and shut down the PC).

Take it from me, who has tried almost all the different options, save the money you would spend on an inverter and standard PSU, and all the other options, and get it right first time and get an Opus.

Garry

**newbiemcnewb** · 06-06-2004, 12:05 PM

looks like i might end up doing that then. will it be able to power a microATX mobo, celeron 2ghz or less, 3.5"hdd, laptop dvd-rom, usb gps mouse, d-link usb radio, pci wifi card?