Hardware...

**CustomZ02** · 09-18-2004, 03:58 AM

I just have a few questions.

Processors-

-Which processor is best for use in a auto?

*I have a P4 1.6ghz 400fsb, I'm just worried about overheating in those hot summer days. Would this be something good to use? If not I also have a P3 1ghz processor, which would you guys use and why? I'd much rather use the p4 if possible cause I have a mobo for it already.

Power Supplies-

-Would a regular desktop pc psu work?

*I haven't bought a power supply cause I don't want to get something that will not work properly. I also do not want to spend way to much money for a power supply unit.

Hard Drives-

-Where can I find a used laptop HD?

*I have spare IDE hard drives but I heard that laptop drives were better. So I just want to know if anyone knows any good places to find used laptop HD's.

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I know how to build pc's, solder, bond, fiberglass, and trouble shoot circuits etc. so putting it together isn't a problem. I just want to make sure I'm using the right parts so that I won't have any problems later down the road. Any tips and suggestions would be much appreciated. And thanks in advance.

-CustomZ02

**mushin** · 09-18-2004, 04:35 AM

The "best" anything always depends on what you want to do with it, and how important cost is. The most popular car applications (mp3, gps, etc) can be done with fairly little processing power, but who knows, maybe you want your back seat passenger to be able to play Doom3.

Between your 2 CPUs, I'd just stick to the P4 precisely because you already have the mobo. You can underclock it if you think heat might be a problem.

A desktop PSU will work, but you'll need an inverter. A more elegent solution is a DC-DC power supply, but these can get fairly pricey. You can find just about every possible solution in the Power Supplies forum, so go check them out.

Your best bet for used laptop HDs is probably ebay. Maybe others know a good source? Laptop drives are less likely to suffer damage in a car, since they are built with being moved while operating in mind, work at lower speeds, and have lighter heads. Still, many people use desktop drives without problem.

Hope that helped.

**CustomZ02** · 09-18-2004, 04:47 AM

Ok, thanks for the info. So then I just basically need an inverter and a touch screen now since I already have all the other crap. I just need to take measurements on my dash to see if I can find a touch screen that would fit.

Thanks again
-CustomZ02

**kyjoe** · 09-18-2004, 05:45 AM

I have seen some good deals on laptop hard drives on computergeeks.com

**CustomZ02** · 09-18-2004, 06:12 AM

I found this on that site you have posted there kyjoe. Is this a good inverter for what I plan to do? Its rated 350watts. And its got a nice price tag on it as well. Other inverters I've seen hung around 89 to 100 dollars.

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp...5OI-WB&cat=CAS

Im only gonna use this pc thing for mp3s and dvd, and maybe gps. No gaming I got a 1400+ dollar machine I just finished putting together just for games and video editing and 3d modeling.

**CustomZ02** · 09-18-2004, 11:47 PM

Anyone got a spare ITX board for sell? I would like to get my hands on one if possible. I have a mobo right now but its too big to fit it in where I would like to place it. Ill even make some trades if possible I got a p3 1ghz with mobo that I'm willing to trade and I even throw in some cash or what ever. I currently don't have much to spend so I throw just about anything in to bring the price down.

**kyjoe** · 09-19-2004, 01:09 AM

A friend of mine is using a 350 watt inverter to power his Pentium4 2ghz laptop everyday in the car. So far no problems. I am just learning about all this also, so I am far from being an expert.