Realistic budget?

**fliggil** · 09-20-2004, 05:17 PM

Newbie, so forgive me if I'm a jackass, but anyways I just wanted some quick input, if you wanna tell me to 'search' or 'google' don't bother, because most carputer's I've seen around here are pretty high end. I want one for a few basic purposes, mp3/shn jukebox, MAME/emulator use, GPS (most likely Earthmate USB), and possibly video playback - don't need DVD though as my HU already does DVD and DVD-Audio. Anyways, I have an old laptop but the storage is way too small and the processor/memory are rather weak for current times. I'm looking to build a box and just want a general idea of the pricing before I get myself into this. Basically 1ghz processor, 256-512mb ram, somewhere around a 50gig hd, and decent sound/video. Does that sound like a bad idea not going top end? I'm not looking to break the bank as I'm a college student on a budget, but I think that should be sufficient for what I'm lookin for. Comments? Thanks so much
-Matt

**pip** · 09-20-2004, 05:36 PM

$600-$900 depending on cost of case, features etc.

**gareva1** · 09-20-2004, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by fliggil

Newbie, so forgive me if I'm a jackass, but anyways I just wanted some quick input, if you wanna tell me to 'search' or 'google' don't bother, because most carputer's I've seen around here are pretty high end. I want one for a few basic purposes, mp3/shn jukebox, MAME/emulator use, GPS (most likely Earthmate USB), and possibly video playback - don't need DVD though as my HU already does DVD and DVD-Audio. Anyways, I have an old laptop but the storage is way too small and the processor/memory are rather weak for current times. I'm looking to build a box and just want a general idea of the pricing before I get myself into this. Basically 1ghz processor, 256-512mb ram, somewhere around a 50gig hd, and decent sound/video. Does that sound like a bad idea not going top end? I'm not looking to break the bank as I'm a college student on a budget, but I think that should be sufficient for what I'm lookin for. Comments? Thanks so much
-Matt

well, actually you answered your own question, you already know what you want in the computer, hit pricewatch and find out what each component costs, you may find a deal on a complete sytem for under 500, then add your gps and your set, you may want to spring for good brand name parts, that will set you back more...I think that the 600 as a min number is a bit high if you arent concerned with top of the line, but at least its in the ballpark...I'm running a 333mhz with 92mb ram and it is running quite nicely; for what you are wanting to build, you probably dont even need 1ghz, but you will need a video card suitable to run the mame emu...thats about the only important piece, everything else you can buy crap, and it all comes down to what is the best deal...sounds like you arent picky, and arent trying to break the bank, so this is the best answer I think I can give you, even though you dont want to hear the dreaded S word, I must say it...

**Quattro** · 09-20-2004, 07:08 PM

See, if you had done a search you would have found the answer to all you questions.

j/k

I have to agree with pip, some where around $600 is a good estimate. This will depend highly on the screen you get and if you go with a dc power supply or with an inverter.

**antimatter** · 09-20-2004, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by Quattro-A4

I have to agree with pip, some where around $600 is a good estimate. This will depend highly on the screen you get and if you go with a dc power supply or with an inverter.

hahahahaha

Try doubling that

~200 for power supplu
~175 for CPU/Mobo (via)
~75 for memory (512)
~350 for screen
~115 for GPS
~100 for Slot slim CDRW/DVD
~100 for 2.5" HD
~350 for other screen (sunvisor)
~75 for Slim CD-->USB convertor
~100 for amp wiring kit (used for power supply)
~100 for misc converters, adapters, wiring, fixtures
~100 for USB Wifi and 7db gain antenna

Not to mention the countless hours spent on fabrication, wiring, rewiring, wiring again, fabbing, and refabbing, painting, taking apart, putting back together..... God i love this Hobby

**NiN^_^NiN** · 09-20-2004, 07:29 PM

im using a via MII 6000e which is a 600mhz fanless cpu and i can do mp3 dvd gps vcd and mame all well

only emulators i havent tryed and dont think will work is n64 but psx would work

su got everything from gba to c64 :P and thats on 600mhz so u got lots of power

**Chairboy** · 09-20-2004, 07:31 PM

About $1000 including supplies, wires, misc small items that don't show up on shopping lists, etc should be about right.

**Quattro** · 09-20-2004, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by antimatter

hahahahaha

Try doubling that

~200 for power supplu
~175 for CPU/Mobo (via)
~75 for memory (512)
~350 for screen
~115 for GPS
~100 for Slot slim CDRW/DVD
~100 for 2.5" HD
~350 for other screen (sunvisor)
~75 for Slim CD-->USB convertor
~100 for amp wiring kit (used for power supply)
~100 for misc converters, adapters, wiring, fixtures
~100 for USB Wifi and 7db gain antenna

Not to mention the countless hours spent on fabrication, wiring, rewiring, wiring again, fabbing, and refabbing, painting, taking apart, putting back together..... God i love this Hobby

He said he's on budget and doesn't need a top of the line system. Plus he doesn't need some of the things you listed.

He doesn't need:
Slot slim CDRW/DVD -100
2.5" HD -50 (can use regular drive)
Other Screen (sunvisor) -350
Slim CD to USB convertor -75
USB Wifi and 7db gain antenna -100

So you can take off $675 of stuff he has no need for.