Suggestions for carputer foundation

**jdolf** · 03-14-2005, 12:55 AM

Hello all, I am new here and to the hobby. I have been doing research on this topic and this site is great for that, there have been many ways to accomplish the same goals. I want to have a carputer that is touchscreen, integrates to my cell phone (Audiovox XV6600*bluetooth enabled), existing bluetooth GPS receiver, DVD, MP3, WIFI, FM Tuner and I'm sure I will want to leave room for expansion and upgrade. Are there any suggestions as to which computer and power supply, etc. to start with, whether it be a home built or box bought, I'm open to all suggestions, pros and cons. Thanks for the input.

**kiltjim** · 03-14-2005, 01:43 PM

There are two ways to build something like you are looking for.

The first: A small motherboard, such as a Mini-ITX, or even smaller Nano-ITX with a power supply such as an OPUS.

PRO's:
small, easily built-into little spaces (dashboard, glove compartment, etc.)
low heat, for those little spaces
low power requirements, smaller power supply needed

CON's:
not very upgradeable, due to limited PCI slots (may not be a problem)
limited power (but powerful enough to run most carputer applications)

The second: A large, full blown desktop PC system with either a larger power supply, or an inverter

PRO's
can be upgraded (more PCIs)
as powerful as you want to make it
can play Halo 2, Doom 3, etc. (extremely useful on the highway)

CON's
large
noisy (fans)
require much larger power supplys

There are store bought options for each. But, you really ought to

**hannibal** · 03-14-2005, 02:53 PM

I'd like to add a mATX based system to the list. Its a good compromise between the two (although it probably falls under desktop PC in kiltJim's comparison)

**kiltjim** · 03-15-2005, 01:22 AM

You know, I debated on whether to put that in there. I decided that it would fall into desktop system and that someone would point that out to me, and say that I didn't know what I was talking about.

Guess you can't please everyone.