CArputer install and need info

**doogie_h** · 03-23-2005, 07:01 PM

I have a Sony VAIO desktop with a 1.6 GHZ Celeron. I am going to do a carputer install within the next couple of months and am researching what power supply to use. Some mother boards are called ITX and some are called ATX and I don't know what to do as far as power supply is concerned. Please help...

My idea for the install is this: tell me if it will work
-Lilliput 7in touchscreen
-Vaio desktop
-wireless keyboard/mouse
-GPS? need info
-bluetooth? need info
-4 channel amp to power speakers/remove stockhead unit

**nsmoller** · 03-23-2005, 09:28 PM

you should do more research...

there are calculators on the site that will figure out how much wattage your pc will use

the current dc/dc power supply max is like 150 watts i think, so if you go above that you might want to get a regular powersupply for whatever you need and an inverter (its cheaper)

**themolt** · 03-24-2005, 11:36 AM

If you want a cheap option that will do the job then your current setup plus a inverter will be the best.

I plan on a psu that uses a startup/shutdown controller (M1-ATX). More $, but better for the carputer.

Here are some calculators

Power Usage Calculators:

The CarPC Store
My MP3Car
JS Custom PCS
Mini-Box

**Bugbyte** · 03-24-2005, 01:20 PM

Look at the label on the back of the computer you intend to use. It will tell what the maximum wattage rating is. If it is 150 watts or less, you can go with a DC-DC solution. Otherwise, you can get an inverter that matches the rating. For good measure, get one with a healthy margin above that (i.e. get a 300 watt inverter for a 200 watt computer).