How would you build it?

**full_bleed** · 07-12-2005, 02:10 AM

Very new to the concept of carputers so I need some guidence. I would like to build with the capabilities for dvd, cd, mp3, divx, all those other common media formats, GPS, wireless internet, and also be able to handle games like battlefield 2 and the new Doom, tv tuner, radio tuner, and take video and audio coming from a ps2 or other game console. How would you pros go about building such a system? Heck even list a prototype build if you're willing and have the time. Sorry if this is just clutter on the board and thank you to anyone who replies.

**MaHk** · 07-12-2005, 02:18 AM

sounds like u'll need a pc alot more powerful than the average carputer, but you'll prolly get flamed for askin questions like this, make sure u do alot of searching and be sure to chek out the faq emporium here http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/the-faq-emporium/

good luck mate

**full_bleed** · 07-12-2005, 02:24 AM

Yeah I know I get flammed at least once or twice for this. I've been reading evrything I could find all day but some of it is still going right over my head. There alot of different information to take in about carputers than what I'm used to in home pc's. Oh one thing I forgot to mention is that I live in Arizona where the heat can get quite extreme at times. Is there any problems or extra steps I will need to take to keep it running cool or are the built to run hotter than your average home pc?

**carabuser** · 07-12-2005, 02:29 AM

I would do it the same way if I were to build a regular computer, except I would look into different power sources and enclosures. My suggestion would be dropping the idea of playing modern games. If you do that you can get a realtively cheap laptop and there will be no need to build anything.

**MaHk** · 07-12-2005, 02:38 AM

maybe if u just focus on making ure carputer powerful enough to handle dvd, cd, mp3, divx, GPS, internet, etc and leave the gaming side to the PS2 via av input. just a suggestion but would make much more sence and also be cheaper considering you wont seen to fork out the dolaars for a beefy system. so if this suits you, maybe stick to the 1ghz range cpu with about 256 mb ram and make sure with whatever monitor u buy, that it has av input
have you considered building a system based on the epia boards? theyre motherboards with cpu imbedded and they require minnimum physical space and power, perfect for car-pc applications

cheers, keep us updated

**full_bleed** · 07-12-2005, 02:45 AM

I guess I'm asking to much with the gamming then huh? OK so what if I droped that aspect of it. What would I need in terms of specs to run an efficient system with all those other goodies I would like to have? HOw about my heat issue. Any thoughts on possible problems or solutions?

**MaHk** · 07-12-2005, 03:03 AM

well specs wise, like i said before, roughly 1ghz cpu, at least 256mb ram, the harddrive size is upto you (it really depends on what uses u have planned for it), you'll need to look into buying a psu designed for car pcs, the 2 leading brands are opus and M1. you'll want a touchscreen lcd for which there is plenty of info on throughout these forums and i could go on and on but the best way to decide is probaby look at the specs of someone elses setup, findout why they chose those parts, decide what parts would suit you best, then compose a proposed setup, and post here again with the proposed hardware to see it all is good (y)

**full_bleed** · 07-12-2005, 03:11 AM

thanks MaHk

**RoyN** · 07-12-2005, 03:14 AM

Hmm let me but in here.... You dont need to drop it... it will all depend on how much you are willing to pay, and how much room you have.

If you have room for a full size tower, a 10" or 12" or even 15" touchscreen, a GOOD battery, a large enough inverter, and a SDC compatible with an inverter then you are game...

You just need to go to your favorite computer supplier and purchase a PC powerful enough for all your games (what? P4 3.2? whatever ya want), with enough memory for those games, good video card, etc (maybe dual output so you can have back video with different screen) and so forth.

an inverter would allow you to hook it all up to a regular home 110vac computer psu...

I wouldnt do it... I think inverters are a PITA, I think your system will be VERY power hungry, you can damage or run flat your battery (if it isnt powerful enough), your system might not crank correctly, and you will have a wack job of fitting a large screen (to play those modern games, you arent planning on doing that on a 7" are you?)

anyways, it IS very possible, albeit it is probably more problematic than one would want...

**full_bleed** · 07-12-2005, 03:27 AM

Yes I would have room for a fullsize tower but then I won't have much room for anything else. The more I think about it's really not very practical to try to cram that much into a system for me. My original thinking was to have a 7" screen in the center and another 10 or 12" screen on the passenger side. What are some reliable units for gps, tv, and fm radio that would be worth me looking into? I've been trying to find info on getting good signals for tv and radio but it seems that it is an uphill battle for the rest of you also. Would you guys suggest using a head unit for radio instead of the carputer?