Thread: I begin my Carputer Journey

judging by what your want, here's your complete recommended setup:

athlon xp-mobile 2200+ (35watts processor)
biostar m7ncg mobo (micro-atx, nforce2 graphics chipset)
512mb ddr ram
whatever size your hard drive (7200 rpm)
xenarc 700ts (get a 700tsv if you want video-in for rear view camera)
opus 150 watts dc-dc
casing : whatever you want, you can try doing it yourself too
usb wifi (optional, i recommend d-link)
usb bluetooth (optional)
usb gps receiver
creative audigy2nx


as far as your sound setup goes, here it is

creative's audigy2nx is a 7.1 channel sound card. you will just be using 4.1 channels. for output to the amps, there are 3 stereo out ports on it : front, rear, and center/sub.

get 2 amps : a 4-channel amp for your cabin speakers and a 2-channel amp for your sub.

get a stereo to rca adapter to connect the front to the first two channels of your amp, and the another stereo to rca adapter to the last two channels of the 4 channel amp. set the 4-channel amp to a high-pass filter to cut off the bass that the subwoofer should be responsible for.

another stereo to rca adapter connects from the audigy's center/sub output to the 2-channel amp to drive the subs. set the amplifier to a low-pass filter so only the bass comes out.

have i spoon fed you enough?

Psha, you gotta understand my life basically consists of refreshing these forums lol. I have literally nothing to do... but I will have loads to do once I can start building my CarPC!!!

Originally Posted by emdzey01

judging by what your want, here's your complete recommended setup:

athlon xp-mobile 2200+ (35watts processor)
biostar m7ncg mobo (micro-atx, nforce2 graphics chipset)
512mb ddr ram
whatever size your hard drive (7200 rpm)
xenarc 700ts (get a 700tsv if you want video-in for rear view camera)
opus 150 watts dc-dc
casing : whatever you want, you can try doing it yourself too
usb wifi (optional, i recommend d-link)
usb bluetooth (optional)
usb gps receiver
creative audigy2nx


as far as your sound setup goes, here it is

creative's audigy2nx is a 7.1 channel sound card. you will just be using 4.1 channels. for output to the amps, there are 3 stereo out ports on it : front, rear, and center/sub.

get 2 amps : a 4-channel amp for your cabin speakers and a 2-channel amp for your sub.

get a stereo to rca adapter to connect the front to the first two channels of your amp, and the another stereo to rca adapter to the last two channels of the 4 channel amp. set the 4-channel amp to a high-pass filter to cut off the bass that the subwoofer should be responsible for.

another stereo to rca adapter connects from the audigy's center/sub output to the 2-channel amp to drive the subs. set the amplifier to a low-pass filter so only the bass comes out.

have i spoon fed you enough?

Perfect thanks! But I don't think thats spoon feeding, I haven't seen it explained in such detail yet =D

Thanks a bazillion!

Out of curiosity, isn't most music Left/Right vs. Front/Rear, or will that still work or am I confused all together?

I think I will try to get the subwoofer setup tomorrow, should I be caucious about such a low price or if I am basically looking for a minimum setup for now not worry, it seems like if it is truly regularly $550 (on sale for $350) that it must be at least a decent entry-level system, which is all I am looking for sound wise at this point.

The ad says:

"Kenwood 12" sound package, Includes two 12" 800-watt max power subs, a 920-watt max power amp and a sub box)." $350

Or there is a 10" package, two 10" 700-watt max power subs, and a 920-watt max power amp and a sub box. $320

I figured the extra power was worth the $30.

Though I wouldn't mind installing these above the rear seats (I would think sound better playing into the car rather than trunk), in which case I could be limited to size. Will look into that tomorrow though.

Thanks for the help guys!

P.S: I was going to do webcams via USB because I wanted to do a rearview, and then even maybe side cams that activate when turning the blinker (the uhhh side coming down from the roof in my car is right in my blindspot) and even maybe cams underneath that activate when I put it in park so I can see if I'm in the lines.

Not sure those are even possible but yea... future plans, and I was going with a cheap screen I can upgrade later so yea. Going to college in September, wouldnt mind taking some money with me, can upgrade in future since I plan on working, but if I can't find a job it will be nice taking some money with me hehe.

that's too expensive. do you want me to give you what amp and/or subs you should get?

Personally, I'd go with the 10" setup because you'll still get heaps of bass but the box will be smaller and more convenient you'll probably get better SQ and it's cheaper as well.

But if you're into crazy amounts of bass, the kind that sets off nearby car alarms, go with the 12s.

Oh, and maximum power outputs don't mean anything at all. They're just invented by the marketing company to give them a nice big number on the box. Find out the RMS values.

Sure, I am checking Ebay, I am not too worried since I am looking for entry level (as I said) so I figured as long as it wasn't one of those 1000-watt amps for $40 I am probably good,

but a recomendation would be much safer =D

Heres what I have found just browsing, I tried to stick with name brands I recognized for at least a little confidence. Would this be a good setup?

Legacy 2/1ch Amp: 500W RMS
Legacy 10" Square Red Sub

Now the sub says its 1000wPeak/500wRMS, I am assuming it is vice versa, which matches up nicely with the 500W RMS on the amp. The amp doesnt say but I am guessing that the 500wRMS is bridged @ 4ohm, which the sub takes.

This seems like it may be a decent amount of bass (in fact im not so much looking for more bass as I am more/better control of my bass) and the red will look nice in my car.

I havent done any bidding or anything but as a reference point would that be a suibtable setup?

500WRMS would be right. That is one powerful sub.

We don't have Legacy stuff in Australia, and the red electroplating sounds a bit tacky but if you trust the brand, go for it