Thread: need advice on system type - ITX or ATX

Originally Posted by craigj

I have a 2005 350 Z Roadster, so needless to say, space is tight. I have a location that is 14" x 18" X 5" where I need to put everything.

All I want to do with the system is run iTunes, CoPilot, and play DVDs. I want 802.11 G so I can access my home network for get files, and download drivers, etc. I'll probably install bluetooth as well.

Cost isn't as much an issue as the system working reliably and well. I live in AZ so during the summer, heat is definatly a factor. All things considered, I think I'd like to go with Micro ATX and AMD with the OPUS 150 watt PS. This puts me on familiar ground and will allow me to swap parts with my various home systems.

If cost is no issue, I'd look into a mATX board that uses a Mobile P4 like this one: http://www.commell-sys.com/Product/SBC/LV-670M.HTM. It would be the best performance available in that small a size that would work with one of the available DC-DC power supplies.

Specific questions:
1. Will a Mini-ITX solution be able to do what I need based upon the above and provide decent performance? I'd be using the GPS and music apps at the same time.

Yes, but barely. Be prepared to tweak Windows a lot to get the performance you want. Some people don't like the performance of the VIA boards.

2. Will the opus 150 PS easily replace an ATX powersupply? I've only been able to find ATX cases with PSs so far

Yes.
You can always yank the regular AC-DC power supply out of the case.

3. Does conversion from IDE to USB 2.0 allow for adaquate performance to watch DVDs? If I go with Micro ITX the case I'm considering (the Ampie) doesen't (I think anyway) have room for an internal DVD.

Yes.

4. I have a convertible, and I'm wondering if I'll be able to get adaquate GPS signal through the cloth top?

Yes.

If anyone have installed a system in a 350z, any advice would be helpful[/QUOTE]
Go check out the Show Off Your Project forum. There are several 350Z installs. PM those users and ask your questions.

Hi everyone

I am an accountant but always been impressed with computers. I have been reading out and printing out stuff from this forum for about 3 weeks now. Right now i am really convinced my self about getting a car pc together I have about 1200 to spent , i got to spent it before christmas , so i need u guys help

I had a couple of questions but really dont know where to post it cos i dont want to disrupt everything that is organized
This is my problem , I got a 2 door hatch back so space is a problem , also I want everything to look stock
I found a guy who is gona help me with the wiring so that is fixed
But i need to get parts
I have decided a 150 W opsu
I have decided for this case LV-670M Series
http://store.yahoo.com/directron/cubid3677.html
Mini-FlexATX (Mini-ITX) Mobile Intel Pentium 4 - M
Industrial EmbATX Motherboard
would this be enough ??
I had a few questions here abt the case , it says in the spec

Input: DC 12V in (From External AC Adapter).
Output: 5VSB / 1.50A. +5V / 4.50A. +3.3V / 4.00A. +12V / 1.50A. -12V / 0.10V. Maximum Output: 67.65W Watts.
External Power Supply (AC Adapter): Input: AC 100~240 V. Output: DC 12V, 5.0A.
So it comes with a power supply , how do i integrate this with the opsu ??? its abt 75 $ so is it worth the money or are there any new ones that are better out there ??

I put together a list of my requirements

Play mp3, cd, dvd good sound and picture quality (so does the once built in to the mbo suffice or PCI card once is better ??)
Navigation
OBD 2 - need one serial port
LAN . wireless - do i get one that goes into USB or PCI slot
should have usb 2.0 ?? (how many i need to have one for conecting external plugable devices like a memory stick or multi car reader key board (i will be using only when needed not always),
1 for blue tooth (is there a card that can go on the Mothe board ??) ,
slide in DVD, CD rw
2.5 inch HDD at least 40 GB
512 RAM
Mother board (How many PCI slots do i need ??, parallel ports )
Processor ?? - what i need
Serial ports - how many ?? i for the OBD 2 , one extra so that i can interface with the car security system
need to integerate nokia handsfree speaker setup to the computer - usb
OBD 2 ,
GPS
interface with car assosories - found a circut that will
interface with security system
better touch screen lcd - i have a double din so i need one with the highest resolution
Blue tooth
TV tuner card ??? -
internet - wireless adaptor
5 channel sound card
slot CD\DVD read write

so to mee these req would the 150 psu suffice , i used the cal and it added upto 300 W , so is there another model avalable or i use 2 X 150 W once ???

I belive u guys must have answered these a 1000 times , i get confused with all the nos , acronyms and part no and the specifications aew crazy !!

I just need help for getting the parts ?? so anyone out there who wants to be my chip foose , i would be greatful !!

I dont know if u guys do it but it wll be great is i could chat with u guys some day , i belive a lot of questions would be answered

Thanks a lot , sincerely awating a reply
Go mp3forum !!!!

what to use the HU as main player for sound
but has to play even when computer is off