Help wanted with First CarComputer

**tjp12100** · 12-01-2005, 11:54 PM

I was wondering if someone could help me out with the Car Computer bit.

I have a computer that I would like to convert to a car computer. Right now it has an AMD 64 3000+ processor, Two 80 gig hdds (i would probably only use one) 1gig of ram, a creative soundblaster Audigy soundcard. and an x800lt Video card. I am going to have to buy a new motherboard for it because the one i have now is huge. I was looking at this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813153027

Its a micro ATX
Question 1)
What is the diffrence between Mini ITX and micro ATX? I havent found just a Mini ITX mobo, and i cant tell if the Opus PSU will work for this motherboard. The connectors look the same i think.

Question 2)
As far as computers go i would normaly want a 400w PSU for a computer with thos specs (thats whats it it right now) But would a opus 150 work for that?

Thank you for your help. i hope to get this done during christmas break, that would be awesome.

**kirbycope** · 12-02-2005, 01:32 AM

1. Mini Itx(6"x6") and microATX(9.6" x 9.6") differ greatly in size. FlexATX, like my shuttle FN41(7.5"x9.5") mobo is a bit smaller. Also a lot of microATX boards dont have onboard graphics. They all normally use an ATX power connection so the opus works with either.

2. It'll work. The larger PSUs in desktop sets are for add ons like multiple optical drives and sound/graphics cards.

**Rafster** · 12-02-2005, 03:08 AM

How are you going to power such a monster? In fact, why do you need a computer that fast in your car? Are you going to be video editing on the fly?

Peace,

Rafster

**Haystack** · 12-02-2005, 07:30 AM

Yeah,.... the 64 bit is a bit killer for a carputer. I highly doubt the opus would come close to powering it, specially with all the accessories. A good video card would definetly put you over the top.

**tjp12100** · 12-02-2005, 08:18 AM

Well, mainly the reason is i already have the parts, Secondly I think that it would be cool to be able to play some games. I would rather use the highend parts I have now then try and sell them to get cheaper parts. If this car computer doesnt work out it would be nice to still have that sytsem when im done.

**Freelander** · 12-02-2005, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by tjp12100

If this car computer doesnt work out it would be nice to still have that sytsem when im done.

you haven't started and are already talking about throwing in the towel. wow. good luck with that

**Rafster** · 12-02-2005, 01:46 PM

A good Athalon XP-m would be able to handle video games. Basically, anything above 1GHz, can handle most things.

But, don't plan on playing Doom 3.

Peace,

Rafster

**ITL** · 12-02-2005, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Freelander

you haven't started and are already talking about throwing in the towel. wow. good luck with that

**tjp12100** · 12-02-2005, 06:08 PM

Yeah, im not throwing in the towel. But I figured I might as well try to use the Spare computer I have now and it would be helpful seeing as it is pretty beefy.
But my roomate has a 400w inverter, and i think i am going to use that with my laptop. Its a p4 2.2 not good for gaming, but if i slap in a creative soundcard i think it will be more then what i "Need"

and ill just sell the extra pc.