CPU Advice

**LowLux** · 06-15-2006, 07:58 AM

Just looking for opinions and suggestions:

I have in my living room:

1 x HP Desktop (Micro-ATX (SMALL case)):

600Mhz CPU (Not Known)
128MB RAM
Onboard Sound and Video
2 x USB ports
125W PSU

1 X Other Comp:

500Mhz CPU
256MB RAM
Onboard Sound
Crappy AGP Video Card
300W PSU
3 x USB Ports

Parts:

P4 Socket 478 Motherboard with onboard Graphics and sound
256MB RAM
Few AGP Video Cards
Crap Load of PCI Network Cards
2 Towers (Both are ATX Form (Big))

Now what i want to do is piece together a GOOD computer from these parts. About two weeks ago i was sent all these parts and was able to make the two whole computers listed, and the other parts where left over.

Now the questions:

Is 500 or 600Mhz enough for GPS, MP3, VIDEO, MOVIES, PHONE CONTROL, WIFI SCANNING?

or should I invest in a say 1.8Mhz P4 for the spare motherboard and start building off that?

thanks guys

edit:
these are the links to all the motherboards, spare or in the listed whole computers just for reference.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...cname=bph05982
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Productinforma...GL_VM__5410628
http://www.motherboard.cz/mb/gigabyte/GA-6VM7A.htm
http://www.msi.com.tw/program/produc...il.php?UID=113

**MatrixPC** · 06-15-2006, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by LowLux

Is 500 or 600Mhz enough for GPS, MP3, VIDEO, MOVIES, PHONE CONTROL, WIFI SCANNING?

or should I invest in a say 1.8Mhz P4 for the spare motherboard and start building off that?

600 Mhz can do everything you listed concurrently except video. Depend on codec, some video will be fine, while not others.
The only problem with using that P4 is power the system and cooling it. Check this thread out for more info. New to CarPCs? Don't know where to start?

**LowLux** · 06-15-2006, 10:31 AM

yep read that before i posted, was still interested in members feedback.

• How will you provide power to that power hungry beast?
• How do you cool that monster?
• Where do you put something so big?
• Do you really need that much power in your car?

1000W constant inverter. with 2500w max.
It is going in a center console, basiclly i thought if i provide a vent or opening at the top to let the heat out, and place one or maybe two small fans at the bottom it should be sweet. It is only a P4 1.8Ghz at max.
Motherboard is TinyATX form so either a custom built plexi-glass case, or a MiniATX case for 20bux off ebay.
More power the better right? yer i know, not quite. My desktop computer is only a P4 1.5Ghz and handles everything fine, but the 600Mhz does get quite slow even with TinyXP loaded on.

Id like to hear what processors everyone else is running and what have been some problems...
cheers