Anyone want to Critique my hardware/software list?

**bobbykokinos** · 01-14-2007, 07:41 PM

Anyone want to give me their opinions.. Here is what I have so far:

Screen: Lilliput 7" EBY701 VGA/TFT/TOUCH
E-Bay $198.90

MB/Processor: JetWay VIA C3 / VIA CLE266 Mini ITX MB
newegg.com $79.99

Memory: Kingston 512MB 184pin DDR266
newegg.com $49.49

Hard Drive: WD Scorpio 80GB 5400 RPM
newegg.com $69.99

Power Supply: M2-ATX 160W
mp3car.com $89.94

CD Drive: LITE-ON SOLC-2481K CD/DVD
newegg.com $49.59

GPS Software/Reciever: iGuidance + BU353
E-Bay $169.90

Case: Ampie
mp3car.com $74.99

Stereo: Kenwood KDC-135 w/ Aux Input
crutchfield $79.99

HD Converter: Rosewill RCW-603 Laptop 2.5" to Desktop 3.5"
newegg.com $5.99

Front End: Road Runner

So far, I'm at $868.77.. This is not including the hookups for the XM radio.

Is there anywhere where I have went overboard and can save some money?? What other essentials am I missing that need to be added?? I know I probably wont get everything in one order but I'd like to get as close as possible.

Any help would be appreciated!

**DarquePervert** · 01-14-2007, 07:54 PM

1) jetway boards have had issues with M2ATX. I dont' use either product, but it might be worth looking into and possibly changing a selection to avoid future headaches.

2) You need low-profile RAM with the Ampie case. It's another thing to double-check that will reduce the need for lots of Excedrin.

**bobbykokinos** · 01-14-2007, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

1) jetway boards have had issues with M2ATX. I dont' use either product, but it might be worth looking into and possibly changing a selection to avoid future headaches.

2) You need low-profile RAM with the Ampie case. It's another thing to double-check that will reduce the need for lots of Excedrin.

Is it only the Ampie case that needs the low profile or all mini-itx cases?? I'm not stuck on the Ampie case by any means and am open to other options..

**2k1Toaster** · 01-14-2007, 08:26 PM

mobo: i have that board in uatx and i bought it in hopes for a mythtv box, but it is waaaaaay too slow. it may not seem like much of a difference, but the version with the onboard mpeg chip is much better. forget that jetway unless you dont want video.

hd: on my phone at the moment so i cant check newegg because of stupid pocketIE, but make sure it is 2.5''. looks like it is because of 5400rpm.

screen/hu: do you have room for both?

ram: like dp said, low profile for ampie.

**bobbykokinos** · 01-14-2007, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

mobo: i have that board in uatx and i bought it in hopes for a mythtv box, but it is waaaaaay too slow. it may not seem like much of a difference, but the version with the onboard mpeg chip is much better. forget that jetway unless you dont want video.

hd: on my phone at the moment so i cant check newegg because of stupid pocketIE, but make sure it is 2.5''. looks like it is because of 5400rpm.

screen/hu: do you have room for both?

ram: like dp said, low profile for ampie.

Ok, I'll ditch the jetway and look at other options. Honestly, that was just my first choice because of the price but I'll pay a little more for something better

The HD is 2.5

Screen/Hu: Yeah, in the scion the stock radio is 2 din which is where the screen will go.. There is a storage compartment under the A/C controls that'll fit a 1 din radio. I really want to avoid going with an external amp, and like the idea of having a radio as a backup just incase the computer croaks on a long trip. So, thats why I was looking for a radio with an aux input. I dont need anything louder than what I already have so I hope just a aftermarket radio will be as loud as what I have now.

**2k1Toaster** · 01-14-2007, 08:39 PM

hu should be fine. before the carpc, i had a cheap $40 hu and it was loud. hurt my ears around volume level 18. went up to 50! yours should be fine.

**bobbykokinos** · 01-14-2007, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

mobo: i have that board in uatx and i bought it in hopes for a mythtv box, but it is waaaaaay too slow. it may not seem like much of a difference, but the version with the onboard mpeg chip is much better. forget that jetway unless you dont want video..

Pardon my ignorance on this but I'm compairing a few different MOBO combos (the Jetway, VIA Epia-ML8000A, and VIA Epia-M10000) and they all have the S3 Graphics UniChrome Pro IGP onboard video..

Am I looking at the wrong things for one with a MPEG chip or are all of those MOBOs comparable?

**DarquePervert** · 01-14-2007, 09:28 PM

They are all comnparable, but the S3 unichrome graphics sucks balls, IMHO.

Ahd it's only the Ampie case that requires the low-profile RAM. There may be others, as well, but I know for certain that the Ampie needs low-profile.

**bobbykokinos** · 01-14-2007, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

They are all comnparable, but the S3 unichrome graphics sucks balls, IMHO.

Could you explain to me why it sucks?? What performance issues does it have??

The only other thing I could find is a iGoLogic board with an Intel 852GM video chipset.. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places..

Edit: Just an FYI, the only motion video I'll be doing is maybe a visual for the MP3 player or maybe DVD playback.. Thats about it..