Buy Pre-Built or Not

**D3LTR33** · 03-08-2007, 05:02 AM

Hey guys, been lurking for quite a long time so i think i have enough knowledge to start building (read: buying) my first system.

So far i have decided on this from the mp3car store:

Code:

# Via Motherboard:Epia SP13000
# DDR Memory:512MB Full DIMM PC3200 RAM
# Hard Drive:40GB 2.5" 5400RPM HD
# Vehicle Power Supply:M2-ATX 160W DC-DC
# Operating System:None
# Monitor:Xenarc 700IDT In-dash Single Din Touchscreen Monitor
# CD/DVD Drive:Panasonic Slot Load DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive
# WiFi Adapters:None
# Bluetooth:None
# Sound:Advantage Roadie 7.1 USB Externall Surround Sound
# Keyboard:None
# Build:Customer Build

I will be using tinyxp and frodoplayer and also adding a gps reciever later on.

Now question time.

How does that system look? Will the M2-ATX be able to handle all that? I did some quick calculating and it looks like it should manage, but i couldn't find exact power numbers for everything so i'm not 100% sure.

Second question, if i buy the system as a pre-built system, then it will cost $1,145. But because alot of items have discounted prices, if i buy all the above items seperate (from mp3car shop), it is only going to cost $930.
Is anything included in the pre-built systems that i wouldn't get from buying the items seperate? If it's only random cables and stuff then i can pick that up myself. It also means i can buy everything else and put it all together while i'm waiting for the Xenarc to be restocked.

Sorry if the questions sound a little stupid but i always like to be 100% sure about something before i go handing this kind of money over.

**DarquePervert** · 03-08-2007, 07:22 AM

The M2ATX should handle all that with no problems whatsoever.

And no, there's nothing that the pre-built system has that you wouldn't get if you ordered individual parts and built it yourself.

**Redian** · 03-08-2007, 01:17 PM

but, it might be cheaper to build it yerself, a nicer hard drive (that one is small and SLOWWWWWWW) and i dont really like those flimsy indash motorized LCDs

they usually arent as good quality (prone to motors dying, the screen breaking off, etc etc etc) and also many of them have lower contrast and view angles than non-motorized lcds

also, competely personal opinions, DD screens look cooler than indash single din

**J187** · 03-08-2007, 01:36 PM

There are two types of car computer users IMO. Those who want to HAVE a car computer and those who want to build one. If the thought of building a car pc doesn't give you some excitment, you may want to buy. I personally would rather build then buy even if buying saved me $200.

**david69leonard** · 03-08-2007, 02:36 PM

**MrJamieR** · 03-08-2007, 04:39 PM

J187 has hit the nail on the head.

**Ramanator** · 03-08-2007, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by Redian

but, it might be cheaper to build it yerself, a nicer hard drive (that one is small and SLOWWWWWWW) and i dont really like those flimsy indash motorized LCDs

they usually arent as good quality (prone to motors dying, the screen breaking off, etc etc etc) and also many of them have lower contrast and view angles than non-motorized lcds

also, competely personal opinions, DD screens look cooler than indash single din

Redian, I was just about to purchase that same exact hard drive. Which HD do you suggest?

EDIT: Never mind i checked your CarPC Spec.

**2k1Toaster** · 03-08-2007, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by MrJamieR

J187 has hit the nail on the head.

Originally Posted by Ramanator

Redian, I was just about to purchase that same exact hard drive. Which HD do you suggest?

A HD with 7200rpm and a large (8mb or more) cache.

**D3LTR33** · 03-08-2007, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by J187

There are two types of car computer users IMO. Those who want to HAVE a car computer and those who want to build one. If the thought of building a car pc doesn't give you some excitment, you may want to buy. I personally would rather build then buy even if buying saved me $200.

I do actually find more appeal in the build. The only reason i was going to buy it prebuilt was because i didn't trust myself to remember all the components. But since it will end up the same it gives me some flexibility about what components i decide to buy.

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

A HD with 7200rpm and a large (8mb or more) cache.

Will do.

Originally Posted by Redian

but, it might be cheaper to build it yerself, a nicer hard drive (that one is small and SLOWWWWWWW) and i dont really like those flimsy indash motorized LCDs

they usually arent as good quality (prone to motors dying, the screen breaking off, etc etc etc) and also many of them have lower contrast and view angles than non-motorized lcds

also, competely personal opinions, DD screens look cooler than indash single din

I thought the 700idt was spring loaded. I was wanting an indash screen because it looks more stealth and is less likely to get stolen. I'm also quite useless at fabrication.

If the screen breaks off the 700idt i guess i can always just go the DD route.

**J187** · 03-08-2007, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by D3LTR33

I do actually find more appeal in the build. The only reason i was going to buy it prebuilt was because i didn't trust myself to remember all the components. But since it will end up the same it gives me some flexibility about what components i decide to buy.

Ok, well you don't have to trust yourself, there are tens of thousands of posts here to remind you.

Besides, if you forget something then it really only costs you a little extra shipping and some time to get it. Building will give you more flexability, better upgradability, a better understanding of to operate and fix the unit and most of all, a sense of accomplishment that, for me, rivals the thrill of using the thing.....Imagine if the Egyptions built the pyramids, then stepped back, and got GPS on those bad boys....C'mon, you gotta build it