Newb with a few questions.

Lownoma925 · 09-02-2005, 08:58 AM

Hey guys, I'm new here obviously. My name is Tom and I'm very interested ind building a computer to replace my aftermarket stereo reciever. I did search around a bit, and I've been lurking the forums for about a week.. I did have one question about using an ATX case versus a M-ITX case, obviously there's going to be more of a problem using the ATX case because of the vibrations of the subs and stuff like that, but how much more problems? Is it just that much more sanitary to run something that much smaller? The hard drive would need to be mounted on some shock absorbing material I would think? Would using a regular sized home PC hard drive opposed a 2.5 laptop harddrive be worse off? What about the vibration of the PCI components do they usually seem to mess up easier than the M-ITX stuff?

Thanks
Tommy.

kbyrd · 09-02-2005, 09:04 AM

I would say the biggest problem with an ATX case is size. As for the components, an ATX mobo and "normal" processor will draw more power, which means you have to power it somehow without draining your battery and potentially deal with more heat. For PCI components, I don't think you'll have much trouble with vibrations. My mini-ITX board has a PCI slot, some people use it for a better sound card. For the hard drive, supposedly laptop harddrives have better shock protection. But, several members on these forums have been using 3.5" drives without trouble for years.

XxAndyxX · 09-02-2005, 10:10 AM

If the only reason you would go with a Mini-ITX setup opposed to a ATX setup is that you're worried about vibrations, then go with the ATX setup. It will save you a bunch of money, and it will be more expandable. As for the PCI slots, I've heard that you can use super glue to hold the cards in place.

The only thing I would recommend is not to mount your PC on your box. Others might disagree, but logically it makes sense not to do that.

J187 · 09-02-2005, 10:52 AM

Hi lown and welcomem to the boards. I will now give you the best advice anyone in here ever could - Don't just take one opinion and run with it. Take a bunch into consideration and make your own. That said, I run a Mini ATX system with a Biostar M7NCG 400 and a Mobile Athlon 2400(35W). Seen below. I'll tell you, I haven't ever had problems with heat, vibration or anything. In fact, my PC boots so fast I don't even use hybernate. I love using the less expensive, more reliable full size products. I am not a big fan of the ITX and Nano stuff, as there are limitations like PCI slots, resolutions issues etc, everywhere on the forum. That said, I know there are many more than happy with their ITX setups as well. I also use a regular HDD and I power it all off an OPus 150. The Mobile XP CPU allowed me less power consumption - 35w but be CAREFUL not all boards accept it nicely. The Biostar does though. Good luck!

muldrick · 09-02-2005, 10:54 AM

I first used a desktop pc, the whole case, and put it in the back of an SUV. Used an inverter to power it. (3.5" HD) Had no problems at all with vibrations, and I don't think you will either. Just be sure to lay the case in such a way to where the motherboard is on the bottom, this way the PCI card(s) and connectors won't "shake" loose.

Lownoma925 · 09-02-2005, 09:31 PM

J187, your setup is almost what I want to do. As for mounting, what'd you use? It looks like you did a piece of plywood? and made the mounts like that? Do you have any problems with vibrations from the subs? And you're using a regular ATX PS with a controller correct? Also, the chip is a mobile chip on a regular mobo? If that's the case, I'd like to see what options are open to me with the Biostars.. Thanks for all the answers.

edit*

What's the longest a USB cord can be before it looses enough signal strength?

roadhog · 09-02-2005, 09:59 PM

I use desktop parts powered by an opus, and they have worked faultlessly.
The m-board is an ultra cheap Microstar K-something with onboard graphics and sound, AMD Sempron 2500+ and a 3.5" 250gb maxtor. The HDD is mounted on it's side, but I haven't used any damping or suspension. The only custom part is the aluminum case, this seems to help keep the temperature down.
16 feet is the recommended maximum for USB cables which should be ample for in car use, but you can daisychain hubs together to increase that.

Best of luck.

Lownoma925 · 09-02-2005, 10:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by roadhog

I use desktop parts powered by an opus, and they have worked faultlessly.
The m-board is an ultra cheap Microstar K-something with onboard graphics and sound, AMD Sempron 2500+ and a 3.5" 250gb maxtor. The HDD is mounted on it's side, but I haven't used any damping or suspension. The only custom part is the aluminum case, this seems to help keep the temperature down.
16 feet is the recommended maximum for USB cables which should be ample for in car use, but you can daisychain hubs together to increase that.

Best of luck.

And no problems with heat or power consumation?

Lownoma925 · 09-02-2005, 10:41 PM

I just realized you were from California, I'm over here in the East Bay (Anitoch)

roadhog · 09-02-2005, 11:11 PM

CPU cooling is handled by the bundled AMD heatsink & fan
Case cooling is by the fan in the opus, but the slots in front of the fan seemed too small so I removed all the metal to enable better airflow.
Currently the case temp. levels off about 15 deg higher than the car boot, and the CPU a further 10 deg hotter than the case.

The worst culprit for heat seems to be the HDD, but the mounting bracket for it is also aluminum and hopefully conducts the heat away.

The max temps I have recorded were 54 deg for the CPU and 45 for the case.

I still want to add another fan, probably 60mm, to draw cool air into the case to inprove circulation.

Finally all temps were read from m-board sensors, so I don't know how accurate they are.

roadhog · 09-02-2005, 11:13 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Lownoma925

I just realized you were from California, I'm over here in the East Bay (Anitoch)

I live in England, but working in Ohio for a few weeks.

Lownoma925 · 09-03-2005, 08:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by roadhog

I live in England, but working in Ohio for a few weeks.

Sorry, I was supposed to have quoted kbyrd... but the quote tag didn't work for me.

kbyrd · 09-03-2005, 08:41 AM

Yea, I'm in Mountain View, if you need help with anything let me know. But remember, I'm a newie at this too! There's a monthly-ish NorCal meet (it's been in Fremont the last two times) where everyone gets together to eat, talk, show off projects to n00bs, etc. I assume they'll be one soon.

As for you system, if you have the room and the full-size gear already, starting there won't be a problem.

J187 · 09-06-2005, 07:29 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Lownoma925

J187, your setup is almost what I want to do. As for mounting, what'd you use? It looks like you did a piece of plywood? and made the mounts like that? Do you have any problems with vibrations from the subs? And you're using a regular ATX PS with a controller correct? Also, the chip is a mobile chip on a regular mobo? If that's the case, I'd like to see what options are open to me with the Biostars.. Thanks for all the answers.

edit*

What's the longest a USB cord can be before it looses enough signal strength?

The MOBO is mounted to a 1/2" piece of MDF. Had to do a little custom Standoff work for that. I am using an M7NCG - 400 with a XP Mobile 2400+ 45w. I only had to adjust the clock a little, I think it was
165x11@1.45v(cpu). I LOVE this setup. I have had no problems from any vibes or anything. The subs are JL10W6v2 and they are run off a JL 500/1 - it POUNDS and still no problems. I chose the M7NCG because of a few things
1. Compatible with OPuS 150
2. Compatible with XP Mobile 2400+
3. Onboard Video, Audio, lan
4. Inexpensive

USB should be no worry at all. I can't imagine you would need more than 20 feet?

Lownoma925 · 09-06-2005, 10:17 PM

J187, sorry for all the questions... but I was just wondering how your Xenarc is powered? By the Opus? If so, I'll probably just mimic your setup for simplicity.