Help me out

RadRacer · 04-03-2009, 11:12 PM

Alright, I have an old Compaq Presario SR1020NX computer, that I'm thinking of turning to a carPC; it's pretty much factory, except it has 1G RAM instead, and a GeForce 5600 gfx card. Since, I already have the comp, I'm hoping not to spend over $300 on the rest of the sytstem; I'm electronic savvy (majoring in EE), so I don't think the isntall/set-up will be a problem. From what I see, all I need is a PSU and screen now, right?

I've been a member on here for some time, and have been tossing this idea around for a while; finally thinking of doing it in my Camaro. Main reason being I need GPS, would like to have bluetooth and a large array of music available, and would like it all bundled into one device. I'll do alot more searching once the sun comes back up :P, but TIA for any help.

WuNgUn · 04-04-2009, 08:05 AM

Don't skimp out on a PSU...I highly recommend an OPUS.
Does this thing have onboard video? If so, scrap the 5600...too power hungry and not needed.

RadRacer · 04-04-2009, 09:10 AM

I figured I should scrap the 5600; the MB does have onboard video. As for PSU's, I was looking at the M4-ATX 250W.

Just for reference, the pc is running an Intel Celeron D (2.8GHz), 1GB of PC2700 RAM, and a 80G HDD.

WuNgUn · 04-04-2009, 09:17 AM

You might be able to get away with the M4...just for reference though, check some of my older threads with my M4 experiences...lol
What do you plan on using for audio? Onboard? If your planning on PCI audio, forget the M4...

RadRacer · 04-04-2009, 09:20 AM

I was thinking onboard; the way my current system is set-up, I really only have L/R channels; I have it set for lows in the back, mids in the middle, and highs up front (Love it, BTW

).

EDIT: Did some reading, like you said....Maybe I'll go with the DSATX 220 Watt

WuNgUn · 04-04-2009, 09:33 AM

Interesting sound setup...is there much 'stage' presence?

HiJackZX1 · 04-04-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by WuNgUn

Don't skimp out on a PSU...I highly recommend an OPUS.
Does this thing have onboard video? If so, scrap the 5600...too power hungry and not needed.

I also recommend the OPUS. I personally use 2 of their PSUs. I use the OPUS 320, which is discontinued and replaced with the OPUS 360, and a OPUS 15W PSU, which powers a USB HUB and a echo cancelation card.

In the past when I have had issues, OPUS customer service will get back to me within a few hours depending on the time I sent the email. If you leave a phone number, they will actually call you to help.

RadRacer · 04-04-2009, 09:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by WuNgUn

Interesting sound setup...is there much 'stage' presence?

Yep; I love how as the bass gets deeper, it moves further back. I don't plan on watching many (if any) movies with my carPC, so it's no big deal.

WuNgUn · 04-05-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by RadRacer

Yep; I love how as the bass gets deeper, it moves further back. I don't plan on watching many (if any) movies with my carPC, so it's no big deal.

Um, well that isn't really a 'stage' at all, from a music standpoint...
Sounds kinda aurally confusing

RadRacer · 04-05-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by WuNgUn

Um, well that isn't really a 'stage' at all, from a music standpoint...
Sounds kinda aurally confusing

Well, call it what you want; I like the way it's setup :P

RadRacer · 04-12-2009, 07:25 PM

Quick question; I currently have 2 amps hooked up, and my "distribution block" is the head of my 1F Capacitor. Would it be ok to just grabbed power from there as well for my CarPC?

RadRacer · 04-12-2009, 10:32 PM

Also, I'm working on a nitrous set-up for my car; is it possible to wire relays using USB to control everything? I pretty much have it all, am just wondering if I can arm it via PC rather then finding/making a switch panel and using it.

And what do you guys think of the CNX-P1900?

WuNgUn · 04-13-2009, 11:06 AM

A FusionBrain or Phidgets device will allow relay/hookup control...

You could grab power from the cap I s'pose...shouldn't be a problem. I'm a little worried about 'noise' though, with 2 amps on it as well...
Make sure you give the PC a good, dedicated ground point.

RadRacer · 04-13-2009, 12:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by WuNgUn

A FusionBrain or Phidgets device will allow relay/hookup control...

You could grab power from the cap I s'pose...shouldn't be a problem. I'm a little worried about 'noise' though, with 2 amps on it as well...
Make sure you give the PC a good, dedicated ground point.

Wouldn't using a seperate ground potentially cause ground loop issues?

I'm thinking of ordering a FB v3

RadRacer · 04-17-2009, 01:34 AM

Any DC-DC PSU's that have the "remote pulse turn-on" option?

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