Phi_Kai

I've searched and searched, but I can't find a way to search for both of those and I can't seem to find the information I'm looking for.

I've got a really good option to pick up a Gateway 450SX4 for CHEAP. However, it looks like it might have some issues as far as being good for a CarPC

Spec Sheet

I'll highlight my two concerns with it for you though.

1. It's a P4...after reading the FAQ that seems like a poor choice for a CarPC, and I agree. But I'm not sure if its a complete deal breaker.

2. It's USB 1.1 This is the huge concern for me. I'm not sure if USB 1.1 will be able to support GPS at a reasonable speed, or any of the other toys that I end up with for this project.

What I'm basically looking for is will USB 1.1 work for a carputer or is this an ultimate deal breaker?

Thanks for any advice...

~Kai

nobb

I had an old system that only had USB 1.1 running for a year before I upgraded. USB 2.0 is not necessary at all, unless there are some devices which you would rather run at higher speeds. For example, if you are going to be transferring large files from USB drives or USB wifi dongles, then maybe having USB 2.0 will be beneficial. Your GPS will be fine on 1.1.

pokki

GPS receivers uses sweet f all bandwidth, so USB 1.1 will be fine.

P4s are also fine, provided they're in a relatively efficient setup - my P4 carpc runs of a 130watt PSU.

fls27

You should be good with those. Try using one of the power consumption calculators on the site.

turbocad6

just add a pcmcia 4 port usb 2.0 card, there cheap & expand any laptop install nicely

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MY NEWEST INSTALL:modded infiniti fx with big screen - "If my typing sucks it's probably because I'm driving....................."

first windows carpc install........my liquid cooled LVDS screen :D

Phi_Kai

thanks guys, hopefully i'll be picking it up this afternoon

FusionFanatic

no system with a Pentium4 will ever be efficient. they are very inefficient processors, always have been, always will be.

power draw alone does not indicate efficiency, it's what it does with that power that determines how efficient it is. a good amount of power consumed by a P4 is lost as heat. that is the main reason why they are not the best choice for carPC's. (they were never the best choice for any PC really. unfortunately, Intel's marketing team was very successful in convincing the masses that the P4 was the best you could get, even though it never was )

a P4 that doesn't consume a lot of power is a P4 that doesn't offer a lot of performance either. however, for most people's carPC needs, a slower P4 is still plenty fast enough. If you find a good deal on an old P4 computer, then go for it. but it shouldn't be your first choice if there are other options to choose from

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current carPC setup
previous carPC setup

turbocad6

p4's suck.... p4m's aren't much better, I'd rather have a p3 than a p4 in a car...


if your looking for a really good usb add on for a laptop, check this card out, it does simultanious high & low speed at the same time, most usb hubs or add in cards will slow down all ports to the slowest connection device on that buss, but this one lets you take advantage of high speed devices even if your also using low speed devices...

__________________
MY NEWEST INSTALL:modded infiniti fx with big screen - "If my typing sucks it's probably because I'm driving....................."

first windows carpc install........my liquid cooled LVDS screen :D