SebLex

Hi all, my mother changed her computer (which happens to be my old computer) and I picked it up and will recycle it into a carputer. I'm not 100% newbie in computers and electronics but this will be my first attempt at a carputer. I've been reading here for a while and it's been quite interesting!!

Here it is:

-Asus K7VM3 microatx motherboard (on board network, audio and graphics) (http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=K7VM3)
-AMD Athlon 2000+ (1666 mhz I think) CPU (draws around 70w if I remember)
-1 gig RAM (2 x 512 PC2700)
-M4-ATX (I know...) power supply that I might change for a DSATX
-Lilliput 7" touch screen and double din adaptor
-8 or 16gig CF card with adaptor as a hard drive since we get very cold temperature here in Quebec and I'm afraid a standard hard drive would suffer.
-160 gig USB Maxtor external hard drive to carry my media files (so I can bring it inside in winter)
-external USB DVD drive (later)
-GPS (don't have the receiver yet, will probably be the SIRFIII)

The use:

-Mostly to bring all my music inside the car without having 100+ CDs to scratch and damage
-Use a navigation software and get rid of the external TomTom GPS
-MAYBE HQCTi later but for now I'm keeping my JVC head unit for radio
-Possibly have my girlfriend and kid listen to DVDs on long trips

The car:

Lexus IS300 2002 that for now has a JVC head unit. I already searched the Lexus forums and know how to add the required auxiliary input for sound.

So, what do you think? Missing something?

Thanks all!!!

MP3Car.com

 

DarquePervert

Looks like you have all the major components covered. There's wiring and install materials you'll need, but your list looks pretty comprehensive.

If you can afford it, I would go with a PATA SSD. Figure you can get 8GB now for under $100 and 32GB for $109. And it's less kluugey than the CF adapter route.

[EDIT]
Holy schnikeys! Newegg has a 16GB PATA SSD for only $75... That right there is a steal.
Your CF setup is likely to cost about that much....

__________________

SebLex

Thanks for answering! The PATA SSD is a good idea! But they all seem to be mini PCIe and I only have PCI slots. Are they compatible??

Also, I fogot to mention my case.. CoolerMaster Elite 100. Its really the smallest I found!

Link: http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/prod...roduct_id=2935

SebLex

Thanks for answering!

The PATA drives won't work for me since my case config won't allow me the space required. I will recycle a old notebook drive for now and save for a solid state 2,5" drive.

But you've convinced me of steering away from the CF card setup!

Thanks!!

MP3Car.com