blackcobra487

I am playing with the idea of putting a computer in my car. I'm trying to keep this cost effective. I want to know how "doable" is it to take a desktop (Compaq, small form factor. I am thinking of this because it's small, but expandable and cheaper.) and make it run in a car? Do the DC/DC converters hook up to the regular components? I know I could check the computers current power supply for the wattage needed, so I don't think I need to bother calculating that. I've read that trunk mounting is ideal. Where would I find cables (usb extensions, mostly) long enough for this? Sorry if these questions are redundant, I just prefer to ask exactly what I need to know, rather than peice it from other forums. Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

2k1Toaster

You will get many icons because all of this is answered in the FAQ's.

Compaq's are known for being proprietary. I would actually open the PC and see if they use a standard 20/24 pin ATX connector and not some 16pin or 18pin or 12pin black thing. If it has an ATX, then you can power it from a DC-DC. Which is a whole different ballgame.

We cant judge a systems power draw based on form factor. You can get an embedded solution in itx form as well as a P4. If you just say "how much to power an itx mobo", the answers range from 11W to 160W. We need more info. And you do need to search for which power supply will work as they put out different amperages on different rails. A 320W PSU may not be able to power it but a 220W may be able to. It has to do with the rails (most notably the 12v and 5v) and what you plan to draw off of each. All this is answered in the FAQs.

As for cables, eBay, the mp3car store, walmart, target, compusa, anywhere.

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