MaliceNine

Ill start this off as more of a planning guide, then I hope people will make comments. These are just decisions until my knowledge convinces me of a better option along the way or until someone tells me of something better/more convenient/cheaper.

I have a 2006 Cobalt SS/SC.
Here is some relevant info and pics from the forums:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newb...ghlight=cobalt
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newb...cobalt-ss.html


I contemplated where to put this, I will make a new topic in Worklogs with pics I suppose once I get a better grasp on things.

This will probably be under the passenger seat. I will be adding a few extras which I did not include in my list below such as Bluetooth/WiFi/DVDRW in Glove Box.

My needs/wants are listed in priority:
Music/MP3 - Sound quality is a must
Navigation/GPS
DVD/Video
WiFi/Internet

MAYBE:
Bluetooth/Cell Phone integration
HDRadio

PC:

MOBO: (Yes, MicroATX)
Foxconn 45CMX Socket T (LGA775) Intel 945GC Micro ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813186132
$51

CASE:
APEX DM-318 Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154062
$66

CPU:
Intel E2140
http://microcenter.com/single_produc...uct_id=0266759
$60

GPS:
GlobalSat BU-353 USB GPS Receiver
http://www.semsons.com/glbuusbgpsre.html
$46
Im pretty sure I will be using iGuidance with this.

POWER SUPPLY:
M2-ATX-HV 160W Intelligent DC-DC PSU
$80
According to this tool, this power supply should be ample provided I power enough stuff off of USB rather than PCI.
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/p...ulatorlite.jsp


HARD DRIVE:
Going to go with a 3.5" 320GB HDD, even if it goes bad, a new one will still be cheaper than a 2.5"
Ill install some rubber padding to offer some shock resistance.
$80

MEMORY:
Crucial 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146571
$27

USB SOUND CARD:
Zalman ZM-RSSC External USB 5.1 Sound Card
$60


TOTAL: $443 + Amp + Wire etc.
AMP:
Pioneer GM-4300F 4-Channel 400W Power Amplifier
or
Pioneer GM-6300F
Would I be OK with the 4300F? My research has led me to believe this, but would the 6300F sound better?


I have a stock Pioneer system:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/chevy/index.html


TOUCHSCREEN:
I purchased a 8" Touch screen already and a double din unit (Hope I can make it fit~!)

Thank you all and I appreciate your input and feedback. Negative and positive is encouraged, I want to hear anything really!

MaliceNine

?

Looking for reassurance before I pull the trigger on this stuff. Would someone care to tell me if I am going in the wrong direction? Are there better solutions for what I have picked, i.e. better bang for the buck?

I would be very grateful for a response, so I dont waste money on something I dont need or could have gotten better.

60 views and no replies

moboman

I don't know if you have checked into it but the mobo/proccy combo I'm using costs like 70 bucks total and it is plenty of power for a carpc.

__________________
My Worklog
I'm using my carputer 100%, but I still need to make it easier to use.

Mylt1

what are you planing on running with those amps? if your just running the factory speakers then your gonna blow them in about 10 min.

RedGTiVR6

The only reason you would blow your stock speakers is if you don't properly tune the amplifiers using the gains.

I'd also like to point out that those power ratings are max, not RMS...more like 150watts RMS most likely.

__________________

MaliceNine

moboman: I figure I will get something up to date, that way it will be semi-future proof, and if I want to pull it out of my car Ill have a decent desktop if I throw in a AC-DC power supply.

I suppose I could use the stock amplifier then. I am glad I could do that, it will save a bunch of money. I will have to find the wire diagram for the amp, and I have searched through the forums and found this problem, which seems to be solved. The problem is a low volume from the carputer. In case anyone else runs into it, here is the thread. And for those more knowledgeable, is this a reliable fix or is it just a cobbled bandaid solution?

I looked, but cant find pictures of the amp, but here are the specs of the stock 06 cobalt amp:

6-Channel High Power Amplifier

* 270 watt peak output power
* 2-Channels front tweeters
* 2-Channels front door speakers
* 2-Channels for 6 x 9" speakers with bridged mono channel for the 10" subwoofer
* 2-ohm stable
* Class-AB operation
* Low distortion output

MaliceNine

I ordered everything from the list, except for a few changes.

I got a DSATX instead of the M2ATX, as it was going to be really close on the 12v rail, and probably pretty close or over on the 5v rail(so many USB devices..).

I purchased a different motherboard, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135032
$43 AR is a great price for this mobo with all the features it has.

As for the case, I have decided that I wont be able to find a MicroATX to fit under my seat. I am going to buy some plexiglass, make a case, and fit it under my drivers side seat. I want to avoid the trunk if at all possible due to the cold weather and condensation that might occur.

I believe I am going to have to purchase one of the amps listed above and then turn it down to work with my stock speakers/sub. The stock amp does not have RCA inputs. I am wondering if there is a way to still use the stock amp? Some sort of wiring harness with RCA inputs?

Originally I thought my 8" touchscreen was wide screen, which meant it was possible to squeeze into a double din. Turns out it is not, so Ill have to come up with a fiberglass solution or something. Being that I have never fiberglassed before, it should be quite the adventure.

Thanks for your future input guys/girls.

Phatsacks

When should one worry about condensation?

Is it when the the hardware is much cooler than the air around it?

Has there been reported issues with it? I did a search, and only found potential concerns, but no reports of it happening to someone.

Phatsacks

Once again...

Darque to the rescue!

From his irc comments:

DarquePervert

Whoa!
Check fire!

OK....
Admittedly, I walked into a conversation in IRC and did not read the whole thing.
My response was talking about 95 degree temps and high humidity. There was discussion of overclocking and something else.
I assumed (bad idea, I know) that the discussion was about heat dissipation.


Condensation is another matter, however.
Condensation will occur when the water in warmer air comes in contact with a cooler surface. This most often occurs in the early morning hours when the sun starts to warm the air, but your vehicle's sheetmetal is colder. You see condensation (a.k.a. "dew") on your ride and run for the chamois.

I don't think that the interior of the trunk is a likely candidate for condensation, because the temnp differences between the sheetmetal surfaces and the ambient air inside the trunk would bee all that different.

I could be wrong, though. Understand that I've driven a pickup pretty much exclusively for over a decade now, so my trunk knowledge is pretty limited.

__________________

SEARCH: It's how information gets found!
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

[|||||||--] - 80% (I estimate completion in Spring '07)
My Worklog

RedGTiVR6

condensation isn't going to be an issue in a trunk...just think about how many folks out there do complete audio installs via their trunks only?!

No need to make it more difficult than it already is, or to recreate the wheel....

__________________

Phatsacks

Well, still sounds good.

I searched the forum, and found lots of potential issues for condensation, and lots of potential solutions.

I didn't see a single instance where someone had condensation mess their stuff up.