UK Based noob, looking for cheap install

drummerian · 05-06-2008, 05:04 AM

hi ppl,
i would like to put a cheapish install into my car (1988 mini) and am wondering what's best.
The pc i am lookign at is a mini itx epia, however, i have heard some bad comment about these? are these true? thanks

I am looking to be able to play music, gps, video from time to time, any comment and suggestions would be much appreciated.

Grrrmachine · 05-06-2008, 05:18 AM

Keep your eye on ebay for an OPUS or m2-atx (there's one of the latter on their now.) Buy an old usb GPS puck, a 20quid 1Ghz base unit and spend a decent amount (75-100quid) on a new Lilliput or Xenarc touchscreen (that's the bit you can't save money on, so don't try.)

You should be able to get a cheapo system up and running for under 150quid (screen included), depending on wiring, amps, speakers and what computer kit you have lying around.

drummerian · 05-06-2008, 05:22 AM

yeah, thats what im hoping for, what are your views on the epia boards? have you got a link idea for any of these components, mostly the screen and board thanks for your help

drummerian · 05-06-2008, 11:16 AM

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...id=p2761.l1259

is this a good deal? thanks

drummerian · 05-06-2008, 11:36 AM

maybe not, i thought that had the m2-atx in it, but i am now told it hasn't will keep looking, any links will be appreciated

drummerian · 05-06-2008, 11:40 AM

this screen? :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...:B:DBS:GB:1123

Grrrmachine · 05-06-2008, 01:04 PM

Work out your budget, then stick to it. There's more than one bargain on eBay, so don't leap on the first one you see. You can make any old computer work if you have the right PSU, and DON'T SKIMP ON THE SCREEN. If it looks suspiciously cheap, then it is, and that's the only part of your PC you'll ever see once it's all fitted in the car, so choose one you like and, more importantly, one you know works.

drummerian · 05-06-2008, 01:21 PM

ok, first things first, what motherboard should i be looking at and what sort of processors, i know a p4 is going to be a power hog, thanks for all your great advice so far though, very helpful, any links to ebays will be much much appreciated

drummerian · 05-07-2008, 02:53 AM

how about an A socket Amd xp or somthing?

drummerian · 05-07-2008, 11:51 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...link:middle:us

would love one of these but no one in the uk seem to sell them

Grrrmachine · 05-07-2008, 01:11 PM

That's strange - when I type ITX into ebay I can see all sorts of good stuff to buy, including cases, motherboards and complete systems.

This place isn't where we tell you what to buy. Read the Show Off Your Project forums, or the Hardware Review section, click on people profiles and see what they have. You're asking about Socket A mobos; if you'd clicked on my specs you'd have seen that that is what I'm running, and that the board can be bought for a fiver on ebay. There's also a massive FAQ section that YOU MUST READ.

Use your eyes and the grey stuff a bit more.