Newbie questions...system proposal, etc...(first post)

Subliminal · 10-06-2003, 02:29 PM

Hey all,

I have this project turbo minivan I'm working on, and I've been looking at this big goofy center consule it has, thinking, Man! I'm sure I could get a computer in there.

I've been looking around, and it seems that saving space is a huge part of people's component choices. But it seems like I have a buttload of space. Is there any reason to use one of the little tiny integrated everything ITX VIA boards, or would I be just as happy using an ATX board with something like an xp1500+ chip, running windows XP off a 40 GB 3.5 inch IDE drive, and running 256-512 of PC2100? I mean, is there any reason once space has been removed. I could see where power would be an issue, but what about running a nice Sparkle 250 W PS and an invertor to make it run on DC?

I know there is going to be issues with boot up and shut down and all that, although I would assume you all have figured out ways around that as well.)

Also, PartsExpress.com has a 13.3 inch screen on sale for $390 or so down from $2100...I think, again, I have lots of space, so bigger is better, however that $390 seems like a lot of extra cash to me...Anyone know of a good 10 inch for under $300?

Also, what power inverter would you all recommend?

Also, last but not least...is there any reason at all for me to worry about using a head unit? I listen to exclusively MP3s and i plan on hooking dvd to it somehow. I was kind of planning to look into a nice dvd/cdrw slot loaded drive for this...since mainly i'll be running off the HD anyway.

Thanks,

damon

hijinks21 · 10-06-2003, 02:37 PM

as for space.. i'd just go with a via board. You really don't need the power unless you want it. Space will get tight very thick. I was in your spot when i started way back in the day. i got a mini-atx and now i want to upgrade to a mini-itx.

The problem with an inverter is that once you crank your car it'll turn off and turn off your computer. Thats why people like a dc-dc PSU.

As for the screen. Think long and hard on this. Plug your computer into the your TV and see if you can deal with the text being blurry like that. If you can't stand it then spend some cash on a VGA screen.. you'll be happier in the long run.

Lots of people go without a HU. They just run their audio right into an amp.

Mike00 · 10-06-2003, 03:00 PM

Regardless though you definitly want to use laptop size drives because they are much better at handling the bumps you'll get in a car. Full size computer drives weren't ment to be used while in motion and thus were designed differently.

carabuser · 10-06-2003, 03:13 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mike00

Regardless though you definitly want to use laptop size drives because they are much better at handling the bumps you'll get in a car. Full size computer drives weren't ment to be used while in motion and thus were designed differently.

although going thru some previous posts shows that alsmost nobody had a problem w/ regular drives in their cars. So i say it's not an issue

hijinks21 · 10-06-2003, 03:57 PM

i've said this 3 years ago. a normal HD is OK. I've had mine running fine for years and I take my truck off roading with my computer running. I have hit massive potholes going 60mph (i live in upstate NY)

Don't listen to people saying a drive needs shock pervention or you need to use a laptop drive. The only good thing for a laptop drive is size and it uses less power.

Mike00 · 10-06-2003, 09:26 PM

Hmm ok I stand corrected. I figured the normal drives are ok in some areas but here in the northeast I figured it wouldn't work. Oh well I'll still probably get one for the reasons hijinks listed.

DodgeCummins · 10-06-2003, 10:08 PM

Fullsize HD are cheaper...and can be faster...

BUT

Laptop hard drives are smaller, and take less juice to operate.

Subliminal · 10-07-2003, 08:30 AM

Does the difference in power consumption really matter all that much? I mean, for starters, I think I'm going to go with an inverter, as I'm not sure how the whole system is going to play out. And since I have an extra 250 watt power supply, I'm thinking that that will power everything just fine and dandy for a little while.

I'm also toying with the idea of getting a nice little SFF case and just building it into the dash...might actually save me a little bit of money, and if I decide I don't like the computer in the car, I can always use it inside the house.

So, now I just need a inverter, and a screen...

damon

hijinks21 · 10-07-2003, 09:05 AM

subliminal, if you are going with an inverter then no power won't matter. There are people that will use a 60-90 watt dc-dc PSU where power does matter. Also people want to fit a computer in a din slot so that's there size matters.

if you want to spend the money i'd say go for a laptop drive but most people are placing movies in their setups now so they want a lot of space so a normal HD will work. As long as you give a drive good airflow so it doesn't overheat then you should be ok. A normal HD can take a lot more beating then most people think