very new need help to know what i need to start

thundercat2k · 03-11-2004, 09:04 AM

I have an older computer lying around, and I was very interested in turning it into a carputer. I will tell you what I have to use, and I would really appreciate your input on what i would need to make this work including power supply info and such. I would also like to find out some ideas on how to build a custom case as the one i have is way to big for me to put into my car.(also if anyone knows someone who would build it, I could pay them) Ok I have a basic Amptron motherboard, with a AMD Duron 800mhz processor, 256mb pc133 ram, dvd rom drive, and a 30 gb hd. The motherboard has onboard video and sound, I just want the carputer for navigation, and mp3 playback as well as playing dvds. ANy help would be very appreciated. Thank you.

Tidder · 03-11-2004, 09:09 AM

Man, pretty much what it's gonna depend on first, is how much money do you have/willing to spend on this? Then from there, better recommendations can be made. Otherwise, everyone is gonna tell you the most expensive, wish they had kind of stuff. Also, I do have a friend that is a genious with fiberglass, and custom car stereo stuff. Could probably build you an awesome looking case. If you want I can send you pics of what he did with my dash, and other pics of some freakin' awesome stuff.

thundercat2k · 03-11-2004, 09:16 AM

well I figured I can use the existing computer (just need some kind of case), but from reading on here i guess i need a special power supply to make it work in the car, basiclly the computer is already to go, I just need to know how to make it work in the car so it shuts off and everything, and some ideas on a case solution. I was just going to hook the computer up to na inverter, but I thougt the computer would never shut off properly.

Tidder · 03-13-2004, 12:47 AM

special power supply nothin. I use an inverter and have a relay that shuts it off if my computer shuts down. There's always a way.

telekineticfool · 03-13-2004, 04:02 AM

you can use an opus 150 watt dc-dc, but it probably doesn't have enough juice for your AMD processor, it is more tuned towards low power and efficient small-footprint systems like the Mini-itx based ones. An invertor will work fine, it is a technically feasible, albiet less graceful, solution to the power problem.