Best Carputer Solution. Ideas Inside!

voidunknown · 08-23-2004, 08:54 PM

Ok, i got my design all sketched up. I'm going to build my Carputer as an all-in-one unit with the LCD flush mounted into the system. The case will be made out of MDF wood and carpet mostly.

With that out of the way... here we go. I have a choice between 2 setups. Let me know what you guys think would be better.

Intel Celery 2.4GHz CPU
M925 Motherboard w/LAN, Sound, USB, VGA
60GB HD
DVD-RW
Bluetooth
Wireless G

OR

VIA EPIA M10000 w/ 1GHz CPU
60GB HD
DVD-RW
Bluetooth
Wireless G

I know the 2.4 is a faster setup, but will it require too much power for a Opus 90W PSU? Is 1GHz enough for a carputer to run DVD, GPS, MP3 and basic programs?

Rafster · 08-23-2004, 09:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by voidunknown

I know the 2.4 is a faster setup, but will it require too much power for a Opus 90W PSU? Is 1GHz enough for a carputer to run DVD, GPS, MP3 and basic programs?

Yes, the M10K is fast enough for all that you listed. Unless you really need SERIOUS speed, stay away from Intel, they hog power WAY too much. If you search the board, you will see people doing some pretty crazy stuff with their M10Ks.

By the way, why do you feel you need a DVD burner in your car? Are you going to be "backing up" your movie collection? If you just want to watch movies, but still want the ability to burn, just get a DVD/CDRW combo drive.

Peace,

Rafster

guitar333 · 08-23-2004, 09:28 PM

Im not sure but I *think* the 2.4 may be too much power for the 90W

My 90W powered:
Epia M10000
Generic Key and Mouse
Generic CD Rom
and a 40GB 7200RPM Hard Drive

It would not power an additional 7200RPM in place of the CD Rom

So IMO go for the 150

cheerio · 08-23-2004, 09:37 PM

Now a DVD-RW is too much, maby a dvd/cd-rw would be fine. Burning cds in your car and burning movies in your car are 2 diffrent things

voidunknown · 08-23-2004, 10:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by rafaelsherman

Yes, the M10K is fast enough for all that you listed. Unless you really need SERIOUS speed, stay away from Intel, they hog power WAY too much. If you search the board, you will see people doing some pretty crazy stuff with their M10Ks.

By the way, why do you feel you need a DVD burner in your car? Are you going to be "backing up" your movie collection? If you just want to watch movies, but still want the ability to burn, just get a DVD/CDRW combo drive.

Peace,

Rafster

The only reason for the DVD-RW is because I want to watch DVD movies and my entire DVD collection is made up from backups.

Unless anyone knows of a good DVD/CDRW or just DVD drive that WILL play DVD+/-RW with no problems. I don't want to burn anything, just watch em.

So, M10k it is i guess. Now, should I go with a 7200RPM HD or only 5400?

cheerio · 08-23-2004, 10:07 PM

Hrmm, i dont understand why a computer dvd-cdrw drive wouldnt play something thats backed up? After all, they make them ;x

voidunknown · 08-23-2004, 10:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by cheerio

Hrmm, i dont understand why a computer dvd-cdrw drive wouldnt play something thats backed up? After all, they make them ;x

All 3 of the DVD/CDRW drives I tried in my home HTPC did not read DVD Backups. Only the DVD+/-RW drives would. I have a spare DVD+/-RW drive sitting here anyways. Does anyone know of a DVD or DVD/CDRW drive that will read burned DVD's?

m_dunnie · 08-23-2004, 10:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by voidunknown

All 3 of the DVD/CDRW drives I tried in my home HTPC did not read DVD Backups. Only the DVD+/-RW drives would. I have a spare DVD+/-RW drive sitting here anyways. Does anyone know of a DVD or DVD/CDRW drive that will read burned DVD's?

I'll test DVD+R tomorrow on my DVD/CDRW drive. What app do you use to burn DVD's with. I'm using DVDShrink 3.1

voidunknown · 08-23-2004, 10:27 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by m_dunnie

I'll test DVD+R tomorrow on my DVD/CDRW drive. What app do you use to burn DVD's with. I'm using DVDShrink 3.1

DVD Shrink 3.1 + Nero 6. Let me know!!! Thanks!

cheerio · 08-23-2004, 10:29 PM

void: are you sure it was the drive or the software. Like did windows reconigise the drive, or did the software give you an error.

voidunknown · 08-23-2004, 10:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by cheerio

void: are you sure it was the drive or the software. Like did windows reconigise the drive, or did the software give you an error.

Nah I do computers for a living. I know it was the drives. I tried several different software packages. The light just keeps blinking and the drive doesn't want to eject the disc, unless you reboot the pc. Then it will eject. Its just not recognizing the format of a burned DVD.

cheerio · 08-23-2004, 10:34 PM

word. intresting, never encounterd such an error. Besides, who the hell would make a dvd/cd-rw drive that cant play burned cds, thats like making a toaster that cant toast bread.

voidunknown · 08-23-2004, 10:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by cheerio

word. intresting, never encounterd such an error. Besides, who the hell would make a dvd/cd-rw drive that cant play burned cds, thats like making a toaster that cant toast bread.

I totaly agree. But like I said I tested 3 of them. All 3 could play stamped (store bought) DVD's and CDs as well as burned CDs and VCDs, but no burned DVDs. Go figured...

Rafster · 08-23-2004, 10:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by voidunknown

Nah I do computers for a living. I know it was the drives. I tried several different software packages. The light just keeps blinking and the drive doesn't want to eject the disc, unless you reboot the pc. Then it will eject. Its just not recognizing the format of a burned DVD.

What's the brand and model # of your DVD drive? I just tried on all 9 of the computers in my house with DVD drives, and all my burned DVDs work perfectly. Usually DVD-R are more compatible with drives and set top players.

The drive on my machine is a LiteON DVD-ROM LTD163D

Peace,

Rafster

P.S. If you want to find out what kind of discs your drives can read, since you have Nero 6:

Go to Start
Programs
Nero
Nero Toolkit
Nero Infotool

Select your DVD ROM drive, and you should see the "Supported Read Features" If you can't find it, I will look up the info for you. Just give me your brand and model number.

voidunknown · 08-23-2004, 11:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by rafaelsherman

What's the brand and model # of your DVD drive? I just tried on all 9 of the computers in my house with DVD drives, and all my burned DVDs work perfectly. Usually DVD-R are more compatible with drives and set top players.

The drive on my machine is a LiteON DVD-ROM LTD163D

Peace,

Rafster

P.S. If you want to find out what kind of discs your drives can read, since you have Nero 6:

Go to Start
Programs
Nero
Nero Toolkit
Nero Infotool

Select your DVD ROM drive, and you should see the "Supported Read Features" If you can't find it, I will look up the info for you. Just give me your brand and model number.

Yea, I know about infotool. Thanks for the model number on the drive. I'll order me one tonight.

LCD wise, is the Lillitul or whatever a good screen to get?