Car computer

SteveHomoki · 06-22-2009, 06:03 PM

This is kind of a hybrid between this forum and the car forum. I am interesting in building a small computer for my car. I need to make it energy efficient, so for starters I need a motherboard that is cheap and power efficient. I can figure out what to get for it except for having a power converter between a car battery and the computer. I'm not that interested in using the car battery, because I don't want it to misfire due to an energy drain.
My plan is to rig my own alarm system, place webcams around my blindspots and inside the car to ward off criminals. Also am planning on having it become a media center of course.

Any suggestions?

SteveHomoki · 06-22-2009, 06:42 PM

Ok so heres what I am interested in, a ddr2 model series thats pci express compliant considering I have a nvidia 8400gs sitting around. I have two spare ide hard drives and a spare 1 gig ddr2. I'm interesting in a Mobo around $40-70. I'll be using multiple small screens. USB Ports is a must.
Also, if I can have quality video streaming as well.
Overall price, no more then $150. Please help, and provide any suggestions as well.

**carsey** · 06-23-2009, 01:28 AM

Mini ITX motherbard with built in CPU.
M2-ATX intelligent car power supply. Computer runs off 12V so no need for fancy invertors etc.

I have a thread on this from earlier this year/late last year. Have a look. I go through all car PC basics in there.

06-22-2009, 06:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
SteveHomoki Junior Tech, Games Team Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Southern California Posts: 108 OS: xp pro sp3, vista basic, linux 10.0,	Car computer This is kind of a hybrid between this forum and the car forum. I am interesting in building a small computer for my car. I need to make it energy efficient, so for starters I need a motherboard that is cheap and power efficient. I can figure out what to get for it except for having a power converter between a car battery and the computer. I'm not that interested in using the car battery, because I don't want it to misfire due to an energy drain. My plan is to rig my own alarm system, place webcams around my blindspots and inside the car to ward off criminals. Also am planning on having it become a media center of course. Any suggestions?

06-22-2009, 06:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
SteveHomoki Junior Tech, Games Team Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Southern California Posts: 108 OS: xp pro sp3, vista basic, linux 10.0,	Re: Car computer Ok so heres what I am interested in, a ddr2 model series thats pci express compliant considering I have a nvidia 8400gs sitting around. I have two spare ide hard drives and a spare 1 gig ddr2. I'm interesting in a Mobo around $40-70. I'll be using multiple small screens. USB Ports is a must. Also, if I can have quality video streaming as well. Overall price, no more then $150. Please help, and provide any suggestions as well.

06-23-2009, 01:28 AM	#3 (permalink)
carsey Moderator, TSF Articles Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hunwick, Co. Durham England Posts: 10,678 OS: XP Pro SP3 My System	Re: Car computer Mini ITX motherbard with built in CPU. M2-ATX intelligent car power supply. Computer runs off 12V so no need for fancy invertors etc. I have a thread on this from earlier this year/late last year. Have a look. I go through all car PC basics in there. __________________ Submit New Articles Here