Need help selecting a mobo and processor

DuffmanOhYeah

Golden Member
May 21, 2001
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Ok, so I have decided that I am finally mounting a PC in my car. Ive already got the touchscreen and dc-dc power supply (150 watts), but now I need to pick out the rest of my gear.

What Im asking you guys for is help in picking out a mobo/cpu combo that will run with adequate speed, but not be a huge hog on power. Ideally Im looking for something with solid integrated graphics and sound (Its not like I can play UT2k4 while I drive) that isnt a hog on the juice.

Id also like to keep it mATX if possible to save on the room.

I was thinking about something older, perhaps in the p3 1ghz range. Cost is also a factor. The standard for people who build these seems to be a VIA EPIA M10000, which has the 1GHz Nehmiah core. That runs about 150, so if I couldnt keep it under that, then Id just as well go with one. BUT, Im cheap, and like the feeling of scraping something together on my own (or rather with the help of some friends :) )

SO-- Any suggestions??
 

Peter

Elite Member
Oct 15, 1999
9,640
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Get an EPIA. For the low power and its soldered CPU (every socket is a reliability issue in vibrating environments!). Some models even have direct flat panel screen connectors, also quite handy for a car PC.
 

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
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I don't know how much of a power demand it wants, but the new Mac mini, at 6.5"x6.5"x2" is about the size of a car stereo, or so I hear.
 

DuffmanOhYeah

Golden Member
May 21, 2001
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ANy more ideas? I still want to stay away from the EPIA if I can, and the mac is, well... a mac. PLus All I need is the mobo/cpu.
 

DuffmanOhYeah

Golden Member
May 21, 2001
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anyone else with an idea?? Basically, Im just looking for a mobo/cpu with the specs I was talking about. Reasonably quick, (doesnt need to be over-kill) with decent integrated video and sound that consumes a minimal amount of power. SOmeone has to know something.
 

HQee

Junior Member
Feb 1, 2005
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If you are "at home" with electronics, you can purchase used P3 laptop (around 600-900Mhz). You can even with broken battery/display.

other option is buying used P3 uATX mobo/CPU, but its not that easy: construction takes a lot of time and it takes a lot of space.