Shenlon

iTrader: (4)

Hello everyone, since my car was in an accident 2 weeks ago and the monsoon amplifier was destroyed, I finally have the excuse to completely replace the system with a carPC system that I have been dreaming of for years. In this thread I would like to post what I need/want the system to do as well as the audio and PC components of the build. Anything you guys think that I'm missing, please speak up and let me know so that I can get it all together prior to my car being out of the shop. I drive a 2001 Trans Am WS6.

I have spent days, probably weeks, worth of time searching through this forum, DIYMA, mp3car.com and anything I can bring up on Google about building a carPC. However, the PC world is a quickly evolving beast, so I'm hoping to get some people who have dealt with this kind of thing before to provide critical input if I'm screwing up somewhere. Thanks in advance.

Also, I plan to build a case that will hold the amplifier also and put it either on the shelf between the rear seat and the T-top well or mounted where the rear seat back is currently. On with the info:

Needs:
• Capability to provide output to at least (2) 6.5” component speakers, (2) 6.5” mid-woofers for rear fill, and 1 subwoofer for low frequency handling
• Quick boot time
• Regulated DC-DC power for motherboard & Lilliput 629 7” LCD screen
• Intelligent start-up/shutdown
• GPS & navigation
• ODB2 connectivity
• Maximum power consumption efficiency
• Proper amplifier thump protection

Wants:
• Hibernation capability and remote start
• Ability to move to an active system later
• Voice control
• AM/FM/HD Radio
• Windows 7 preferred
• WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity
• Quality/established manufacturers
• Quiet operation (silent/low noise fans & cpu cooler)
• Powered & regulated USB Hub for ease of connecting phones/thumb drives
• Quality sound reproduction with minimal electrical interference
Not concerned with:
• Enclosure restraints
• Form factor

Audio Components:
• CDT EU-61CV Components ( http://cdtaudio.com/series/eu_series/eu61cv.htm )
• CDT HD-1000CF 10” Subwoofer ( http://cdtaudio.com/series/subwoofers/hd1000cf.htm )
• CDT HD-6 Rear fill (maybe) ( http://cdtaudio.com/series/midwoofers/hd6.htm )
• JL Audio XD700/5 5 channel amp ( http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_amps.php?amp_id=596 )

Carputer components:
• Intel BOXDH67GDB3 ($102) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121509)
• Core i3 2100T ($134) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116394)
• Corsair XMS3 4GB DDR3 1333 ($45) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145218)
• Asus Xonar D2X (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829132005)
• Flexible PCI Extender ($22) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-028-_-Product)
• M4 ATX ($90) (http://www.mini-box.com/M4-ATX) or DSATX 220 ($160) (http://store.mp3car.com/Mp3Car_DSATX_p/pwr-023.htm)
• Lilliput 629 (already have) (http://www.lilliputweb.net/index.php...&product_id=82)
• (2) 30GB OCZ Vertex SSD drives (already have) (http://www.ocztechnology.com/ocz-ver...i-2-5-ssd.html )

Still need:
• GPS receiver
• Wireless card
• Bluetooth
• Software (leaning towards audiomulch/centrafuse)
• Rear view camera
• Steering Wheel adapter
• ODB2 connection

Capricio

Interesting... I wish you much success, it sounds like a cool project. You may already know that a large segment of HTPC builders are obsessed with small, quiet, low power boxes will full A/V capabilities. If you haven't seen it already, they have a regularly updated hardware build guide that you may find useful:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...3#post12248983

Please keep us updated with your progress, and keep track of your budget as you go along. Take lots of pictures!

Shenlon

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the idea, I go to AVS frequently, but hadn't considered posting a thread there. Once this actually becomes somewhat finalized, I will definitely create a build thread, right now I'm still in R&D phase.

Capricio

also, be sure to check some Honda/Acura boards. I know there are some really good car PC build threads in them. Late model Accords just happen to have a huge-*** cubby underneath their radio, perfect for AV mods.

http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/14098...-pictures.html

Unfortunately for us F-bodies... a mobile PC probably means giving up a spare tire, or a backseat, or T-top storage, or something. ...and a lot of long cable pulls.

http://www.via.com.tw/en/initiatives...itx/car-pc.jsp