PC for Car

Status
Not open for further replies.

straightv6

Not A Super Techie
Messages
496
I'm interested in building a pc for my car. space is very important. where do i start?
 
first, i would look into something like this
http://www.mini-itx.com/projects.asp
small afordable mobo
and or a 1u case will fit nicely under the seat in most cars
http://www1.shopping.com/xPP-PC_Cases--cabinet_form_factor_rack_mountable-less_than_200_watt
cool link -> http://www.dashpc.com/
http://www.netbored.com/minipc.htm
http://www.xenarc.com/product/cp1000.html

but willsko87 said it right... WHY and WHERE are your key points... if it's in the trunk, go all out!!! if it's hidden go small and durable... if it's for multimedia, you don't need much, you're just building a fancy i-pod...
hope this helps
 
Dash options:

1. briefcase computer, mount it. - cheap and durable
2. laptop, mount it. - looks nice and saves space, but expensive

backseat/trunk options:

1. regular computer with REALLY sturdy case, mount it. - cheap but very fragile
2. briefcase computer, mount it. - cheap, durable, no one sees it most likely so it can be big and really powerful liek a regular desktop.

For a car you REALLY want something durable than can get stepped on, dropped, anything. I suggest a very thick briefcase, possibly steel or something really tough. if its in the dash then probably not possible as there big.
 
check the links... there are dash board options...
laptop hardware is built for transporting it all over the place, it's meant to take SOME abuse, but no computer should be stepped on or dropped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Roshi229 said:
but no computer should be stepped on or dropped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thats what briefcase comuters are for. half the laptops out there are plastic cases with cheap builds...unless you spend like $3K on them. total ripoff...

if i was putting a computer in my car i;d want it to take a beating...as in car crash beating. no point putting a nice computer in ur car if you cant even afford to close the door on it or step on it without breaking it.
 
the case i agree should be able to take a beating... the hard drive however will never stand your abuse for long.
 
the hard drive however will never stand your abuse for long.
Not necessarily. If he's not actually ever hitting the HD then it wouldn't be a problem because the only thing that'd mess it up is shock, which most HD's now-a-days have a pretty big shock protection meaning it can handle a few G's and still work lol
 
You can buy rubber "vests" for your harddrive, and then use big thick rubber washers when you mount it. then have some kind of insulation around it to stop any kind of huge abuse. It will also dampen sound.

only big problem with briefcase computers is heat...especially overclocked. i've seen people drill holes and mount fans and stuff...but that might not even cut it. i'd have my computer hooked up to the car's AC system...and if it is overheating like in the summer just duct one of your AC vents on the dash to a hole in your briefcase. will keep it nice and kool.:p
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom