Carputer parts, needs suggestions

[SarverSystems]

I'm a bit out of the loop on mini-itx motherboards these days.

I'm looking to build a carputer for my girlfriend's scion TC. The case I have in mind fits in where a double-din radio would go and has space for a 7" touchscreen.

I also know I know some USB ports for the GPS and for the FM/HD tuner.

Other than that, I'm not really sure what to get.

I already have a 40GB laptop hard drive.

For example, some questions off the top of my head are:

1: Where does the DVDROM go?
2: I assume to use a laptop style DVDROM?
3: What motherboard and CPU should I get? I'm not sure of the power requirements of running a GPS and FM radio at the same time.

I've been on www.mp3car.com to get some answers, but I didn't really find anything related to my question.

 

[bastage]

Most of the answers to the questions you asked are going to depend on the case..

 

[Dangman]

What bastage said.

Though for question 3: A dual core Intel Atom build would be more than enough for your planned usage.

 

[SarverSystems]

I can't hotlink the images, but here's the page describing the case: http://store.mp3car.com/Silver_Double_Din_Nano_ITX_Carputer_Enclosure_p/enc-032-s.htm

 

[bastage]

oh man.. talk about SFF.. thats smaller then we normally work with.. It lists the compatible motherboards right there on the page, & there all freeking small.. I wouldn't even know where to start giving recommendations about anything Nano-ITX

 

[SarverSystems]

So maybe I'd be better off using the case that just houses the LCD, and remote-mounted the carputer under the seat or in the glove compartment? I see a few mATX cases and miniITX cases listed as well.

I guess that would expand my options quite a bit.

 

[bastage]

Mitx is probably ideal. But that being said just pick a motherboard from that list and call it a day.
Posted via [H] Mobile Device

 

[craigbru]

What are you planning on using for your LCD? Most 7" screens wash out terribly in any sort of light unless they are specified as sunlight readable. In that case, they are $600 plus.

 

[SarverSystems]

I'm looking at a few different ones on www.mp3car.com. Not sure what it'll be just yet, but most likely a Lilliput unit.

 

[Machupo]

I take it those dimensions for the case are not internal dimensions? If they are, you could fit a mITX mobo in there and you'd be all set

This might be my next project -- looks challenging