Help me build a cheap computer!

dansedgli · 31-05-2005, 04:05 PM

G'day guys,

I want to see to build a computer to put into my car.

Its main uses will be to play DVD's, MP3's and run the haltech to tune the car. Im going to be running a touch screen.

What components would I need to make this successful. I want to be able to comfortable play a movie and audio without it freezing. If you can think of any other features that Im likley to use I want to hear it.

What should this cost me?

I have seen some Dell optiplex 1.6ghz systems on ebay for like $250, should I just buy one of those?

Ill probably run the xbox in there first and eventually get a mini network setup with the PC so I change ECU settings on the run and have more storage space in the PC when the 200gb xbox one runs out.

So I would like your opinions please!

Cheers
Dan

niko · 31-05-2005, 04:06 PM

think of a decent cooling system and u can run watever u want then

Twisted · 31-05-2005, 04:07 PM

Dan, try these guys mate. Prices cant be beaten:

MSY Technology

EA2BA · 31-05-2005, 04:10 PM

Dan build one, and I suggest looking at using a laptop HD they are little more hardy for knocks and bumps.

niko · 31-05-2005, 04:13 PM

i recomend msy to, i got few mates that work at coburg one or coburg way i forget exactly

EFFalcon · 31-05-2005, 04:18 PM

buy a 2nd hand PC.
considering what you want to use it for, you won't need anyhting over 1ghz, a P4 1.5ish ghz would do the job PERFECTLY.

i've just grabbed myself a P4 1.6ghz system, for $160, it had DVD player, cd burner, ram, hdd.. all i need is a screen and i'm set.

so yeah, 2nd hand is the way to go!

dansedgli · 31-05-2005, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the replies guys.

Ive never built a computer before, what components should I be looking at to do what I want?
I know I need a big harddrive for storage but what else do I need and what are the rough prices should I be paying?

How much ram, power should I go for?

dansedgli · 31-05-2005, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFFalcon

buy a 2nd hand PC.
considering what you want to use it for, you won't need anyhting over 1ghz, a P4 1.5ish ghz would do the job PERFECTLY.

i've just grabbed myself a P4 1.6ghz system, for $160, it had DVD player, cd burner, ram, hdd.. all i need is a screen and i'm set.

so yeah, 2nd hand is the way to go!

Bargain! The reason I suggested the optiplexes is cos they are small! How are you going to install your PC? Where will it fit?

I will still likely use the xbox for playing DVD's and cos it has a remote. But MP3's would be better off the PC cos then I could use the touchscreen feature while Im driving.

I figure I dont need a DVD drive in it, my Xbox is modded so I can use the DVD drive from that.

Racecraft · 31-05-2005, 04:23 PM

Join Overclockers.com.au and troll the for sale section. I agree with John, pick up a 2nd handie and go from there. The one JOhn just bought sounds perfect for what you want to use it for.

4.9 EF Futura · 31-05-2005, 04:33 PM

Yeah dan, just get yourself a second hand PC. Ive got an AMD Athlon running from the boot of my car for windows media player (mp3, dvd, buring cds etc) and will be good for aftermarket ECU software when (if?) i get to that stage. Have a look at my gallery over on formods, think there's some pictures in there... just gotta get around to finishing the enclosure, might dress it up with some lights and stuff coz the guts of the PC look mildly interesting. I just use an inverter to power the thing, but can get special power supplys designed to run off 12/13.8v vehicle power. Check out www.mp3car.com

Spend the money on the screen, go stingy on the computer. You dont need mad power CPU or crazy vid card...

dansedgli · 31-05-2005, 04:34 PM

What specs is yours 4.9? Does it play movies nicely?

Ive been on MP3 car but they all seem to go with the mini car computers that arent easily available here.

Steffo · 31-05-2005, 04:35 PM

I'll sell you a Pentium III 1.0GHz, 512MB PC133 SDRAM, 64MB GeForce 4 MX440, Creative SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 soundcard, 1x 30GB ATA100 7200rpm HDD, 1x 10.2GB ATA100 7200rpm HDD, Acer 50x CD-ROM and Hewlett Packard 15" Monitor w/built in microphone for $165.

I'm using the PC as a footrest right now, don't know what to do with it.

Steffo · 31-05-2005, 04:35 PM

Oh, I'll throw in an installtion of Windows 2000 Professional if you want too.

DivHunter · 31-05-2005, 04:44 PM

Second hand will be heaps cheaper but you will end up replacing bits. When you need something new PM me what you're looking at paying and I'll let you know how much I can get it for you trade/wholesale whatever you want to call it I just call it cheaper :p

A laptop HDD is a good idea, however you'll need an adapter/conversion case to attach it to a full size system and it will be more expensive than an equivilant full size HDD.

4.9 EF Futura · 31-05-2005, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansedgli

What specs is yours 4.9? Does it play movies nicely?

Ive been on MP3 car but they all seem to go with the mini car computers that arent easily available here.

Agreed regarding mp3car.com... it used to be real DIY stuff but no so much anymore...

Mine is an athlon 1.3gig, 256mb ram, 64MB geforce4mx... 20gig hard drive (currently got 1500 WMA, using about 2.5 gig, lol)... plays DVDs really well, windows media player never skips a beat... doesnt take too long to boot up (thats more about windows configuration tho, dont run all the crap in the taskbar or it takes forever to bootup)

The PC steffo just offered would be plenty IMO. And you get a 15inch monitor for a footrest :evil_laug

EDIT: Oh yeah, i dont use a laptop HDD... just a normal one, no problems as yet even after blasting down rough country roads with the PC going... keep everything backed up and wont cost much to replace the HDD if it does fail.. had the PC in for the better part of a year now...

DivHunter · 31-05-2005, 04:46 PM

Oh and make sure the graphics card has the output(s)/input(s) you need!

EFFalcon · 31-05-2005, 04:47 PM

hahah, yep the one Steffo suggested would deffinately do the job.
i got mine from overclockers.com.au as suggested above.
just gotta keep an eye out.
i'm planning on installing mine under the drivers seat.

dansedgli · 31-05-2005, 05:00 PM

How are you planning to box it all up john?

What outputs would I need for the graphics card? Im looking at getting this screen: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Would something like this be okay? Its already boxed in small package. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....199669930&rd=1

What would be wrong with the above system?

SWOOP · 31-05-2005, 05:01 PM

send a pm or speak to EDXR-I6 (Steve the owner of my old blue ED)he will be able to sort something out for you Dan

4.9 EF Futura · 31-05-2005, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansedgli

How are you planning to box it all up john?

What outputs would I need for the graphics card? Im looking at getting this screen: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Would something like this be okay? Its already boxed in small package. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....199669930&rd=1

What would be wrong with the above system?

That screen will be fine. It takes a normal Pc monitor cable (i.e. VGA/XGA/whatever you want to call the DIN plug) and uses a USB cable for the touchscreen.

That PC would be fine. Has CD, appropriate video output, USB and sound...

dansedgli · 31-05-2005, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4.9 EF Futura

That screen will be fine. It takes a normal Pc monitor cable (i.e. VGA/XGA/whatever you want to call the DIN plug) and uses a USB cable for the touchscreen.

That PC would be fine. Has CD, appropriate video output, USB and sound...

Sweet! Ill get the screen and plan the PC part of it later!

EFFalcon · 31-05-2005, 05:24 PM

I'm gunna make my own housing for it.
i'll wait till i have the screen before i do that though.
thats all i need :P

needfordspeed · 31-05-2005, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWOOP

send a pm or speak to EDXR-I6 (Steve the owner of my old blue ED)he will be able to sort something out for you Dan

I bought a USB stick off him and it was VERY cheap, he's also a top bloke so i'd recommend him too.