Carputer

Originally Posted by mhcoss

Well here are some pics of the install. I built a mini-itx form factor pc using an i3-2120t processor. This processor was a good choice for a carputer because it has a very low power consumption but is still a very fast chip. The computer has a 120 gb hard drive that I filled up with about 15 gigs of music.. I will add a lot more on future dates.

I bought an automotive car power supply known as the m4-atx power supply. This power supply has some neat features for automotive applications. It accepts a 12v signal as a switch and shuts down/starts up the computer when you startup or turn off your vehicle. so far it has worked great. The pc boots fast too, by the time I am in gear reversing its already playing music.

I have a double din touch screen in the dash that is also powered by the m4-atx psu. I am running centrafuse front end software because its a very nice touch interface for automotive environments.

I also replaced the factory component speakers with some JL audio 6.5 inch components and purchased a shallow mount rockford fosgate sub. I am powering the whole system with an alpine mrp-f300 4 channel amplifier. This amp seems to do a pretty good job filling up the Z with sound although I am considering adding another amp for the sub because it seems to struggle a bit to really drive the sub and the component speakers.

This is just the beginning of this project though. I need to install a microphone for the bluetooth functionality as well as a GPS receiver for navigation. I also intend on installing a backup camera. I also plan on installing a slim mount dvd drive somewhere in the dash so that I can listen to traditional cds or plop a cd in there and rip it to the hard drive.