12v SFF PC?

[nigelmercier]

As far as I can tell, the topic of a 12V PC was last discussed about three years ago, things have moved on since then.

Has anybody recently built a 12V PC with a relatively powerful modern processor? Specifically I'm looking at Intel i5. I'm installing a screen and I may replace my laptop, so buying a Mini-ATX motherboard and building a SFF PC may be an option.

Not interested in RPi and similar solutions, this has to be Windows 7.

.

 

[alahol2]

Thought these looked rather swish, expensive though. http://www.novatech.co.uk/pc/range/novatechpockitnpi04.html

 

[cpedw]

What's SFF? I'm guessing not Scottish Fishermen's Federation .

Derek

ps. Can I mention that I don't want to test drive a Honda?

 

[TonyBuckley]

As far as I can tell, the topic of a 12V PC was last discussed about three years ago, things have moved on since then.

Has anybody recently built a 12V PC with a relatively powerful modern processor? Specifically I'm looking at Intel i5. I'm installing a screen and I may replace my laptop, so buying a Mini-ATX motherboard and building a SFF PC may be an option.

Not interested in RPi and similar solutions, this has to be Windows 7.

.

I liked what you said some seven years ago which is something I adopted for a while..

"I have come to the conclusion that the best computer to have on a boat is to start off with a second-hand laptop with a broken screen. Remove all the unwanted stuff like the screen, keyboard and trackpad, then mount it somewhere under the chart table. Plug in a 12V screen, 12V power pack, keyboard and mouse."

 

[mrming]

What's SFF? I'm guessing not Scottish Fishermen's Federation.

Small Form Factor.

 

[nigelmercier]

I liked what you said some seven years ago which is something I adopted for a while..
"I have come to the conclusion that the best computer to have on a boat is to start off with a second-hand laptop with a broken screen. ..."

I know, but they are going for silly money.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I purchased a mini-itx from these guys last year and loaded OpenCPN and NovMonPc . I connected GPS, AIS. and instruments to it via USB. Drives 12Vdc Monitor/TV + external screen at helm using wireless keyboard and mouse. Also has wifi and 3G connection.

http://www.mitxpc.com/products.asp?cat=10

Does all I need at the moment

Works great.

Had it shipped to a US address and collected by during visit to states last year.

 

[greeny]

Spotted these in Maplin the other day, Need to add components and when you do they start to get a bit pricey. But they are 12v supply and fairly powerful. I was looking at one for a streaming media centre but they're basically a mini desktop pc.
Intel NUC DN2820FYKH - Celeron Dual Core 2.4 GHz. Maplin Code A75NF. £149.99

 

[nigelmercier]

I purchased a mini-itx ...

I don't think a mini-ITX will cut the mustard, the laptop I'm thinking of replacing has a Core 2 Duo Processor T8300. Perhaps the SFF systems are still not mature enough to be considering this yet.

 

[deuc02]

Got a Digital Yacht 12v Aqua PC going spare. Direct NMEA connection. Can't remember the spec, but now been replaced by a mac mini. Shout if you're interested.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I don't think a mini-ITX will cut the mustard

Why? I find the power/speed is quite OK for an on board Nav system. It might be a bit slow if you intend to stream video.

Just consider your Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 may be overkill for a on board nav system.