u cut the end off the pc's brick? hp (as most others) use 18-19v in most of their bricks, not 12v-14v, as from a car.

 

^ Ya we know that, the psu converts it from 12v (battery) to 19v (PC).

 

I'm guessing the video card is onboard? You have it plugged into the monitor and no video desplays? Lastly it give a beep code error before POST?

It could be that all you need to do is re-seat the ram. Do you have another PC PSU around. Try plugging that one in, and then into the wall. This will rule it to a PSU error or a motherboard/cup/ram or whatever else error.

 

Good luck with your project. I hope you figure out your dilemma. I'm hoping to embark on this journey pretty soon.

 

We tried re-seating the ram, nothing. No video shows. Not sure about the error code before POST, I'll have to check.

Unfortunately I dont have another AC cord for the PC (we completely destroyed it trying to figure out what that third line was. I tried plugging it in with a lower wattage AC cord and it gives the same 4 beeps. But that could be because its not enough wattage.
I've searched online a bit more and I've determined that its 1 of 2 issues: 1) we fried the mb, or 2) its a power supply issue (ie that smart pin I was talking about). I'm going to try putting back together the ac cord without burning down my house lol, so that way if the pc starts it will rule out the fried mb.

Luckily I have a third option if all else fails, which is a labtop which im not using due to a broken screen. It will work, but I'm hoping to avoid this because it'll mean the install wont be as clean as I was hoping for in the trunk.
I'll keep you guys posted..

 

So I managed to use the old AC cord and booted up the computer (thank god, this means I didnt fry the MB lol).
Anyways, we're 90% sure its the 'Smart ID' which the HP's require. We're gonna attach a 1k resistor to it tomorrow which should simulate the signal it needs. Once that it complete the install will be pretty much done and I can do a detailed write-up of a carPC for those of you who PM'd me..

 

Awesome! Best of luck! My carpc stuff will be coming soon.

 

Cant wait for the finished product.

 

It's dangerous to watch **** and drive at the same time.

 

So what's the progress on this? I couldn't help but update this when i saw you mention your carpc in your other thread.

 

Also interested...Was debating on doing a carmac on my truck.

 

It's finally done. I'll post a vid of it all working when I get a chance. Have a very busy weekend..
Will say this though, woks awsome, and sounds amazing (5.1 surround)!