PC specs for a Visual Pinball build???

[garnerb350]

Ive got the itching to do a VP virtual pinball cab... Past week I found out that the P4 I have stashed is having a hard time running some of the games... So with that, I am thinking of buying a referbished PC if possible... Im not the best but i am ok with computers and I was wondering if the ppl here who has built their VP cabs..what PC would they pefer?...What should i look for?

I want to be simple and ive never built a PC (too scared to) Ive done simple upgrades on past PCs...

Is there a PC out there that is cheap and ready to go?

[njay]

I am running this for a 2 screen setup

Core2Duo E7400
4GB Ram
1GB GTS250   (1GB is important because new released tables use higher reso graphics)
Asus Mobo

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

You can probably get away with something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883155017

And then put a video card like this in it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161315

It's possible that the 300W power supply in the computer won't be enough for that card. According to the feedback, it's standard ATX on the inside, which means you could replace it with something beefier like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015


So if you did all three, you'd have a mostly out of the box ready to go PC for around $550.

[garnerb350]

Yeah, ive been searching like a madman and luckly i found more info on the Hyperspin website ( after i posted here)

The common denominator that i have seen is 4 gig Ram, MB to have 2 PCI slots, 2 Nividia graphics cards, 600w power supply and I guess dual core...

Im planning on hopefully doing the 3 monitor setup...

Now with the price of monitors and my lack of space and raising a family, I want to try and get the PC first. The only PCs i have currently are P4 and I figured I could use them for mame builds...

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

PCIe, not PCI. They are different. PCI is an older standard that is being phased out.

If you're willing to take the plunge and build your own machine, you'll probably end up with a more cost effective solution:

Cd/DVD : 19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

1Tb HD: 69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433

Motherboard: 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131668

2 Videocards: 129.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150492

Power Supply: 64.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

4Gb ram: 59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

Triple Core 3.1Ghz CPU: 73.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103872

Windows: 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

$618.91 + around 8$ shipping, minus $45 in mail in rebates.

I didn't include a case here because I assume you'll just be sitting it inside the cabinet.

[Jeff AMN]

Nice list of parts. I'm about to the point where I need to order. I have my two monitors (doing a 2 monitor setup as it's a smallish cab), have most of the materials (buttons, wood, etc.), but I don't have any computer parts. I've been waiting to see if I could get some good holiday prices first.

[garnerb350]

cotmm, Thanks a alot for the info...I will def use it... I always wanted to build a PC, but always been "gun-shy"... (mostly lack of supervision) guess I need to man-up and get my feet wet....

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Modern PCs are embarrassingly easy to build. Everything is either color coded or only goes in one way. About the only way to screw it up is to physically force something into a socket until it breaks, or just be willfully unaware of what you're doing.

[HanoiBoi]

The 2 PCIe slots are if you are going to use 3 monitors.  Each Video card can handle 2 monitors.  If you think you'll want to move to 3 monitors, you'll need a motherboard with 2 PCIe slots.

One key element that I often read, as you have also, is that you'll want Nvidia video cards.

Here's a link to unofficial* Cabinet & Hardware Specs for Hyperpin.  It's a great start; http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4764

*unofficial, because there aren't any official specs anywhere

I'm in the process of a build and did the same searching as you.  In the end, I went with an ASUS motherboard with 2 PCIe slots, a quad core CPU, 750W power supply, 2 1G Nvidia graphics cards and a 4G memory stick.

[garnerb350]

Hanoi...glad im not the only one...yeah i am searching and deciding on what to get.... The thing is that this will be my first attempt at building a PC... when you got your list, what was your total price?

[HanoiBoi]

Hanoi...glad im not the only one...yeah i am searching and deciding on what to get.... The thing is that this will be my first attempt at building a PC... when you got your list, what was your total price?

Probably more than I was hoping to pay...lol.  I'll PM you with some details.