PC Requirements (need help)

[Yourname942]

When it comes to PC components I have absolutely no idea what I need.

I'm trying to figure out everything that I need in order to run Dreamcast games at (or just very close to) 100% performance. (My plan is to also have older console games, but I want to build a pc to be able handle dreamcast games well.

My question is what components (specifically) do I need in order to run Dreamcast games around 100% performance? (I think I would be using Nulldc but I'm not sure yet)

power supply:
motherboard:
cpu:
ram:
hard drive:
video card:
sound card:

I'm going to continue to try to figure it out, but if anyone knows please let me know, I'd seriously really appreciate it. Thanks.

[404]

it really depends on what you want out of your mame rig.

What games do you plan on running?
what version of mame do you plan on running?
do you plan on running any non-mame games?
if you are going to play any non-mame games, are they 3d games?
what OS do you plan on using?

[Yourname942]

What games do you plan on running?

Mostly fighters, sidescrolling shooters, dungeon crawlers, console games, etc

what version of mame do you plan on running?

I'm not really sure to be honest.

do you plan on running any non-mame games?

Yes, snes/nes/ps1/dreamcast/ Saturn/ Genesis/ N64/ Master System/ (and ps2, gc + xbox1 [if possible])

if you are going to play any non-mame games, are they 3d games?

Yes.

what OS do you plan on using?

Either Windows Xp or Windows 7. (most likely Win 7)

Edit: I'm also going to be running Hyperspin as the fe.

[404]

dreamcast is going to require at least a dual core processor in order to work at full speed.

[tony.silveira]

power supply:
motherboard:
cpu:
ram:
hard drive:
video card:
sound card:

i run dulldc just fine on my rig.  the only slow down that i have seen is running newerm 3d games within mame, as mame doesn't use the gpu),

here is what i built, what i can remember.

power supply:
motherboard:
cpu: intel core 2 duo 8400 (o.c. to 4ghz)
ram: 4gb
hard drive: have a few in there
video card: ati 4850hd
sound card: onboard

[Yourname942]

Would this setup work well for Nulldc, (possibly Gc/xbox1/Ps2 as well)? or is there obvious issues/better choices/anything missing? (for around the same price)

HDD: two 1TB hard drives (or just 1 tb, idk yet tho)
Ram: 8GB DDR3 2x4gb
Case: Fractal Core 3000 (or possibly Lian Li K58w)
PSU: Antex NEO ECO 520C 520W (or Seasonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W)
GPU: HD 7850
Socket: 1155
CPU: I3 2100 (or I3 2120)
MOBO: AsRock Z77 Extreme4

I followed the build under "Great" here:
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/The_FalconO6/CurrentLogicalPCBuyingGuide/Guide.png

Is there anything that should be switched out (or is it safe (good enough) to continue with this build?) Thanks.


Edit: I'm also not sure what graphics card I'd need to run DC/GC/xbox + ps2 games as well.

[mytymaus007]

i5 core 2500k  My system rocks when someone here says they cant play the game 100% I try to play it and sur enough Im able to play it 100% Yu can also overcock it which i didnt yet but most people get it running perfect well over 4Ghz  listen to everyone else says and before you buy that system price the difference what an i5 core 2500k cost it will be more but think of the future! 

[Yourname942]

i5 core 2500k  My system rocks when someone here says they cant play the game 100% I try to play it and sur enough Im able to play it 100% Yu can also overcock it which i didnt yet but most people get it running perfect well over 4Ghz  listen to everyone else says and before you buy that system price the difference what an i5 core 2500k cost it will be more but think of the future! 

what about the build i listed? would that run well you think?

[mytymaus007]

i5 core 2500k  My system rocks when someone here says they cant play the game 100% I try to play it and sur enough Im able to play it 100% Yu can also overcock it which i didnt yet but most people get it running perfect well over 4Ghz  listen to everyone else says and before you buy that system price the difference what an i5 core 2500k cost it will be more but think of the future! 

what about the build i listed? would that run well you think?

Looks good whats the price so far? as you listed and how much more for an 15 2500k

[Yourname942]

as it is right now If i bought the listed components it would be $750~$830 total.

Someone on a different forum post said to make sure I get a dedicated graphics card (i'm not sure if I get a dedicated graphics card in addition to a reg one or not) [or is it just the 1?]


Edit: if I was to get an I5 2500k it would be $100 more (it would cost $220)

[mytymaus007]

as it is right now If i bought the listed components it would be $750~$830 total.

Someone on a different forum post said to make sure I get a dedicated graphics card (i'm not sure if I get a dedicated graphics card in addition to a reg one or not) [or is it just the 1?]

instead of using the onboard graphics use the one you want to buy a (dedicated card) but your system sounds good but pretty pricey for only an i3 processor i5 performance stock is the best bang for buck newegg sells for $219 but i think thats to pricey you can find one with a mother board combo cheaper Any way check this auction out notice the cpu chart and were the 2500k is and where the i3 is in the list and of course you can but the over clocked chip for only $399 at 5Ghz

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-EVOLUTION-2500K-5GHz-Extreme-Intel-Core-i5-CPU-LGA-1155-3570K-i7-3770k-/300724209318?pt=CPUs&hash=item46048f46a6

[Yourname942]

Yeah I most likely will get the I5 2500k (will that take up more ram + reduce processing speed compared to an I3 2120?)

I still have no idea which graphics card I need for Dreamcast/xbox/ps2 + gc games though.

[mytymaus007]

Yeah I most likely will get the I5 2500k (will that take up more ram + reduce processing speed compared to an I3 2120?)

I still have no idea which graphics card I need for Dreamcast/xbox/ps2 + gc games though.

I wouldnt even buy one yet use the onboard graphics for now. I have dreamcast running fine but im not big into it so im not sure if all games run 100% but if its like everything else im running you might be able to save$$$$$$$ unless there is a proven video card that makes the dreamcast work100%

[mytymaus007]

http://www.ehow.com/info_10061717_pc-requirements-nulldc-16.html

[Yourname942]

I wouldnt even buy one yet use the onboard graphics for now. I have dreamcast running fine but im not big into it so im not sure if all games run 100% but if its like everything else im running you might be able to save$$$$$$$ unless there is a proven video card that makes the dreamcast work100%

There is no onboard video chipset on the AsRock Z77 motherboard though. I don't mind paying the extra $100 if it will improve the quality + performance.

[mytymaus007]

I wouldnt even buy one yet use the onboard graphics for now. I have dreamcast running fine but im not big into it so im not sure if all games run 100% but if its like everything else im running you might be able to save$$$$$$$ unless there is a proven video card that makes the dreamcast work100%

There is no onboard video chipset on the AsRock Z77 motherboard though. I don't mind paying the extra $100 if it will improve the quality + performance.

ok then get the card you wanted to get any cards today should be more then enough to run dreamcast!