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PC Hardware Specification
wcndave:
I am sure there are threads on this, however cannot find one. Please feel free to just point me to one.
Seems that MAME started more than a decade ago, and that the processing power of computers in the last 5 years so far outstrips that of the 80's it's amazing.
However looking at most builds, people are using fairly kick ass computers were possible.
And I must say I have an atom mini-atx with a 1.6GHz CPU and 4GM RAM and it does seem a little slow when there is lots going on, e.g. lots of characters on screen. in mslug.
is it just the graphics card that is important if all else is fairly modern? (my mini-PC has only onboard)
And why do so many seem to lay everything out on a board when PC cases exist that would easily house it all, keep it cooler, and prevent dust build up?
thanks
Dave
lilshawn:
the atom family just isn't a great processor. The lack of a decent sized cache on the processor is a real hindrance.
PL1:
There are several variables at play in this question:
1. MAME software - Earlier versions require less computing horsepower. As more games are supported and the emulation gets better, the hardware requirements increase.
2. Computer hardware - The computer industry "arms race" of software vs. hardware race is constant. As each side adds features or speed improvements, it encourages the other to do the same to keep up with them. The good news is that this competition drives down the cost of getting relatively recent generation hardware.
3. Video cards - Most MAME games don't use the GPU. They rely on the CPU for rendering IIRC. Other software like Visual Pinball is more likely to tap into the GPU.
--- Quote from: wcndave on September 24, 2012, 04:53:09 pm ---However looking at most builds, people are using fairly kick ass computers were possible.
And I must say I have an atom mini-atx with a 1.6GHz CPU and 4GM RAM and it does seem a little slow when there is lots going on, e.g. lots of characters on screen. in mslug.
--- End quote ---
Why use the higher end system? See #2 above. They are trying to get ahead of the arms race so they can run current software without lag/stutter and they have more wiggle room if they decide to upgrade their software.
Either that or they have their heart set on using Hyperspin. :lol
Why does your system seem slow? See lilshawn's earlier post. :dunno
--- Quote from: wcndave on September 24, 2012, 04:53:09 pm ---is it just the graphics card that is important if all else is fairly modern? (my mini-PC has only onboard)
--- End quote ---
As per #3 above, unless you are running the newer 3d games or VP, the graphics card isn't going to make much difference. Related thread here.
--- Quote from: wcndave on September 24, 2012, 04:53:09 pm ---And why do so many seem to lay everything out on a board when PC cases exist that would easily house it all, keep it cooler, and prevent dust build up?
--- End quote ---
Some people upgrade their motherboard and use the old one in the cab, others buy just the MB/CPU/memory to keep costs down.
For cooling, some PC cases don't allow enough air circulation.
For dust, depends on the location and the build.
Why lay it out flat on a board? Because it's easier/faster than mounting it to the side wall and most people don't plan ahead for dust control/mitigation.
Scott
wcndave:
Hey Scott, thanks for the detailed response!
--- Quote from: PL1 on September 24, 2012, 05:56:15 pm ---1. MAME software - Earlier versions require less computing horsepower. As more games are supported and the emulation gets better, the hardware requirements increase.
--- End quote ---
You must be right, however it just surprises me, since 1997, CPU gone up from 133MHz to 2GHz 4core = 64 fold increase. RAM from 16MB to 4GB = 256 fold increase. Yet the ROMs are all the same... and ran on PCs from that age fine... hence my query really.
--- Quote from: PL1 on September 24, 2012, 05:56:15 pm ---
2. Computer hardware - The computer industry "arms race" of software vs. hardware race is constant. As each side adds features or speed improvements, it encourages the other to do the same to keep up with them. The good news is that this competition drives down the cost of getting relatively recent generation hardware.
--- End quote ---
Didn't think this would apply much to MAME as it has a specific purpose, the roots of which are fixed in time.
--- Quote from: PL1 on September 24, 2012, 05:56:15 pm ---
3. Video cards - Most MAME games don't use the GPU. They rely on the CPU for rendering IIRC. Other software like Visual Pinball is more likely to tap into the GPU.
--- End quote ---
good to know, so if I get a MB, then any decent GP from last 3 years would be ok.
--- Quote from: PL1 on September 24, 2012, 05:56:15 pm ---Either that or they have their heart set on using Hyperspin. :lol
--- End quote ---
this would make sense, needing better performance to run fancy front ends...
--- Quote from: PL1 on September 24, 2012, 05:56:15 pm ---
Some people upgrade their motherboard and use the old one in the cab, others buy just the MB/CPU/memory to keep costs down.
For cooling, some PC cases don't allow enough air circulation.
--- End quote ---
Looking at the projects, most people are going to have a case lying around, or get an old one off ebay for $5, and it actually improves cooling quite significantly by creating a sort of wind tunnel. You don't want circulation, you want air coming in and out. in any case most people here seem to do a lot of modding, so would be able to mod a case. I think I will use an old case (have about 30 having been in computers for 20 years and throwing nothing away), just a shame I cannot reuse all that old kit to run a 2MB game from 1980's as SWMBO's condition was to get rid of some of the old rubbish... skip here i come!
Thanks again!
BadMouth:
Metal Slug slowed down on the original hardware which is accurately emulated in MAME.
It's a poor game to judge things by.