PC SPECS FOR MAME CAB

[hackingthebox]

First off I wanted to thank everyone on the awesome forum for all the great useful information. Its only been 2 days since I found this site yet I have been on non stop. I've never built anything in my life yet today I went and started my Bartop Mame cabinet thanks to everyone here. I will post pics in the Project announcements section when I get them uploaded. Since I had to purchase cutting tools to complete my project (and hopefully a full size cabinet in the future) I wanted to get a budget PC.

MY QUESTION:

Will this PC (link below) be enough to run the latest MAME games?
I mainly want to run MK1-3 along with Marvel capcom but it would be nice to pick up a budget PC that will be able to handle the newer titles such as blitz. I know I have read lots about this same topic yet I am not too upto date on PC specs and processors these days.
If you guys think that this PC would work out for me then I will go pick it up tomorrow at my local Fry's.

Also, would I be able to upgrade the graphic's card in this machine?



http://www.frys.com/product/6516483?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG


Product Features:


    3.2GHz Intel Core i3-550 processor with 4MB cache ensures swift processing

    Intel Hyper-Threading Technology features 4-way multitask processing that allows each processor core to work on 2 tasks at the same time

    750GB hard drive provides ample storage of important files

    6GB of memory offers efficient multitasking

    16x DVD±RW drive reads and writes a variety of formats

    Intel HD graphics and integrated 7.1-channel HD audio provide an immersive multimedia experience

    19-in-1 media card reader is compatible with most memory cards

    2 front and 4 rear USB 2.0 ports provide fast digital transfer and easy peripheral connectivity

    Integrated 10/100/1,000 Ethernet networking interface with RJ-45 network port and a wireless-N mini-card ensure fast, convenient Internet connectivity

    Monitor connections: VGA, DVI

    Includes Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system

    Included Software: Microsoft Office Starter 2010, 30-days of McAfee SecurityCenter with antivirus, antispyware and firewall

    Connectivity: 6 USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, line-in, microphone, RJ-45 Ethernet, headphone, 2 microphone connectors and line-out

    Expansion Slots: 1 PCI, 1 PCIe x16 and 2 PCIe x1

    Includes computer, 20" monitor, USB keyboard, USB optical mouse, power cables and monitor cable

    Warranty: 1 year in-home service, parts, labor and 24/7 phone support

[ABACABB]

That would be a pretty powerful MAME PC and for the price I would jump on it.  You may come up just a tad short for playing NFL Blitz but with some minor tweaking in mame you could get it to be playable (you'll most likely experience some sound stuttering)

Blitz is a pretty demanding game for mame. With that said, all of the other games you mentioned would run almost effortlessly on that system.  Good Luck.  Wish I had a a Fry's nearby.   

And yes you could add a more powerful card to this system down the road. It won't benefit MAME much now but if you decide to run some other, newer arcade emulators, it will be necessary.

[xefned]

That is a crazy good price, especially considering it comes with a monitor, keyboard, and Windows 7. It's certainly more power than most of the mame machines on this forum I gather.

[hackingthebox]

awesome thanks for the help!

Yes Fry's is great!

[LeedsFan]

The i3-550 is an excellent processor that is very willingly overclocked. I run the same processor at 4.1 GHz in my Neo-Geo box (click link in sig) and it's very stable. I got it running faster but alas wasn't stable over time. It will run all day at 4.1 though.

[paigeoliver]

I am using an 8 year old PC in my cabinet and it runs the Mortal Kombat series and Marvel Vs. Capcom just fine. My money went towards a new 27" Wells Gardner D9200 and the highest quality controls that money can buy.

Blitz and other 3D titles require a metric ton of processing power, 2D titles do not (particularly if not running the latest mame version). Most 3D titles also want analog controls (IIRC blitz had 49-way joysticks with an option to use 8-ways).

If you are on a "budget" of any sort the PC is the least important link in the chain. One someone is throwing away will more than do unless you just MUST use hyperspin and HAVE to have Blitz and emulation of the playstation 2 or similar right now.

If you do buy a new pc for your project then I suggest buying it as the very last step after everything else is done. Seen enough people buy an expensive PC first and then end up taking 2 years to finish building their cabinet (while that $900 PC became a $200 PC in the meantime).

[bizkonson]

hi perhaps you can help me as well,
i installed an old amd dual core 2.4 and im having issues with the die hard game and the tekken tag the, 3d games in general as it seems.
and im also planing in the future to install a PS2 emulator inside for some 3d kids games...

any suggestions on what hardware should i upgrade my pc to so i can run the 3d games with no problem?

[paigeoliver]

Just wait until it works right on budget hardware. There have been 3D games in mame  for a decade and as a whole they have not worked right at all and have encouraged people to throw brand new hardware at them and then still not work right the entire time.

You can probably BUY your must have title cheaper than you can emulate it. Heck, I have a Tekken Tag board screwed to the wall on my test bench as my test board for monitors.

hi perhaps you can help me as well,
i installed an old amd dual core 2.4 and im having issues with the die hard game and the tekken tag the, 3d games in general as it seems.
and im also planing in the future to install a PS2 emulator inside for some 3d kids games...

any suggestions on what hardware should i upgrade my pc to so i can run the 3d games with no problem?