PC Cost confusion.

[MrKadroh]

Okay, I know the prices of components and i'm not new to building pc's, gaming, or anything else related. But I saw some guy in a forum post say that he builds his MAME PC's that can play up to NFL Blitz with lag but playable for $250 that boggles my mind.

I think the user name of this person was Badmouth, I cannot send msg's im assuming because my account is new, but id be interested in a component list for your MAME machines on a budget. I'm building this for my dad so I dont need to be able to run ridge racer or SSFIV or anything like that.

[MrKadroh]

Also, Badmouth if you read this please post your $250 component list because im not getting much under $400 and its really getting to me haha

[yotsuya]

I think he bought the PC out of the back of a van behind a gas station, right?

[MrKadroh]

I think he bought the PC out of the back of a van behind a gas station, right?

LoL

Well I know there are some dual cores on newegg around 3ghz that OC closer to 4ghz that would probably be completely sufficient. Just trying to weigh my options before I hit the purchase button.

[yotsuya]

I built a great MAME cab that ran almost everything, but I pulled the trigger when NewEgg was offering free RAM. If you're not in a super rush, you could keep an eye out for deals.

[MrKadroh]

I built a great MAME cab that ran almost everything, but I pulled the trigger when NewEgg was offering free RAM. If you're not in a super rush, you could keep an eye out for deals.

What CPU did you decide on and depending on your monitor choice what GPU did you go with?

[BadMouth]

(feel like I'm being fished by a puppet, but lets do this anyway)

Not sure I'd still buy an AM3 socket that's on it's way out at this point, but that's what I'm familiar with so:

Power supply $27 after rebate (I paid $20 for each of the three I've bought)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

Processor $55 (I have the triple core version in my driving cab and current build.  Usually spend $65 on processor)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103953

Mobo $46 (or $40 w/shopprunner free shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135318

2GB Memory $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145252

250GB hard drive $50 (HD prices have gone up, I got 500GB drives for this price when I built mine.  there is probably a better deal out there)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152226

I have old Nvidia 8600GTs in my cabs.  I'm not sure what the new equivelant of it would be, so I'm just picking whatever looks like a decent $50 card.
$40 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130680
or $50 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133458

No case since it's going in a cab.
No keyboard and mouse because I have extra and it won't need them after it's in the cab.

I get XP keys from old junk business computers.
The 64 bit version is hard to come by.  I've only found one.   

My current build has Vista on it, so I guess that could be added to the cost of the computer.
I think I paid $70 for the system builder version from newegg circa 2005 and was lucky enough to have it successfully register again when I built a new PC.  You can get Windows 7 for that price when it's on sale.

[BadMouth]

I'm building this for my dad so I dont need to be able to run ridge racer or SSFIV or anything like that.

Ridge Racer won't run in MAME, but it will run in the Viva Nonno emulator.
The PC version of SSFIV runs just fine.

[MrKadroh]

(feel like I'm being fished by a puppet, but lets do this anyway)

Not sure I'd still buy an AM3 socket that's on it's way out at this point, but that's what I'm familiar with so:

Power supply $27 after rebate (I paid $20 for each of the three I've bought)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

Processor $55 (I have the triple core version in my driving cab and current build.  Usually spend $65 on processor)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103953

Mobo $46 (or $40 w/shopprunner free shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135318

2GB Memory $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145252

250GB hard drive $50 (HD prices have gone up, I got 500GB drives for this price when I built mine.  there is probably a better deal out there)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152226

I have old Nvidia 8600GTs in my cabs.  I'm not sure what the new equivelant of it would be, so I'm just picking whatever looks like a decent $50 card.
$40 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130680
or $50 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133458

No case since it's going in a cab.
No keyboard and mouse because I have extra and it won't need them after it's in the cab.

I get XP keys from old junk business computers.
The 64 bit version is hard to come by.  I've only found one.   

My current build has Vista on it, so I guess that could be added to the cost of the computer.
I think I paid $70 for the system builder version from newegg circa 2005 and was lucky enough to have it successfully register again when I built a new PC.  You can get Windows 7 for that price when it's on sale.

Well damn I didn't expect a list with links.. quite impressive good sir thanks for your input!

Anyone else want to add what they have went with or would go with

[Brian74]

 I went with Intel Core i5-3570K BX806237i53570K Processor - Quad Core, 6MB L3 Cache, 3.40GHz (3.80GHz Max Turbo), Socket H2 (LGA1155), 95W, Fan, Unlocked, Retail. For the motherboard I went with  MSI Z77A-G45 Intel 7 Series Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2 (LGA1155), Intel Z77 Express, 2667MHz DDR3 (O.C.), SATA III (6Gb/s), RAID, 8-CH Audio, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, PCIe 3.0, SLI/CrossFireX Ready. The ram I got was Kingston HyperX Blu KHX1600C10D3B1/8G 8GB Desktop Memory Module - DDR3, 1600MHz, CL10, DIMM, 240 Pin. The video card is a EVGA GeForce GTX 560 Superclocked 1024 MB GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 2DVI/Mini-HDMI SLI Ready Graphics Card, 01G-P3-1463-KR.  The power supply is a Corsair CMPSU-700G Gaming Series GS700 700W Power Supply - 700W, ATX, 140mm Fan, Tri-color LEDs. Last but not least. First thing I did was try running all the NFL Blitz games. To my disbelief, it ran all three with no problems at all! Next up, Gauntlet Legacy and Gauntlet Dark Legacy. They run good too.

[edekoning]

I also went with a Core i5 based setup, but its was not exactly cheap (530€/710$). Though you can easily save some cash (150€/200$) by opting for a cheaper PSU, regular HDD, less RAM, cheaper i5, stock cooler, etc.

• CPU:     i5-3570K
• Mobo:   Asrock B75 Pro3-M
• RAM:    8GB Corsair Vengence (low profile, 1600Mhz)
• Cooler: Scythe Nugen 3 PCGH
• SSD:    128GB Samsung 830
• PSU:    Seasonic G-550 (modular,  80 Plus Gold)

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,119175.msg1323724.html#msg1323724

[slappyhooper]

I have to throw my .02 in here too...

Although I'm not as experienced building the cabinets as some of you fine folks, I definitely want to +1 for going the Intel route.  Or, at the very least going with a Phenom II and overclocking the crap out of it.

I just built a similar system as badmouth. (Athlon II @3.4) only 8 GB DDR3 and Windows 7 x64.  and I tested MAME on that build before I sold the computer. 

as it sat, Blitz was playable, but not really enjoyable. IE, sound stuttered, and game had slowdown.

What's frustrating is that it's soooooo close to emulating Blitz decently, but falls just short of enjoyable.
My guess  is with decent cooling, and overclocked to about 4 GHZ, the x2 270 would probably be about the sweet spot for running blitz.

If it were me though, and blitz were that important to you, I'd bite the bullet, buy an Intel Ivy Bridge i3 processor. Figure something like this:

Processor            120
Motherboard         60
RAM (4 GB)            20
Hard Drive             50
P/S                        30
---------------------------------
Total                    280 ish.
Add a few bucks on for windows COA if you don't have any XP COAs laying around.
Basically you're still looking around 300 all said and done, which isn't bad. Notice I didn't price in a computer case, since you can just mount the motherboard to the inside of your cab, and for video card, I'd just use onboard, honestly. It's plenty good for MAME.

My .02

[BadMouth]

I just built a similar system as badmouth. (Athlon II @3.4) only 8 GB DDR3 and Windows 7 x64.  and I tested MAME on that build before I sold the computer. 

as it sat, Blitz was playable, but not really enjoyable. IE, sound stuttered, and game had slowdown.

I make no guarantees. 
Performance can vary greatly depending on how the computer is setup.
My systems have all unnecessary services disabled, including networking.
I think having a third core helps out with the overhead.
Windows 7 is more resource hungry.  Newer versions of MAME are also more resource hungry.

My 3.4Ghz X3 runs the original Blitz smoothly with only the occasional crackle in the sound.
I'll post video when I get a chance. It does choke on newer versions of the game.

Like I said, I'd probably go with a newer socket if building today.
When my current build is complete, I plan to start a new PC for it based on a fast i5.

[michelevit]

Dont forget you can always buy used PCs on craigslist or ebay. Bleeding edge power users often upgrade their machines every year and sell off their old build for pennies on the dollar.

[slappyhooper]

Dont forget you can always buy used PCs on craigslist or ebay. Bleeding edge power users often upgrade their machines every year and sell off their old build for pennies on the dollar.

What he said. I see i5 and i7 systems all the time getting dumped by guys who have to pay rent or something for cheap.
The only problem with that is, I just don't trust other people to build computers. I know it sounds crazy, but I always worry somebody would throw in some crummy parts or flaky hard drive or something, and sell it to dump it off.
I've very particular with everything I build, and take a lot of pride in getting everything right on the build.  That's why I never jump on CL computer deals.

@Badmouth,

No worries, I seriously had the same thought as you did, independent of your recommendations when I picked up the computer.  I suffer from a condition that makes it impossible for me to not buy cheap computer components when I see them. The sick thing is I don't need them at all.  Because of this, I had RAM, Hard Drive, DVD drive, Power Supply and MB already sitting in my closet when I bought the Athlon II x2 270.
 
I didn't tweak the OS or anything, I was just curious how it would run Blitz.  I actually have a AM3 Phenom II x3 720 waiting in the wings for when I build myself a cab.  I figure it should be good for 3.5 GHZ or so when I OC it, and that should run MAME perfectly...when I get around to it. For me, the problem comes down to managing my time/money and curbing my impulsive side......

[kahlid74]

This is what I use and it runs NFLBlitz99 and Gauntlet legends pretty damn well:

[yotsuya]

That's the processor and Mobo I got, too! Mine came with 8 GB Ram free. I didn't get a case or video card.

[MTPPC]

Please forgive the cut and paste. I just bought this combo for my next pinball simulator:

Intel Core i3-2120 BX80623I32120 Processor - Dual Core, 3MB L3 Smart Cache, 512KB L2 Cache, 3.30 GHz, Socket H2 (LGA1155), 65W, Fan, Retail (I69-0212)
$114.99
   
     
Ultra LSP750 750-Watt Power Supply - ATX, SATA-Ready, SLI-Ready, 135mm Fan, Lifetime Warranty w/ Registration (ULT-LSP750)
$69.99
   
     
GIGABYTE GA-Z77-DS3H Intel 7 Series Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2 (LGA1155), Intel Z77 Express, 1600MHz DDR3, SATA III (6Gb/s), RAID, 7.1-CH Audio, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, PCIe 3.0, CrossFireX Ready (G452-2366)
$104.99
   
     
Corsair CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9B Vengeance Desktop Memory Module - 4GB, PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, 9-9-9-24 CAS Latency, Intel XMP Ready, Unbuffered (C13-5722)
$25.37
   
I got a couple of GTS250 video cards that I'm going to use in it. I'll upgrade the video card(s) if I have to.

Buying a good computer isn't cheap, but if you don't need nfl blitz and hoggy games, you can get by with a P-4 2.0 GHZ curbside find.    

[paigeoliver]

You can probably buy a blitz cabinet for about the same money it takes to emulate one full speed.

Build your cabinet with a used PC, upgrade for free 5 years down the road to another used PC that can play blitz full speed.