Best All in One Solution

[Truz]

I am currently looking for the cheapest and best all in one solution for a mame cabinet. Over the summer i bought and x-arcade solo and have had so much fun with playing arcade calssics on my computer.

Now like many others i am looking for more. I want a 2 player cabinet so i can get that true arcade feel. I have been looking at several flatplacked diy cabinets on the net and wanted to know which one would be best. If you want to know why i want a flat pack system it is because i know nothing about wiring or woodwork to build my own cabinet, and have no idea where to find an old cab to fix up here in NJ. So what do you guys think is the best solution if one is looking for a flatpack cab. I really like the slik stik cab with the slik stik classic controller. It looks awesome but when both are combined together it can be about $1500. Then there is the x-arcade which can be cheaper but it doesnt really look like an arcade cabinet. It just looks like a big tv stand and doesnt really have that arcade look.

So what do you guys recommend. Is the Slik Stik worth it? Is there anything better out there that i am not aware of. Help me out here guy, any input is appreciated.

[Malachai]

If you don't have the tools/time to build you own cab, it sounds like the Slick Stick cab is definately worth a look.  There is a review of it over at http://retroblast.com.  Hope that helps.

[hyiu]

if $$$ is not a problem....

yes... silkstick cab and silkstick stick will solve your problem.....

however... if you cannot afford silkstick cab....

then you'll need to 'learn' how to fix up things to lower the price....

like get used cab for lower price.....

where in NJ ??.... snaaake is in Brooklyn and maybe he could give you some pointers....

[ashardin]

Keep an eye out on Ebay, there are always "project cabinets" available everywhere in the country.  That's how I did it, I fixed up an old generic cabinet.

Not only will you pay $50-$125 depending on the cabinet, but you will save a lot but getting moldings, hardware, bezels, etc. that the costs really ad up.

Your worst enemy is being in a hurry.  Check out the for sale forum here, ebay, and call arcade distributors in your phone book.  Many of the mamers here have a "project" cab sitting in their garage as well they might want to clear out (I know I do!).  Good luck!

[eightbit]

Cheapest and easiest is to find a project cab. I can't believe that you can't find one in NJ. There is so much little stuff that you'll get with a used one and your guaranteed a arcade look because your getting an actual arcade game.

If you still want a new one search ebay for them I know there are regularly several guys that cut them on CNC that ship flat.

[Truz]

the thing is in NJ I just don't know where to look. Where would i go, is there any auctions or warehouses that i could go to? I think if i got a used cab i would still just buy a slik stik classic and attach it to the arcade cab.

But when i start to think about it, a flat pakced system just seems so much easier. I mean i comes with everything i need. If i were to refurb one on my own i have to clean it up, paint it, make a shelf for my monitor and basically just do a lot of work. Lol i guess i sound kind of lazy to you guys who have buit  all of your cabs from scratch. Do you guys think it would be that much harder to get a used unit and fit it for mame use? And if so where do i start looking for one in NJ, i live in Edison which is in Central Jersey.

[eightbit]

Do a search on the archive for auctions, you'll find some links. It seems to me that there are occasionally some in New Jersery though I don't pay much attention since thats to far for me.

Theres nothing wrong with buying a pre-built solution your just not going to find a lot of experience with that here since this is BYOAC.

[hyiu]

ok.... bottom line is.... if you can afford it, and you don't mind spending the $$....

get the silkstick.... and once its here.... a few hours to put it together.... bamm.... its done.... brand new arcade.... everything fits... no paint... no waiting for glue and paint to dry.... ready to play.... - but actually... you'll still need to put together the computer... monitor... this and that... its still some work.....

but to most of us... that amount is kinda out of line....

if you have access to a van / truck / suv... or some car that can stuff a cab in.... and is willing to drive around an hour...
(no guarantee... but I think snaaake might be willing to hook you up.... snaaake is a nice guy...   ) I would suggest you PM snaaake if you're interested.....

bring cloth to cover the cab... a used cab can be dirty when you pick up....

he's in Bklyn... so.. it should be around 1-1.5 hr drive for you.... not bad at all....

assuming you do get a used cab.... (hey... maybe you can get a working used cab... then you can play right away !!!... haaa haa...)

anyway.... a used cab gutted could be something like less than $100 to whatever.... (I don't think you'll want working cab or cab with any popular game... - cos that will cost $$..)

anyway... if you pick the right cab... you should be able to fit a silkstick panel with minimal modifcation.....

that should be easiest... but it'll take at least a wkend to cleanup... maybe repaint / touchup.... etc... but its fully done...

but I think its not a bad deal if you can save at least a couple hundred bucks.....

the choice is yours..... pay $$ for less work ??... or save some $$ and do some work.... your choice....

ps: if you need to sand / paint / cut wood... etc.
I would suggest you don't do it in your bedroom or living room.... so... if you don't have a garage or somewhat isolated work area.... maybe you should spend the extra $$...

I think I've said too much already...  

[Truz]

I think that the slikstik would be the best choice for me, and the extra money really isnt that bad.  I did however want to ask you guys opinions on the computer i am going to use here are the specs:
p4 1.3ghz
512 mb ram
Geforce 3 (original version no ti)

So what do you guys think of that for running mame. The only reason i ask is because i am currently using my new computer to run mame. It is a p4 3.0ghz 1 gig ram, geforce fx5900 ultra (its a beast). And that computer plays everything perfectly. So will the 1.3ghz pc do just fine? Also i have some monitor questions. I want to get like a cheap 25-27 inch tv from best buy and want to know what the games look like on a tv. Currently i am playing them on my 19 inch comp monitor, and am afraid that i am gunna be dissapointed with a tv with s-video. How do arcade games look on a tv?

[paigeoliver]

have no idea where to find an old cab to fix up here in NJ.

Dude, New Jersey is pretty much the old arcade cabinet capital of the world. It is the only state that has game auctions EVERY SINGLE MONTH. Here in St. Louis we get like 2 a year. New Jersey has around 15 of them per year.

If you can't find a cabinet in New Jersey, it is only because you haven't looked. There are so many cabinets in New Jersey that I wouldn't be surpised if you found one underneath the couch.

But hey, it is your money, spend it however you wish.

[Truz]

is there a website that lists a bunch of auctions that take place in NJ, or a web site with any info about finding an old cab?

[eightbit]

is there a website that lists a bunch of auctions that take place in NJ, or a web site with any info about finding an old cab?

Good grief man, must we hold your hand to cross the street? Type "arcade auction" into a search engine and you will find more than just these couple links.

http://www.auctiongamesales.com/
http://www.superauctions.com/dates.html
http://www.usamusement.com/
http://www.basementarcade.com/arcade/auction/index.html

edit: sorry I posted this before my morning coke, I didn't mean to be so grouchy...

[Truz]

lol sorry if i am a bother, kind of new to this stuff. Thanks a lot for all the help.

[Tailgunner]

The P3 1.3 system you mentioned will run the vast majority of games in MAME just fine.


Beyond the auctions in the area, check your phonebook for amusement companies. Not all used cabinets are beat up, and you should have no problems finding a nice 2 player JAMMA cab for a fair price.