Processor for my project

[solfood]

I'm building a computer to go in the 3 CP cocktail cabinet that my father is building for me.
I currently have an Athlon 1700+ that I could overclock a bit.  I'll start with 256 DDR2100. Will I be able to play MOST games.  Any experiences overclocking the 1700+?

I'll post pictures when dad is done.  He just retired and need something to do, so I put him to work...I

thanks.

[RacerX]

You won't need to overclock that processor.  You will be able to play all but a handfull of games that require processors faster than anything that is out right now.

[solfood]

that's great news..a little suprising too.  so why are people using faster systems and more memory?

[RacerX]

Some people are using them for PC games or even for their main PC, like me.  

[cdbrown]

and because some people also want to be able to play a few of those games you can't play with your setup.  It all depends on which games you really want to play.  I want to play the mortal kombats, nba jams, nba hangtimes (as well and many many others) and I have found that on my system some of the games don't run as well as I had liked at stock speeds - so I o/c the xp1800+ to run at 1.95GHz and these games run smoothly.

Best bet is to just play the games and see how you go with what you have. Also remember to tweak the OS your using by removing unnecessary options which take processor time and memory away from mame.

[shmokes]

For me it's all about versatility.  I have an Athlon 2500+ which isn't exactly state of the art these days, but it ain't bad.  But I love racing games and, frankly, there is nothing in Mame....NOTHING...that comes close to comparing with the likes of Rallisport Challenge or Colin McRae or Midnight Club, etc.  Really, there are a glut of fantastic racing games out for PC that aren't emulated and as much as I (and presumably my guests) will have a blast with Mame I want my cabinet to be as great as it can possibly be.  Hence the decent processor and decent 3d card (another thing that is irrelevant when it comes to Mame).

[Inaba]

I'm running a 1700+ overclocked to 1800... and it runs everything except Tekken so far.  

Although, I haven't tried Mortal Kombat and the like, so I dunno...

If and when full emulation comes to MAME for Tekken, I'll upgrade to whatever CPU is necessary... but right now, I don't feel the need for anything beyond the 1800.

[Tilzs]

There is a sticky thread at the top of the board. Check it out, should answer you question