Does MAME use multi-core CPU's now?
Price-wise a $300 ryzen cpu vs a $300 i5 cpu = i5 is slightly faster in single core/threaded processes but ryzen with 8 cores and 16 threads blows it away in multi-core apps.
People tend to forget that nowadays people are running more than just MAME.
There are additional processes in the background: (Which stay in the background when MAME launches)
- Front Ends (If running something like Hyperspin you need a decent processor)
- Drive mounting software (for emulators that have ISO images mounted for CD or DVD games)
- AHK scripts running to re-map controls (YMMV)
The point is - AMD has been making cheaper processors than Intel for ages (I use a Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition in my existing MAME cab and it runs great). However, this is the first time that AMD has put forth a product that is not only cheaper by just as fast as Intel (great bang for your buck). The last time I remember this happening was in the 486 days when AMD had the 486DX-40 (40 mHz was the fastest at the time).
Anyway can't wait to see cheaper PC builds for MAME cabinets in the future.
DeL