Need help on computer specs?

[tapnout]

What do you guys think of this computer? It's from tigerdirect for 319.00. Should i get it? It's going to be for Mame and Mp3's only. Is the Celeron ok? Do you guys suggest something else that i could get for around that price tag?

eMachines T2682 Cel 2.6/ 256MB / 80GB / CD-RWDrive / DVD-ROM Drive / NIC / Win XP Home / Refurbished Open Box Desktop PC

[paigeoliver]

Well, my 100 mhz laptop plays mp3s just fine, and my 733 mhz laptop plays everything in mame with about ten exceptions, so I would think that would be more than enough.

[tapnout]

Think the celeron's are ok?

[paigeoliver]

Well, I think Celerons are garbage, but it doesn't matter as that is still more than enough horsepower for mame.

I PERSONALLY think buying/building a brand new computer for Mame is a big waste of money. I have never spent over $100 on a Mame computer myself.

[Apollo]

Depends how comfortable you are using DOS. The minimum specs for running WinXP are fairly high equating to $$$.

[cbmeeks]

Celerys (Celerons) are OK for simple tasks.  Actually, at my office, we actuall have a Celeron server running Windows 2000 Server with about 70 users.

I wouldn't want a Celery for a workstation.  However, this is a MAME machine so it should be fine.  I would ask if they can ditch WinXP so you can save a little money.  If so, then load it with Linux or DOS.

To me, seeing the Windows logo on an arcade kinda removes the "feel" of an arcade machine....at least with DOS or Linux it loads faster.

[tapnout]

So whick operating system should i ask for? I don't know anything at all when it comes to using dos. Is it hard to learn?

[pointdablame]

Well that speed would be plenty for MAME and MP3's, as people have said.  However, I'm going to say that I would NOT get that system if I were you.  For one, I never trust refurbished computer hardware... that's personal, but it is sensitive stuff, and not worth risking IMHO.  Also, many people (myself included) don't consider TigerDirect a good dealer.  If you look online, there have been many cases where people ordered refurbished stuff from TigerDirect and were shipped completely different items, which turned into a lot of trouble to get a refund or the correct items.

For $319, if you really want something "new" as opposed to just buying a used 1-2ghz range machine, I would build one yourself.

A quick look at NewEgg.com shows a nice shuttle Nforce motherboard for $75, which has onboard video that would work fine for MAME, onboard sound, and onboard NIC.  Grab a $55 Athlon 2000+, $40 Mushkin/Kingtson/corsair 256mb stick (maybe even 2).  Add in $20-30 for an optical drive.  That brings you to about $200.  Grab a 40gig drive (unless you really have 80 gigs of games and mp3s) and a nice Antec case/power supply combo, and you could probably come out cheaper.  Plus, its safer IMHO because its not refurb... and not TigerDirect.

Just my .02

[tapnout]

I've never put together a computer before. But your way sounds cheaper and 10X's more reliable. Is it simple plug and play stuff? Can someone who has no experience putting one together do it?

[tapnout]

Here is my shoppng cart from newegg.com. Does it look ok?I have no idea if this stuff will fit together. If anyone has time can the build me the best  system for around this price and give me the exact part numbers so i can order it? Thanks everyone, all of you have been so much help
 
 ANTEC Solution Series Super Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK3700AMB" -RETAIL  
Item# N82E16811129122


 $65.00  
 
   
 Rosewill 52x32x52x16 CD-RW & DVD Combo Drive, Model C523216, Retail  
Item# N82E16827190002
 
 $37.00  
 
 
Maxtor 40GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model 6E040L0, OEM Drive only  
Item# N82E16822140133
 
 $45.99  
 
 
 Kingston ValueRAM 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700
 
Item# N82E16820141302
 
 $40.00  
     
 
 Shuttle "MN31L" nForce2 IGP Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL  
Item# N82E16813150056
 Save to Buy Later  

 $76.00  
 

 
 AMD Athlon XP 2200+, 266 MHz FSB, 256K Cache Processor - OEM
 
Item# N82E16819103332
 
 
 $62.00  
     
Product total:  $325.99
   
     
 
 

[pointdablame]

It is EXTREMEMLY easy to build your own computer.  If you have any questions, feel free to IM me or email me.

Your parts list looks great.  Everything should work fine together.  I've actually used that case on 2 seperate occasions on computers for family members... its very easy to work with and the power suppy is great for the type of system you have.  I've never personally used Rosewill optical drives, I tend to use LiteOn drives myself, but it should be fine.  CPU is fine, HDD is fine.  Ram is fine, although you might want to consider throwing another 256 stick in either now or in the future if you're using XP.  If you're going DOS/linux/98, you're fine.

One hint: grab another IDE cable.  Most motherboard mfg's only include one cable, and you're better off putting your hard drive and optical drive on seperate channels.  Other than that, you should be fine.  Good luck.

[tapnout]

Ok so i just plug all this stuff together and it should work? I have windows 98 will it support all the parts? How do i install a OS to a blank hard drive? Thanks.

This is actually cheaper because with shipping the tigerdirect comes out to 370 and this comes out to 345.

[pointdablame]

It really is pretty much just plugging stuff in.  Read a few online tutorials on building a computer and just double and triple check that you are putting everything in the right way.  Most parts have notches or some sort of safety feature so that you can't put it in wrong.  IDE cables have a little nub that tells you the correct way.  Ram has a slot that is off center, so it only fits correctly one way. CPUs are the same way.  Athlon CPUs have a little gold triangle that tells you which way to place it.  It's really very simple.  I'd say the toughest thing for a first time builder might be putting on thermal compound, but you could also use the thermal tape (which isn't as great, but it'll do), so read up on that.

On that note: I just saw a problem with your parts list.  Your CPU is OEM, which means it is just the chip. You'll need a heatsink and fan for the CPU, so either buy the retail version of the chip which comes with a heatsink, or order a seperate heatsink/fan combo.  Sorry I didn't notice that last time, but without a heatsink, your CPU = fried  Retail will probably only be a few bucks more or you can get a heatsink/fan combo for 20-30 IIRC.  If you want options, let me know.

[foomench]

It is EXTREMEMLY easy to build your own computer.

One hint: grab another IDE cable.  Most motherboard mfg's only include one cable, and you're better off putting your hard drive and optical drive on seperate channels.  Other than that, you should be fine.  Good luck.

It is pretty easy to build your own computer. I've done so many times. Every now and then a memory DIMM doesn't seat, or you get a jumper wrong on a drive and that takes some time, but usually you can figure these things out.

I don't recommend buying another IDE cable yet. Often drives come with one, so you may not need an extra. That OEM hard drive might not, but the retail optical might.

I like newegg for motherboards, video cards, processors, and sometimes optical drives. But you're way overpaying for that hard drive, and maybe paying a little extra on the memory. Check the retail specials on Sunday, bensbargains.net, and pricewatch.com. These days you shouldn't be paying more than $0.50 per GB, and in the last month I've seen prices less than that.  Here are some examples:
Western Digital 80GB External Hard Drive = $70 AR
Western Digital 120GB 8MB Cache Drive = $40 AR (sold out)
Seagate Barracuda 160GB 8MB Cache Drive $55

The smaller drives are harder to find on special these days, but they do pop up now and then. Yes, that one drive is sold out, but others will show up.

-foomench

[exibar]

One thing to keep in mind about an OEM CPU.  You don't get a warranty with an OEM chip, plus you don't get the heatsink and fan.
  As a rule of thumb, always purchase a retail box CPU.  They are usually only a bit more expensive than the OEM part.

  Mike B

[tapnout]

Ok is this ok? It was only 7 dollars more. Also what is a thermal compound?

AMD Athlon XP 2200+, 266 FSB, 256K Cache Processor - Retail
 
Item# N82E16819103334

[tapnout]

So your sure that the motherboard goes with the case i bought and the ram goes with the motherboard? Just want to check before i order. Also how do you install an OS to a blank hard drive?

It really is pretty much just plugging stuff in.  Read a few online tutorials on building a computer and just double and triple check that you are putting everything in the right way.  Most parts have notches or some sort of safety feature so that you can't put it in wrong.  IDE cables have a little nub that tells you the correct way.  Ram has a slot that is off center, so it only fits correctly one way. CPUs are the same way.  Athlon CPUs have a little gold triangle that tells you which way to place it.  It's really very simple.  I'd say the toughest thing for a first time builder might be putting on thermal compound, but you could also use the thermal tape (which isn't as great, but it'll do), so read up on that.

On that note: I just saw a problem with your parts list.  Your CPU is OEM, which means it is just the chip. You'll need a heatsink and fan for the CPU, so either buy the retail version of the chip which comes with a heatsink, or order a seperate heatsink/fan combo.  Sorry I didn't notice that last time, but without a heatsink, your CPU = fried  Retail will probably only be a few bucks more or you can get a heatsink/fan combo for 20-30 IIRC.  If you want options, let me know.

[pointdablame]

your motherboard is a microATX form factor. Your case is ATX, and to my knowledge they will work just fine together, it will just not be as large as a regular ATX motherboard.

It is true that you could get the HDD and possibly ram for a few bucks cheaper, but you have to deal with rebates to do so.  Plus, you will also run the risk of getting generic ram.  If I were you, I'd spend the few extra bucks and just get everything in one place, but it's of course up to you.  Also, from my experience, HDD deals sell out QUICK, both online and in stores.  It's a big hassle (IMHO) to wait and get a deal.

The retail CPU is just what I was talking about.  The heatsink and warranty are well worth the extra $7.

Thermal compound is a paste that you apply to your cpu core, so that the heatsink and cpu core make good thermal contact.  It basically fills in all the miniscule gaps that are between the CPU and bottom of the heatsink, and allows the heat to transfer to the heatsink more efficiently.  Most retail CPUs will come with a thermal pad, which is almost like a piece of thermal tape on the bottom of the heatsink.  You can apply that right to the CPU instead of applying thermal compound *don't do both*.  The thermal pads are adequate, but much easier to install.  Thermal compound is better, but you have to apply it to the core yourself in a very thin layer *thinner the better*

It's really up to you, and as long as you have good airflow and don't overclock your system, the thermal pad will more than likely be fine, so I wouldn't be too worried about it.  If you do want to try thermal paste, get some Arctic Silver (not sure if NewEgg sells it or not) for $5 or so and that's that, but as I said, it's not really necessary persay.

EDIT: I saw I didn't answer a few of your questions.  Yes, your RAM is fine.   Also, to install an OS to a blank harddrive, you either insert a boot disk *if you are going to have a floppy in your system* or a bootable cd.  An XP cd will do, as it has formatting capabilities built in.  Then you'll have to format your hard drive and thats that really.  Just install an OS as you normally would after that.  You could perhaps borrow an XP cd from a friend just to format your drive, or use a boot disk.

[Tiger-Heli]

Also how do you install an OS to a blank hard drive?

The drive should come with DOS-based software to partition it.  If not you can get it from the drive manufacturer's website.

After that -

If you have a current Win98 machine, you want to create a system floppy.  I think it's under add/remove programs - Win98 Setup tab.

Boot to the floppy - it should create a D:\ Ramdisk, so you want to type

E:  (which is the CD drive).

At the E:\ prompt type "setup" and press enter and Windows should load itself.

Otherwise, if you can't get the floppy, I think you can set the BIOS to boot from the CD-Drive and load windows that way instead.

[Tiger-Heli]

Hate to do it to you, but I have a few alternate suggestions:

ANTEC Solution Series Super Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK3700AMB" -RETAIL  
Item# N82E16811129122
$65.00

Antec is okay, but I recommend getting this case:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-116-160&depa=1
Enlight Beige Mid-Tower ATX Case, Model "EN-7653" -RETAIL
Model# EN-7653
Item # N82E16811116160  
for 16.00 or 31.99 with shipping.

and this power supply:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-979&depa=0
Fortron 300W Power Supply, Model "FSP300-60PN" -RETAIL
Model# FSP300-60PN
Item # N82E16817104979
For $34.00 with shipping.

This is about the same total price, but if you read the comment (and I use one also) the supply is much better than the rated 300W and it's almost dead silent.

 
 Shuttle "MN31L" nForce2 IGP Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL  
Item# N82E16813150056
 Save to Buy Later  
 $76.00  

This one has to go too.  I've had good luck with Shuttle, but this one say "not warranted by newegg, return to manufacturer only, and while it does have on-board video, it doesn't have an AGP slot, which means if you ever want to run a TV in your cab, or need better video, you'll be replacing it.  $76 is fairly high as well.

Go with either:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-157-032&depa=1
ASRock "K7VT6" VIA KT600 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL $45.00 shipped (no video out, but you can pair it with either

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-142-021&depa=1
CONNECT3D ATI RADEON 7000 Video Card, 32MB DDR, TV Out, 4X AGP -RETAIL
Model# RADEON 7000 32MB
Item # N82E16814142021
$29.50 shipped

(Someone (Pointdablame?) please confirm that this 4X card works with the 8X AGP Motherboard).
or

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-164-001&depa=1
Rosewill ATI RADEON 9200SE Video Card, 64MB DDR, 64-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "92SE-AD-064B" -RETAIL
Model# 92SE-AD-064B
Item # N82E16814164001
for $39.00 shipped

or get this Nforce board without integrated video (which will work with the cheaper vid card
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-138-216&depa=1
BIOSTAR "M7NCD" nForce2 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL
Model# M7NCD
Item # N82E16813138216
for $51.00 shipped

or this VIA board with integrated video and an AGP slot
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-138-231&depa=1
BIOSTAR "M7VIZ" KM400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL
Model# M7VIZ
Item # N82E16813138231
for $51.00 shipped

Or if you really want an NForce 2 Integrated Video board, get:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-138-234&depa=1
BIOSTAR "M7NCG 400" nForce2 IGP Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL
Model# M7NCG 400
Item # N82E16813138234
for $66.00 shipped

Finally, if you don't get the retail CPU, this fan is dead silent and works well, but it's more expensive than the retail CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-186-105&depa=1
Arctic Cooling CPU Cooler For AMD Athlon Socket 462 up to 3400+, Model "Copper Silent 2M" -RETAIL
Model# Copper Silent 2M
Item # N82E16835186105
for $19.00

Really finally, if you need a floppy drive, keyboard, speakers, mouse, etc. Throw them in now.

I don't know if you knew this, but www.newegg.com charges lower shipping if you're buying a bunch of stuff, so it might even be cheaper than you think.

[tapnout]

Ok here is my final list. I will be connecting to a TV so i'll be purchasing a made my ati s-video out card. Please let me know if anything else is missing besides mouse,keyboard,ect.... Will everything here fit together and work? I going to purchase this if so. Thanks again guys.

 Enlight Beige Mid-Tower ATX Case, Model "EN-7653" -RETAIL  
Item# N82E16811116160
 
 $16.00  

 
 Rosewill 52x32x52x16 CD-RW & DVD Combo Drive, Model C523216, Retail  
 
 $37.00  
 
   
 DIY Blowout Sale!
Maxtor 40GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model 6E040L0, OEM Drive only  
Item# N82E16822140133
 
 $45.99  
 
 
 Kingston 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail
 
 $80.00  
 
 
 
 ASRock "K7VT6" VIA KT600 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL  
Item# N82E16813157032
 
 $44.00  
 
 
 
 Fortron 300W Power Supply, Model "FSP300-60PN" -RETAIL  
Item# N82E16817104979

 $27.00  
 
   
 AMD Athlon XP 2200+, 266 FSB, 256K Cache Processor - Retail
 
Item# N82E16819103334
 
 $69.00  
 
 

[tapnout]

Also will this be a good computer?

[foomench]

It is true that you could get the HDD and possibly ram for a few bucks cheaper, but you have to deal with rebates to do so.  Plus, you will also run the risk of getting generic ram.  If I were you, I'd spend the few extra bucks and just get everything in one place, but it's of course up to you.  Also, from my experience, HDD deals sell out QUICK, both online and in stores.  It's a big hassle (IMHO) to wait and get a deal.

I agree with just about everything pointdablame has to say. I usually buy the retail CPU as I'm not an overclocker. And if you want to get everything now, newegg is a good place.

As for rebates and hard drives, I haven't had any problems with out of stock or rebates. In the past year I've bought three 120GB drives and a 240GB this way (not for MAME, but a server, a new computer for the wife, and an HD capable HTPC/PVR). These came from CompUSA and OfficeMax.

-foomench

[pointdablame]

While I will still sing the praises of the Antec case and power supply, which IMHO are better, your list is perfectly fine.  It will work fine together, be a pretty darn good system for the money, and you have a lot of space for upgrades in the future if you'd like.

A 4x video card will work fine in an 8x slot (to answer Tiger-Heli's question).  It just won't work the other way around I don't believe (8x in a 4x slot)... although I've never tried it, so perhaps even that would work.  Either way, it's not really a concern for you tapnout since I know 4x cards will work in an 8x slot.

And nice move jumping up to 512mb of ram... it really will make a difference.

[tapnout]

Alright that's cool guys. I'm going to order it right now. I'll keep you guys updated. I'm sure i'll have a lot of questions when all the parts come in. thanks for all your advice.

[tapnout]

Hey tiger heli i was just wondering if i needed a case fan for that case i just bought?

[Tiger-Heli]

Hey tiger heli i was just wondering if i needed a case fan for that case i just bought?

Probably not - anyone else could answer this as well, but I'm running a XP 2800 Barton (non Overclocked) with that PS and an Arctic Cooling fan on the mid setting (not high) and I didn't bother connecting my case fan b/c temps weren't a problem.

[tapnout]

Ok guys i got most of my parts. I started putting things together and now have a few questions:

First my motherboard has an AGP slot that says "Do not use 3.3V AGP card on this slot" Its supports 1.5V. So how can i find out if my ATI Radeon 9000 64MB AGP card will work?

Also when i boot this up for the first time is there anything i need to do first to avoid messing anything up? Anything i have to make sure i did or did not do?

[tapnout]

Forgot this question too. The motherboard i have says it supports win98SE but i only have win98 will it still work? what's the difference?

[Tiger-Heli]

Ok guys i got most of my parts. I started putting things together and now have a few questions:

First my motherboard has an AGP slot that says "Do not use 3.3V AGP card on this slot" Its supports 1.5V. So how can i find out if my ATI Radeon 9000 64MB AGP card will work?

Also when i boot this up for the first time is there anything i need to do first to avoid messing anything up? Anything i have to make sure i did or did not do?

I had the same question previously.  Trust me - New motherboard and new video card, you will be fine.   3.3V cards are basically pre- Nvidia TNT2 era.

First boot hints - If applicable, make sure all jumpers are set correctly (especially FSB (Front Side Bus) if applicable).  Make sure CPU fan is connected to motherboard power.  Make sure monitor is turned on so you can see what is happening.

For an initial build, you might want to leave off the ide cables (so no CD, floppy, or HD), and then start up to ensure that the motherboard BIOS and video card, CPU, and memory are working, but that's pretty much overkill.  (Useful for tracking down problems later, though).

[Tiger-Heli]

Forgot this question too. The motherboard i have says it supports win98SE but i only have win98 will it still work? what's the difference?

Probably, the only possible issue would maybe be the drivers for the board not being compatible with 98 first edition, but that would be rare. . .  I have Win98 and bought the Win98 Upgrade CD for about $10, IMS, but I can't seem to find them anymore.  (And I'm not sure how you would upgrade it, if you couldn't install 98 to begin with.).

Best thing I could tell you would be to try it, but I don't think you'll have a problem - good thing is if you do have a problem, you can just wipe the drive and install a different OS - more $$$, though.

[pointdablame]

Just repeating what tiger-heli said:  MAKE SURE THE CPU FAN IS CONNECTED.

If it isn't it'll work fine for a few mins, then POOF.

Check jumpers is a must, double check cards and RAM are seated correctly, and listen for beeps on startup.  One single beep is ideal, and means your computer POSTed fine.  This will only happen if you have a videocard/ram/etc connected.  If you get other beep codes, check your mobo manual for "Post codes"

I also like to keep the case side off for the first boot up and actually see what the system does.  Look to see fans go on, activitiy lights on mobo go on (if applicable), etc etc.

[tapnout]

Thanks guys. My vid card should be here today. I'll let you guys know how things go.

[Tiger-Heli]

If it isn't it'll work fine for a few mins, then POOF.

A few minutes is fairly optomistic for an AMD system.

I also like to keep the case side off for the first boot up and actually see what the system does.  Look to see fans go on, activitiy lights on mobo go on (if applicable), etc etc.

I like to do this also.

[pointdablame]

If it isn't it'll work fine for a few mins, then POOF.

A few minutes is fairly optomistic for an AMD system.

Tiger... do you have some stories to tell?    I've never killed an AMD chip myself, but my neighbor did a number on his... it was funny, but only because it wasn't mine heh  

You're right though, the CPU won't last even a few mins.

[Tiger-Heli]

If it isn't it'll work fine for a few mins, then POOF.

A few minutes is fairly optomistic for an AMD system.

Tiger... do you have some stories to tell?    I've never killed an AMD chip myself, but my neighbor did a number on his... it was funny, but only because it wasn't mine heh  

You're right though, the CPU won't last even a few mins.

Actually no, but IMS Tom's hardware fried one in something like 7 seconds.  I'm not sure what they did, b/c I have stopped the fan manually and the temps didn't climb quite that fast, but it won't last long without the fan.

[foomench]

Just repeating what tiger-heli said:  MAKE SURE THE CPU FAN IS CONNECTED.

If it isn't it'll work fine for a few mins, then POOF.

This is certainly not a thing to test unless you like cooking silicon, but don't the newer AMD chips now have a shutdown protocol? After that Tom's Hardware cooking I thought they started putting something in like the Intel chips. The P3s shutdown, and the P4s slow down and then shutdown in cases of overheating.

-foomench

[Tiger-Heli]

Just repeating what tiger-heli said:  MAKE SURE THE CPU FAN IS CONNECTED.

If it isn't it'll work fine for a few mins, then POOF.

This is certainly not a thing to test unless you like cooking silicon, but don't the newer AMD chips now have a shutdown protocol? After that Tom's Hardware cooking I thought they started putting something in like the Intel chips. The P3s shutdown, and the P4s slow down and then shutdown in cases of overheating.

-foomench

I don't think so, other than the mobile XP's.  The newer XP's have a thermal diode on one of the pins, but it is up to the motherboard to read this info and shut down the chip, AFAIK.

I could easily be wrong on this, though!

[pointdablame]

I'm pretty sure AXP shutdowns are motherboard based, not chip based.  As Tiger said, the CPU has the ability, but the mobo must shut it down.  My old A7N8X deluxe mobo shuts down the CPU before overheating, as do many new motherboards.  

[tapnout]

Ok guys i hooked everything up and everything seems to work. But i am having a few problems.

1: My keyboard seems to have power even though i shut down the computer. I can see the NUM LOCK light or CAPS LOCK light glowing if i press it.

2: I'm testing my computer with my x-arcade. It works fine on this computer but when i try it on my new computer it doesn't work. The buttons only work on neogeo games. But when i play anything else it doesn't do anything. That coin up and start buttons work, as well as the joystick. But other than that i can't kick, punch.shoot, ect....

3: I'm using win98 and running mame32. Why can't i see the titles of my games? I even tried changing the font and enlarging it to as high as 72 and i still can't see anything.

Thanks.

[Tiger-Heli]

Ok guys i hooked everything up and everything seems to work. But i am having a few problems.

1: My keyboard seems to have power even though i shut down the computer. I can see the NUM LOCK light or CAPS LOCK light glowing if i press it.

Pretty common on newer computers.  Mine does this also.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Unless it really bothers you, then you could maybe tape over the lights?

2: I'm testing my computer with my x-arcade. It works fine on this computer but when i try it on my new computer it doesn't work. The buttons only work on neogeo games. But when i play anything else it doesn't do anything. That coin up and start buttons work, as well as the joystick. But other than that i can't kick, punch.shoot, ect....

I'm guessing MAME is pointing to a different set of cntrl.ini files than the X-Arcade directory.  Maybe related to 3. below. . .

3: I'm using win98 and running mame32. Why can't i see the titles of my games? I even tried changing the font and enlarging it to as high as 72 and i still can't see anything.
Thanks.

There a setting in MAME32 to refresh the game list, not sure how to do it, though. . .

[tapnout]

OK that's cool. The lights don't bother me. I was just worried i hooked something up wrong or something.

Refreshed mame and now i see the fonts.

As for the controls i just put in a new set of ini. files and it all works now.

Thanks tiger-heli.

[pointdablame]

Just wanted to say congrats on the build.  You'll never buy a brand name computer again

[gregor7777]

Ok guys i hooked everything up and everything seems to work. But i am having a few problems.

1: My keyboard seems to have power even though i shut down the computer. I can see the NUM LOCK light or CAPS LOCK light glowing if i press it.

Thanks.

It's not a problem at all. The motherboard has a feature called Keyboard Power Up, which allows you to power up the computer with a keyboard press. Usually it is the NumLock or some such key. Tiger Heli is correct, many newer motherboards have this feature. Personally I like it on my desktop system, and incidently it could be used to power up an arcade system with a button wired and mapped to it (I haven't tried this but I can't see why it wuldn't work).

If you look through your BIOS there usually is a way to turn the feature off if it bothers you or you won't be using it.

[tapnout]

Hey guys if you want to see me first CP i'm about done with it.

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=23864