Best hardware and OS for Mame?

[JimMilly]

Hi,

I am planning to build an arcade machine based around MAME (an excellent program!!).

Whats the best hardware to base MAME around? I am aware it runs on several different systems, I am currently using a G4 Mac. I was considering using a PC based architecture and either Linux or Windows as the OS as this will allow me greater flexibility in terms of upgrading (compared to Apple anyway!).

I posted this query to another Mame forum and was directed here (in addition to getting some useful opinions from various folk regarding the optimum setup).

I gather the AMD or Intel question is largely irrelevent (they both have their strong and weak points), so I am favouring AMD at the moment due to the cost advantage.

I think I will probably plump for a decent motherboard with built in sound and graphics, get 512Mb of RAM and as fast a processor (AMD) as I can afford.  But what OS?

I already have a spare copy of 98 & ME, however Linux always remains a possibility with it basically being free!

If anyone would like to post an ideal spec that would be interesting too! Although money is most certainly an object (for me anyway!), I am prepared to spent a reasonable amount to make sure it will run games smoothly.

Coincidently does anyone here with a highend PC have any problems running the later games under mame?

Any replies now matter how brief would be greatly appreciated!

James.

[pointdablame]

I'd recommend reading these forums a bit, as this topic comes up very very often.  There is even a "official" what computer do I need thread around here somewhere.

To try to answer your question though, most anything will work.  For one thing, no computer you can build today will run EVERY game in mame at optimum speeds, the processing power just isn't there yet.  Think about that for a second and then realize that you can play 98% of all MAME games on something like a 1ghz system.  You could also probably play 90% of the games on a 500-700mhz system.

So as you can see... most anything will work for you.  To play the newer games that are actually playable, I'd say go for a 1.5-2.0ghz system, but only if you really want to play those handful of games... otherwise, you're wasting your money.

I don't use Macs but people have used them in mame machines before, so it is an option.  Don't use ME, its the worst M$ OS ever created... in fact, throw the disc away right now..... no.... break it, burn it, then throw it away.  98 is great since it isn't as bloated as XP, but I'd only suggest it for an older system.  If you are building a new system, you will have no problems at all running XP, and that's what I would suggest.  Linux is also a good option, and works great (I hear) once set up.  Again linux is especially nice for older systems, so if you have the ability, XP will probably be "easiest" ... but not necessarily "best"

I also prefer AMD, but like you said, either AMD or Intel will work great.  Take the better deal, whether its AMD or Intel.  One thing to note is that you probably don't "need" 512mb of ram if all you're using is MAME.... but it will help if you're gonna be playing anything other than MAME.

I have a pretty high end AMD system at home and it plays just about everything except the handful of games that are still unplayable today.  For comparison, its a AMD 2500+ at 3200+ speeds.

Hope I helped a bit

[Pieman2004]

Windows will have more options for software. Linux should run faster.
As for your computer specs. You said it, just get the fastest you can afford.

[Tiger-Heli]

As pretty much already stated,

'98 will work, but is not the best choice.  Do not go over 512 Mb or RAM with '98.

XP is fine (especially if you disable the extra "Services").

Linux is very fast and stable, but you are greatly limited in available front-ends, if that is a concern.

I think many of the dev's (Haze in particular) use Intel hardware, so a lot of the drivers are optimized for it.  But you can usually get a faster AMD machine for less than an equivalent Intel, so it's a toss-up.

[Trimoor]

If you can figure linux out, go for it.
If you get a mini distribution, it will boot and run much faster.
Also, take a look at Linux BIOS.  It allows you to boot linux in about 3 seconds.

For motherboards, I would reccomend a cheap one with an AGP slot.  I never had much luck with onboard video.
Whatever you do, DON'T get a "gigabyte" brand motherboard.  I had about 3 of them crap out on me.

I also use AMD, and think it quite nice.

Don't forget to microwave the windows ME disc.

[jbeersm]

One recommendation I will throw in, DON'T use video built into the motherboard.  Spent the extra money and purchase a seperate video card.

[pointdablame]

I've built systems with built in video with no problems.  You are better off with a seperate card yes, but for mame, it'd be more than sufficient.

Nforce2 based motherboards with onboard video are VERY good, and I'd recommend them.  You don't have to steer clear of onboard video at all, it would work just fine.