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Thinking about a Neo Geo MAME cabinet...
ferrarimanf355:
OK, let's talk hardware here now a little. I was thinking about using a VIA EPIA II Mini-ITX mainboard with a 1.2 Ghz processor, like the one here:
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/209
I'd then use an Archos Mini HDD to store all the critical info on my cab, like the one here:
http://www.archos.com/products/prw_500455.html
Since the mainboard has USB 2.0 ports, and the Mini HDD draws power from the USB 2.0 port, that's one less cable to worry about. :)
Speaking of power, how would I power the mainboard? Can I use the cable on the harness that connects the Neo Geo PCB and connect that to the mainboard?
Witchboard:
I think you board is a little overkill. I run Neo-Geo games with NeoRageX just fine on an older (cheaper) mini-ITX board. I wouldn't think MAME would require much more. You won't find a Neo-Geo game that requires anything that fast. Also, why would you spend all that money on that hard drive? You're having a full size cab right? Is there a reason why the hard drive has to be miniture also? If so, you should consider a laptop hard drive with a 3.5" to 2.5" converter. That's how I did my project and it works great. I would just use a standard ATX power supply. I have a smaller power supply that runs around 50 watts and I haven't had a problem.
Here's my question. Are you going to run the arcade monitor or replace it with a computer monitor or TV? You'll have to remember that Mini-ITX boards don't come with an available AGP slot.
I guess you answered my question with the "J-PAC" statement. 8)
Nephus:
well, you've picked the same system I'm wanting to put into my project, except I'm just gonna use a drive I've got laying around. It might be a little overkill for just Neo games, but I'm building an all-around system. Good choice on boards.
Gameboy.au:
No real comment about the idea, but maybe some inspiration.
I loved SNK's Neo Geo so much, that my cab will have interchange control panels, one just for the NEO-GEO style layout.
Got the sign writer out a litle while ago now.....
ferrarimanf355:
--- Quote from: Witchboard on August 30, 2004, 11:04:35 pm ---I think you board is a little overkill. I run Neo-Geo games with NeoRageX just fine on an older (cheaper) mini-ITX board. I wouldn't think MAME would require much more. You won't find a Neo-Geo game that requires anything that fast. Also, why would you spend all that money on that hard drive? You're having a full size cab right? Is there a reason why the hard drive has to be miniture also? If so, you should consider a laptop hard drive with a 3.5" to 2.5" converter. That's how I did my project and it works great. I would just use a standard ATX power supply. I have a smaller power supply that runs around 50 watts and I haven't had a problem.
Here's my question. Are you going to run the arcade monitor or replace it with a computer monitor or TV? You'll have to remember that Mini-ITX boards don't come with an available AGP slot.
I guess you answered my question with the "J-PAC" statement. 8)
--- End quote ---
Thx for the comments. I was thinking about using that HDD because I can do updates just by unplugging it from the cab, plugging it into my lappy to do updates, and plugging it back in into the cab. As for NeoRageX, if I can run all of the Neo games on that, and if there's a good frontend to use for that emu, I'll go ahead and use that. If the 1.2Ghz mobo is overkill, perhaps I should just get the fanless 600 Mhz mobo with an onboard DC-DC converter, like this one here:
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/175
As for using a dedicated power supply for the mobo, I'll do that, as long as I can do it neatly and not drill a hole in the back to get the cord to the power strip (might as well use a Bits Ltd. Smart Strip if I'm going this route... :) )
Mind you all, this is just a pipe dream at the moment, but once I get around to doing this, I'll keep all of this in mind as I make my choices. BYOAC'ers are truly the best. 8)