What's the best configuration for a P3-450Mhz

[goofy]

I've got a P3-450 Mhz computer that I want to setup solely for MAME. What's the best way to set up this computer. I would like to have a spinner and trackball through USB or PS2 ports and I'll just be using an old keyboard hack. I'd also like to be able to hook up a regular keyboard and mouse for configuration and such, as well as changes down the road.

I have Windows 98 and XP. Beyond that I'm pretty clueless. I know nothing about Linux and don't want to learn. And, I only know enough about dos to change directories.

ssblsuggestions would be helpful. Please be as detailed as possible.

Cheers all.
-goofy

[coldrain]

Hi there

I am running a the same sort of system you want.
I have the dos version of mame because it is so much easier to hide windows, much faster to boot (around 5 seconds) and I only had to know how to change directories to make it work If I need to do anything else to the system I just open a dos window from my front end and run windows 98.

I was thinking of a Keyboard hack but went with the "ultimarc" I-PAC because of the ease of use and the PS2 thro port enables me to conect up a keyboard to make changes ect.

If you want to know any more about my MAME system just ask

Coldrain

[Minwah]

I would go DOS too, with ArcadeOS or GameLauncher.  Avoid USB devices tho.

Check out this site for help with DOS MAME: http://www.mameworld.net/easyemu/

[Lilwolf]

Dos is the way to go for mame.

You might also look at a few older emulators.  Mame v57  (and maybe even try mame v36... These are faster versions, but they contain more hacks.

But if you do go with windows.. look at other emulators for cps2 and neogeo... And you might get a few more playable games out of other emulators.  (note... there might be some good dos based cps2 and neogeo emulators... I don't use any)

[Dexter]

I built a cab using arcadeos, dosmame .63 and a PII 350. Ran full whack for most games so your P3 with dosmame should do the trick.

Word of advice. Get an I-Pac, it will save you a lot of hassle.

Dexter

[goofy]

So, just to clarify, should I install only DOS, or should I install Windows 98 and just run the DOS versions of MAME?

[Minwah]

So, just to clarify, should I install only DOS, or should I install Windows 98 and just run the DOS versions of MAME?

I would install Windows 98, and get it to boot into real DOS (not the same as a DOS box within Windows).  From memory you need to make c:\msdos.sys non-hidden and non-read-only, edit and set 'bootgui=0'.  This way you can still use Windows for things if you need, just type 'win' to start Windows.

Please someone correct me if I'm wrong on the msdos.sys thing, it has been a long time...

[barranger]

My question is are you really going to have more games run at full speed by going with dos as opposed to XP.  The only reason I'm asking is with XP you get full USB support and remote desktop access.  While it does boot a lot slower, you can have it hibernate to cut down that time.  The reason I ask is I've got the exact same set up for the cab I'm building and under XP it can run sf2 fine, but not mk1.  Would DOS allow me to do this (or   will it really give me any games that I can't run now)?

[Popcorrin]

I think the main point here that should be emphasized is that you can get the biggest improvement on playability in regards to processing speed by using an older version of mame.  As mame progresses it uses less and less hacks causing a decline in processing speed which usually isn't a problem because computers are getting faster and faster.  But if you want to use an older computer you will want to use an older version of mame and I do agree you are best off using dos if you can get it configured to work with your hardware properly (which can be difficult).

   The main problem you will run into using an older mame is that some of the roms have since been updated and therefore some games won't be compatible unless you update your set ( which can be difficult).

There was an old thread in which paigeoliver described which mame was best with different ranges of cpu speeds.  I will see if I can dig it up.

[pointdablame]

I'm pretty sure paige alwasy recommended mame .55

I'm going to throw a 450mhz system into my bartop that I'm building and that's what I plan to use.  I'm not really sure firsthand what actual performance gains Dos will yield over say XP lite or similar, but I figure I'll just test out both and see.

[Nefesis]

a few questions: 1. if i'm running mame dos, can i get it to automtically start mamewah when the computer boots? 2. if yes to the first questions, can i set up mamewah while in windows and not dos, then switch to dos? i might have a few more but can't rememeber them at the moment. thanks in advance!

[LeedsFan]

I would go DOS too, with ArcadeOS or GameLauncher.  Avoid USB devices tho.

---steaming pile of meadow muffin---..... I've bought USB versions of both Opti-Pac and I-Pac, but not yet fitted them. Why do you advise this?

[Wizard of DelRay]

a few questions: 1. if i'm running mame dos, can i get it to automtically start mamewah when the computer boots?

If you're using DOS then you won't be able to use MAMEWAH at all.  It's for use with the command line version of MAME.

[Nefesis]

thatsucks. arcadeos has a built in front end and it's dos, right?

[Wizard of DelRay]

Yeah, but you should also give GameLauncher a shot.

[SteveJ34]

Yeah, but you should also give GameLauncher a shot.

I second the notion for game launcher for simple dos box front end.

This is what I have configured for bartop classic projects I am working on....just gotta get the cab building started now......