need a few tips

[freddykreuger666]

im a new into arcade cabinets and stuff and want some tips. i wanna start my own mame cabinet but have 3 drawbacks, no space, only

[Nailz]

I'd have to say that you aren't going to have much of a shot at building a cab for 200 pounds, unless you already have your wood and tools or you can find an empty cab really cheap.

It sounds like you need a computer as well which won't be cheap.

I'd say maybe try building yourself a control panel first and playing that way for awhile until you get some more cash.

As far as computer power, parts, etc., please read the FAQ and look at the stickies in the forums, these questions have all been asked way too many times.

Good luck!

[Stingray]

i was thinking of building my own computer to shove inside it. i want to be able to play all working mame games to date ...

200 gbp won't even buy you the computer you need, unless you know a guy that will sell you one out the back of his car.

-S

[AlanS17]

You can find a working arcade machine for less than that. Then you just have to come up with a cheap computer and a J-Pac. You'll have to sacrifice games, though, because I don't think you'll be finding a computer to suit your needs. Just find the games you NEED to have and get a computer that handles them. Getting anything fancier will drive the price way up.

[Avery]

Man, you guys are downers......

That being said, if you have to be able to play all the games that MAME supports, you're out of luck.  You won't be able to get all the controls you'd need for

[Ash...Housewares]

Just thought I'd throw in that patience can be a real money-saver.  If you are willing to put forth the time and effort to keep your eyes peeled for a good deal.  If you do some serious searching you might be able to find a decent cabinet that someone would just give you.  Also, there can be a lot of good deals on used controls and such from local vendors and eBay.

As was said earlier, if I were you I'd start building a control panel (maybe leaving room for the trackball and spinner until later).  Then maybe you can throw that onto a (hopefull free) cabinet later.

If you're like me, a whole cab may turn into quite a money pit so it's best to take it in stride.

As for the computer, maybe you should wait and see how much money you sink into the control panel before you start ordering parts for that.  You might be best off with a hand-me-down computer for a while.