Can I just hook it up and my computer will detect the resolution for the arcade monitor?
I'm guessing no. So what do I do?
As you guessed, It's not that easy.
You should really read this page...
http://easymamecab.mameworld.net/html/hardware.htmTo summarize...
For the official Windows MAME release (or MAME32) on a
15kHz Arcade Monitor or SCART TV -- Ultimarc's ArcadeVGA
For DOS MAME on a
15kHz Arcade Monitor -- Ultimarc's ArcadeVGA.
For AdvanceMAME on an
Arcade Monitor -- Nvidia TNT2, Trident Blade T64, or Matrox G400 --
combined with JPAC (or Video Amplifier)
Note that it's VERY important that you use a J-PAC for the above setup.
When you first boot your computer, the BIOS screen is at too high of a refresh for an arcade monitor and will damage it. The J-PAC senses this and divides the signal to protect your arcade monitor.