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PC specs - overkill?
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Anubis_au:
Hi guys

I've finally taken the plunge; have done enough research to be able to begin making my own arcade machine. I've already ordered an ArcadeVGA (PCI-E version), an I-PAC2 and two Ultrastiks from Andy, and they are on their way.

While I am in the CAD stage of planning my cabinet, I want to get a testbed in place to test the various output device options, so that I can purchase my screen of choice and factor its size into the cabinet design. To that end, I've been looking at pc components to build a new pc.

The question is, are the specs below overkill, or have I spec'ed it about right, or even not spec'ed it high enough? If you can see where I might save a few bucks by downgrading specs where I can, let me know...

Foxconn DH-839 (Micro-ATX) case
A-Bit IP-95 motherboard (supports PCI-E)
3.2 or 3.4 GHz P4 (775)
1GB DDR2 RAM
Lite-on DVD-ROM / CD-RW combo
250G SATA
on board sound

My main concern: does a Micro ATX PSU have enough power to handle a pc, monitor, I-PAC, speakers, marquee light, side neon rings (yes, I'm doing a Knievel neon thing) and LEDWiz? This is my concern... I could always go for a bigger case with higher rated PSU but my cab will be based on an Aussie lowboy so size is of the essence, hence the small form-factor case I've spec'ed.

Anyway, opinions on wether its overkill / underkill, or... kill? :P
leapinlew:
Thats way more CPU than I've thrown into a cabinet...

As for your PSU worries... skip using the computers PSU for that power. Use a wallwart.
leapinlew:
Just make sure you get one that pumps out the right voltage and I presume DC

vidmouse:
I can't speak for the Foxconn but I'm not sure I would use the microATX case...
presumably your cab would have the space to hold a standard ATX and
you might get better heat dissipation in doing so (some people don't
even use a case at all, just mount the components direct in the cab)

Also, if you change to a standard ATX case, you'd have to change your
motherboard most likely...?

Anubis_au:
hmm... heat dissipation... hadn't considered that.

In my previous cab I used an old pc, and ran it case open.... but it was a Neo-Geo 4-player cab with alot more internal room.

But I might have a look at a normal case, running it open, or even just mounting the boards on the cab walls... thats how I ran the monitor high voltage and deflector circuitry last time...
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