Main > Main Forum
New Computer for MAME
(1/3) > >>
Dizzle:
So, the harddrive on my MAME computer crashed -- the drive wasn't even a year old.  Just another episode in a long history of frustrations with this computer which was actually a freebie.   

Instead of putting anymore money into this machine, I've decided to move on.  I don't want to spend a lot of money -- the machine will  be used exclusively for MAME and other classic emulators -- but I don't want to go too cheap and have processing power become an issue when running some of the games that take a lot of processing power (Killer Instinct comes to mind).

I was thinking something like an eMachines -- I see one with an AMD Athlon 64 3800+.  I'll definitely be adding memory to it, but I wanted to see what everyone thought about it.  My other concern is everything comes with Windows Vista now and I'm not sure how well all of the emulators work with the new OS.

Any help?

Thanks!
TheDriver:
Buy the components, you will be much cheaper this way, mount the mb in the cab. Just my opinion as I have never bought a PC off the shelf.

Regards.
Neilyboy:
I used to think I could do better building a machine from newegg parts online but lately you would be impressed with what they have to offer for a decent price on dell small business (just makeup a fake business name when you order-I just did this for a cousin of mine 2 weeks ago when they had the deal on spoofee.

This was the most recent deal.
http://slickdeals.net/?permadeal=10238#direct_deal_10238

$469 with free shipping

Specs

Intel Core 2 Duo Proc E6550 (2.33GHz,4MB L2Cache,1333FSB)
Genuine Windows XP Home or Vista Home Basic if selected
Dell 19 inch Widescreen E198WFP Analog Flat Panel Monitor which you can upgrade to the 20" digital flatpanel below for 50 bucks
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz - 2DIMMs
80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache
48x CD Burner / DVD-ROM Combo Drive
128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8300GS upgrade below
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Next Business Day On-Site Service
Good upgrades to consider:

Dell 20 inch Widescreen E207WFP Digital Flat Panel Display [add $50]
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT [add $50] or 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GTS, 2DVI [add $80]

All for around 500 bucks or so give or take a 100 depending on your specifications.. but then you have a brand spankin new 20" lcd to mess around with.

Neil
Shattered:
I agree with the "order a cheapy" method, chances are building your own will cost you more.   Even if it costs a bit more, you get a "turn-key" box.   All you have to do is, plot it in the cabinet and load the software and your ready to go.   

Building your own takes time, and fussing.   

urbecrisch:
Check out ubid.com I bought a refurb Gateway that has more than enough power to run Mame and is also expandable for $290 including shipping.  Didn't come with OS, mouse or keyboard but you can get all of those cheap somewhere else if u want.  Worth checking out.  Good luck.
Navigation
Message Index
Next page

Go to full version