Noob looking to build a MAME cab...advice welcomed

[billpa]

Hi all,

Ive spent the better part of a month reading up on this site and trying to figure out a cab style and setup that I would like to build. I am a complete MAME noob. Currently I run a few games on my Mac at home. Its been awhile since I have worked on a PC (my job as a graphic designer keeps me pinned to Macs). Basically, I want to build a slim cab (similar to Knievel's builds) with a 19 or 20 inch LCD screen. Most of the games I enjoy are older games although I would like to be able to play some of the fighter games like MK and Street Fighter. I would really like to have a 4 player control panel as I have a lot of friends over my house to drink beers occasionally (I brew my own beer). I think I would like to have a trackball to play some of the golfing and bowling games and perhaps a set of lightguns for some shooting games. I would like to include a dual usb mount somewhere on the front edge of the cab to plug the guns into (I think...of course I am open to suggestions).

I currently do not have a computer for this project. I obviously want to keep costs as low as possible so I have been looking on ebay and craigslist for a computer that wont break my bank (under 200 i hope). I have read through all the FAQs and I am still a bit confused on what I am looking for in terms of a computer. The overall impression I have gotten is processor speed is the most important and a single chip would suffice. As far as speed, I am unsure what would be a good number to shoot for. In regards to RAM, around 512MB would be a good starting point with 1G being a bit better. Any ideas on the video card? I suppose since I am planning on using an LCD I can go with something less expensive. Ideally, I want to find a used computer that fits all the specs and not have to worry about buying additional components.

I would like to get the computer first and then take it from there. I have looked around at different control interfaces like the ones on groovygamegear.com and ultimarc.com as well as the physical controls etc. It all seems a bit overwhelming but I am certain with some time and patience, I can put together a great cab for my basement.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Bill

[ids]

For older games, just about any computer you can find will work great.  Not sure specs needed for the fighters, but generally, most games don't require too much hardware, only newer ones do.

Good luck (i'm only a half-step ahead of you)

[XyloSesame]

If you're interested mainly in the classics and are in need of a machine, check out _) (V) (-) B/S/T post and Mountain's B/S/T post; they both have inexpensive machines for sale that would, at least, get you started.

[billpa]

Forgive my ignorance, but when you say classics, do you mean pacman, etc.? The first computer for sale you posted looks like a good fit for what I am looking for (I think). Most of the games I enjoy fall within the mid 80s to the mid 90s. I really enjoy the Capcom Midway and Konami games like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, X-Men, NBA Jam (original one), etc. Im assuming the first computer for sale you listed would handle these although I suppose its all relative.

Thanks in advance,
Bill

[superart]

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[javeryh]

That first computer will handle all of playable Mame games.

Really?  I was having tons of trouble with games like Killer Instinct and SF3 running at full speed with my PIII 512MB computer... NBA Jam was completely unplayable...  I ended up putting a new one together myself for like $300 and it runs "everything" perfectly.

[kelemvor]

I'd definitely go for processor first, Memory second, and not worry about anything else.  It'd be very easy to just build your own since most prebuilt PCs are going to have lots of stuff you don't need.

Get the cheapest case you can find (no one will see it anyway).  Get the best single core processor you can afford with a board to go with it.  Then find some decent memory and get at least a gig.

Other than that, everything is extra.  Don't need a DVD burner.  Don't need a CD drive at all really.  Onboard video, LAN, etc will be fine.  You can get a really nice setup if you just pick the pieces you want.  But of course finding an older something for cheap would work too.

I'm biased because I go there every day but I'd head over to forums.anandtech.com and go to the Hardware section and post what you are looking for and ask for recommendations on a budget.  I'm out of touch with current CPUs to give you a specific recommendation but others are far more versed.

[superart]

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