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Lakersfan:

This is for a MAME cabinet that I've been working on... I've built a PC before, so that's not a big concern. My concern is whether these parts are all compatible with each other. My intention is running Mame games (obviously) and the CHDs that are playable. I'll probably throw Daphne in there as well as possibly a few NES/SNES/N64 games via emus. My wife gave me a $300 budget but I think she'll let me go a bit higher if I  :hissy: loud enough.

This is what I have so far:
MB -
GIGABYTE GA-G31MX-S2 LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128061  - $79

Processor -
Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.33GHz LGA 775 Processor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115030 - $175

RAM -
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146580 - $25

Power/Case -
Silver Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case 450W Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811190104 - $50 <-- is 450W enough??

I'll steal a HD from my current computer to save some money. Am I missing anything? I want to get the Arcade VGA2 PCI-Express for it...

Opinions are welcome! Thanks!
-LF

vorghagen:

OK, first off the big one. Your processor and RAM choices will fit into that mainboard no problem. You probably already know this but I've seen plenty of people buy a motherboard and processor then realise they have different sockets.  :banghead:

The core 2 duo 2.3ghz should be more than enough to run all but the most demanding MAME games, but there will still be some of the more recent CHD games that will be unplayable. There's not much you can do about this.

Same with the RAM, of course more is always better but 1GB will do you fine for now.
450W for a power supply is plenty for what you have there. The power requirements only really head north once you throw a high-end video card, a decent sound card and a whole bunch of high power USB devices onto it. Since I assume you'll be using the onboard audio (all you'll need) 450 is enough.

The only remaining thing is to make sure the hard drive you choose has enough space for your OS, MAME, the roms, and the CHD files. The space they need can add up pretty quickly if you're using an older drive.

Good luck with your project.
-V

Dervacumen:

You may be able to save a few dollars by foregoing the computer case and just mounting the components somewhere inside your cabinet.  Won't save you much, only a little.  Other than that, what vorghagen said.

u_rebelscum:


--- Quote from: vorghagen on October 25, 2007, 07:17:01 am ---The core 2 duo 2.3ghz should be more than enough to run all but the most demanding MAME games, but there will still be some of the more recent CHD games that will be unplayable. There's not much you can do about this....

--- End quote ---

And some of the more recent non-CHD games won't run either.  If you look at these benchmarks, you'll that the two CHD games tested (blitz & gauntleg) are not the slowest of the group.  When people word it like quoted, other people incorrectly think it's the CHD that's slowing things.

It would be less misleading to drop the CHD part and just say:

"There will still be some of the more recent games that will be unplayable."


Besides that, good info vorghagen.  :cheers:

Lakersfan:

Hey thanks guys. It's nice to have another's opinion before I dive in.


--- Quote --- Your processor and RAM choices will fit into that mainboard no problem. You probably already know this but I've seen plenty of people buy a motherboard and processor then realise they have different sockets.
--- End quote ---
Thanks I was pretty sure, but I wanted the reassurance.

As far as ditching the case, I had thought about that but I really wasn't sure how well things (such as the Arcade VGA card) would hold into place without the case keeping it secure.


--- Quote ---It would be less misleading to drop the CHD part and just say:

"There will still be some of the more recent games that will be unplayable."
--- End quote ---
I guess I figured that. This is going to sound weird, but as long as the majority of people can't play those games then I'm fine not playing them  ;). If I get a PC that will hold up for a while then I'm fine.

Thanks guys.
LF

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