First arcade's computer- old/used vs new/new?

[Wiibound]

Hello, after 7 years of planning and wanting to make one (arcade machine) I'm going to finally make one within the next year.

I'm wondering, are computers nowadays good enough to play 3D games such as NFL Blitz or Cruis'n games?

If not, should I just get a cheap, not as new computer for around $100-200 to play games like Killer Instinct, Mortal Kombats etc until computer technology is on par with the better games?

[ark_ader]

I would raid the thrift stores looking for old Pentium PCs.

This way it will be cheap and you will helping the environment.

You don't want to play Mortal Kombat anyway, its kak. 

[MaximRecoil]

Read this thread - http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=72776.0

It has everything you need to know on the current state of processors and playable games in MAME.

[Wiibound]

well what i'm really trying to find out is how long it will before I can get a new computer for under $400-450 that can play newer 3D games like blitz, tekken, mortal kombat 4 and cruis'n etc

[vidmouse]

What did you want to play seven years ago?
Sub-$400 PC's are probably good enough to
play that at least.   

The Core Duo I've got (NOT in my cab) can
play Cruisin USA ok, but it's "clunky"... I didn't
get an fps rate but it just feels wrong... and
definitely not as much fun as some of my
N64 emulated 3d games or my other PC
3d games.

Really read Maxim's link to the thread... it
covers Blitz too.