MAME cab refresh and optimal setup for Soft 15KHz ?

[krick]

I'm gathering parts to completely re-do the computer in my arcade cab.  Currently, I'm running vanilla command line MAME 0.106 on Windows 98 with an ArcadeVGA 7200 and a JPAC connected to a 15KHz arcade monitor.

I'm planning on moving to the latest version of MAME, and possibly using the CabMAME build.  I'm planning on installing Windows XP SP2, and I'd like to try out Soft15KHz with a better video card.

What is the preferred/optimal/easiest-to-configure-and-use hardware/driver/OS setup for Soft15KHz?  For example, it seems that ATI is generally less problematic than Nvidia from what I'm seeing.  Is this in fact true?  Is there any particular video chipset and/or driver version that is (more) recommended?  Does the OS matter?

What's the current situation with DDraw vs D3D vs the new artwork system in a cabinet?

I currently have an AGP Radeon 9200 that I'm thinking of using but I'm open to picking up something else if there's a better card available for this purpose.  I also have a Trident Blade T64 at my disposal, currently collecting dust.

[Ummon]

For current MAME, you're going to need at least a P4 2.2 or 2.6. The radeon might work. If not, go for at least an X1050. (The blade I think is only good for dos AdvanaceMAME.) Within MAME, you don't have to do anything different. Use the same settings....except: since cabMAME's D3D is set to integer, I don't know how it will handle artwork.

[krick]

For current MAME, you're going to need at least a P4 2.2 or 2.6. The radeon might work. If not, go for at least an X1050. (The blade I think is only good for dos AdvanaceMAME.) Within MAME, you don't have to do anything different. Use the same settings....except: since cabMAME's D3D is set to integer, I don't know how it will handle artwork.

I'm not upgrading the CPU in my arcade machine.  I already have a Pentium M 1.6 overclocked to 2.6GHz that blows away my Athlon 64 2.6GHz, at least in older mame benchmarks, so that should be good enough for most games.  I was figuring that my Radeon 9200 might be acceptable since that's the chip used by the current AGP ArcadeVGA.

[ahofle]

I was figuring that my Radeon 9200 might be acceptable since that's the chip used by the current AGP ArcadeVGA.

That should be more than enough for MAME.  You will want to use ddraw (not d3d) and nohwstretch if you are looking for authentic resolutions, so you do not require much in terms of GPU.