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| ddrtist:
I am in the process of building my MAME machine and here is what I have assembled thus far. Mameroom.com - Ultimate Arcade Cabinet II kit (not pre-built) 27" Sansui Digital TV with component video Creative Inspire 5.1 speakers X-Arcade Dual joystick And my computer (I had it lying around from a couple years ago and never use it) P4 Prescott 3.0 Ghz, 800Mhz FSB 2GB PC3200 RAM GeForce 7900GTX SB X-Fi 120GB WD SATA HDD Plextor SATA DVD+-RW So far, here are the EXTRAS I have purchased: ATI Radeon 9550 256MB AGP (To use DVI->component dongle) DVI to component dongle with mode switcher Now, to get to my question and point (sorry!) I see many people on here using add-ons like: ArcadeVGA cards, I-PAC interfaces, J-PAC interfaces, Soft 15K, etc. I am just wondering if there is any advantage to using this additional hardware, or if it is simply for purists who want to maintain the original look and feel of the games. I mean heck, I play MAME on my laptop with the X-Arcade on my 40" LCD and it looks incredible! If I was NOT concerned about maintaining the authentic style of the games, is there ANY reason I would need anything else? I am simply curious. Thanks all! |
| Kaytrim:
The interface cards allow you to connect real arcade controls to your computer. These cards will be recognized as either a keyboard or game pad depending on the design. The arcadeVGA is for the old arcade monitors. If you are going to use joysticks and buttons then the interface card is necessary. In my personal opinion that is the way to go. You already have the cabinet, monitor and computer. Go for the full effect and get the proper controls. TTFN Kaytrim |
| HaRuMaN:
IPac is needed to interface controls to your computer... and ArcadeVGA is used to connect your computer to an actual arcade monitor. Soft 15K refers to the ability of some video cards to output 15K (arcade monitor resolution). J-Pac is used to connect a computer into an existing JAMMA cabinet. |
| ddrtist:
So are you saying I need an I-PAC eventhough I have the X-Arcade? Or are you saying it is ONLY necesarry if I buy an actual control panel or build my own? MAME seems to work fine with this joystick, and I haven't had anything to program other than changing keys used to navigate menus using the joystick. Would "real" arcade control panels have the same programmability of the X-Arcade with the I-PAC? |
| massive88:
In not familiar with the X-arcades original interface, how does your computer see it right now? As a keyboard or as joysticks+buttons? I guess it doesnt matter. If you plan on using the xarcade, and the xarcade is currently working with mame, then no, you dont need an Ipac. |
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