what type of computer should i use

[roberts123]

hey I'm new at this and i need to know what type of computer i should use

[Malenko]

one that works?


youre question vexxes me.  the faster the better is the only "real" answer I can think of

[thatitalian]

one that works?


youre question vexxes me.  the faster the better is the only "real" answer I can think of

Now now we were all new to this once!

Well, to answer, it depends what you really want? Are you playing simple MAME games such as Donkey Kong or games that require a lot of punch like Marvel vs Capcom 2?

Generally if you want a simple set up get a simple computer, for example:

Shorten Those Links!

If you want more punch the go for something like:


Shorten Those Links!

These are just suggestions.

[Ginsu Victim]

Here's what I'm using

[Ginsu Victim]

Are you playing simple MAME games such as Donkey Kong or games that require a lot of punch like Marvel vs Capcom 2?

It takes a faster computer to play Donkey Kong!

[gonzo90017]

Looks pretty cool. You even integrated a driving wheel. 

Seriously though it does depend on what games you want to run. If you have an older pc you can use an older version of mame along with other arcade emulators.
I've had great results with Mame36 !686 using a Pentium 233mhz 160mb ram.

[shardian]

Now now we were all new to this once!

That is true, but this kind of question is so far on the lazy side that I can see how it irritates people.

I recommend one that has a motherboard. Those empty cases don't work too well, even if they have a dvd player.


Instead of asking such a broad based question, how about saying what your intentions are, what games you want to play, how manygames, what kind of budget you have, etc.

You can use anything from an old 90mhz pentium pc, to the newest top of the line pc on the market. There are trade-offs though of course.

[javeryh]

I predict that within 100 years, computers will be twice as powerful, 10,000 times larger, and so expensive that only the five richest kings of Europe will own them!

Like everyone else has said, it all depends on what you want to do.  If you want to "run everything in MAME at 100%" well, you can't yet so it's kind of hard to list a be-all-end-all computer that everyone can use.

[shardian]

I personally use pc's in the Pentium II or III range that I can get free or cheap. I have no desire to run 3d games or games made in the late 90's or newer.

For simplicities sake,  I have also used 2 48-1's in old beater converted cabs.

[Blanka]

Do you need a new one? Plans to spend some money on it?
I like MacMini's for the cabs (they run windows too!), but an XBOX on linux/windows is also a good one.
The Mini only uses 50 watts, drives many screens, horizontal and vertical both analog VGA/S-video and digital.
The Mini can be had pretty powerfull. The C2D version 2Ghz plays modern streetfighter games, N64 and PS1 fluently.
It has Bluetooth for easy remote keyboard access.
It has good audio out with volume control.
Does not run hot and always finds a place in the cab.

[Flake]

Here's what I'm using

---goshdarn--- thats funny...............I cant stop laughing.................people at work are asking me to forward the e-mail that is so funny, I just tell them its nothing they would appreciate.

WTF is that big ol' wheel doing in there?  Thats really one of the funniest parts about it.

[Ginsu Victim]

Since the monitor is detached from the rest of it, I guess it's a showcase.

[mccoy178]

Fellas, please take it easy on the OP, sa he is one of my students.  He is making a jukebox of his own right now and he saw my mame cabinet.  I told him to go research before he jumps in and I think it may be a bit overwhelming since he has no clue where to start.  I'll try to give him just a couple of the easy answers to start.  After that, it's up to him to figure out where the O K buttons go on the cp.   


I'll give him credit though, for being 15, he does have a ton of mechanical ability.

[Donkey_Kong]

I've got a 15 year old kid that knows how to turn his xbox on, is that good? 


Welcome Roberts! Good luck building a cab. Also, you have a great mentor. He should steer you in the right direction.

[Turnarcades]

With the right version of MAME, some OS tweaks and a bit of trial and error, a P3 1Ghz should run most pre-3d era games and most console emulators with little slowdown and cover most people's gaming needs.

[shiftybill]

With the right version of MAME, some OS tweaks and a bit of trial and error, a P3 1Ghz should run most pre-3d era games and most console emulators with little slowdown and cover most people's gaming needs.

Yup so true, my P3 (1Ghz) runs all of the old games at 100% and even the newer games (sam show 5, metal slugs) run at full speed, it just takes a few minutes for them to load

[isucamper]

I'm going to use the Retro Incabulator.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuhYd9L_d7w[/youtube]


sorry... couldn't resist

Seriously though, if your just going to be using MAME, one thing to know is that a graphics card is more or less not a factor.  MAME is almost entirely processor dependant.  Furthermore, if you're only going to be playing classic games in MAME, an old PC will probably be good enough... as old as 8-10 years old. 

However, if you are going to be playing any games from 1990 on, your going to need a computer with a little more oomph.  And if you're going to be playing recent 3D games, your going to need a brand new PC with a state of the art processor to play them without slowdown. 

Also, If your going to be using other emulators besides MAME, a decent graphics card will be needed for any emulator that plays 3D games. 

[mccoy178]

What are the minimums for NES emulators?  I've never had an issue, but I've never used an incredibly slow computer either.  (Roberts really, really likes the NES games).

[danny_galaga]

Here's what I'm using

damn thats funny. SAVED (",)

[Spaced Invader]

What are the minimums for NES emulators?  I've never had an issue, but I've never used an incredibly slow computer either.  (Roberts really, really likes the NES games).

There are a ton of good NES emulators out there...most of 'em with very modest requirements. Nesticle (a very good NES emulator circa '97) ran nearly everything 100% on my 486...it shouldn't be a problem.

[BASS!]

I'm going to use the Retro Incabulator.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuhYd9L_d7w[/youtube]


sorry... couldn't resist

Seriously though, if your just going to be using MAME, one thing to know is that a graphics card is more or less not a factor.  MAME is almost entirely processor dependant.  Furthermore, if you're only going to be playing classic games in MAME, an old PC will probably be good enough... as old as 8-10 years old. 

However, if you are going to be playing any games from 1990 on, your going to need a computer with a little more oomph.  And if you're going to be playing recent 3D games, your going to need a brand new PC with a state of the art processor to play them without slowdown. 

Also, If your going to be using other emulators besides MAME, a decent graphics card will be needed for any emulator that plays 3D games. 

Holey >>>> That video made me laugh so hard I think that I need a shower.