CPU/RAM requirements for MAME to run smoothly

[TheNoodleMan]

I'm a total n00b, but it seems like a modern duo or quad core is overkill for a machine that is going to be dedicated to mame. How cheap can I get on cpu and ram without compromising game play?

I don't mind paying for performance but I'd feel silly wasting money on extra processor power if I'm never going to use it.

[SirPeale]

It depends on what games you want to play.  Also depends on what version of Mame you're using.

Case in point: I have a 700MHz PIII hooked to my TV.  I use it to play videos I've downloaded.  I got the bright idea to hook a USB hub to it with some USB gamepads.

I was Using Mame .128. All the games the kids wanted to play (Pigout, Simpsons, Street Fighter 2) was lagging badly.  I swapped to version .56 and presto!  No more lag.

[Games001]

What's the general word on MAME?  Does MAMEUI, or MAME have a 'best' speed for the 'most roms' version that people liked.. or is it purely hit and miss?  I know as the versions have evolved, the speed has gone WAY DOWN.

[SirPeale]

Mame has sacrificed speed for accuracy over the years.  I personally think this is a good thing because I want games that act just like they're supposed to.

It's not such a terrible thing; most games will just fine on a 2GHz system.  Which is low end these days.

But for me, since my systems are years old (I found this one by the side of the road) I make due with what I've got.

[Games001]

No disrespect to the Devs over at MAME, but I would really like to play some racing games on my 2.8 Duo, 4GB, 512 8800 GeFroce system.  Low end..  HAH!  (sadly it is low end these days)