Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Vylrath on January 07, 2014, 03:27:58 pm
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Hi all,
I'm working on my first ever cabinet that I want to use for MAME (and Steam) games. I've ordered Haruman's 2-player bartop, and am now looking at PC components. I need something relatively high-end so that I can play some semi-modern space sims and fighters as well as the classics.
Would it be better to buy a premade PC and disassemble it, or buy individual parts that I need?
The PC I'm looking to disassemble is:
http://www.frys.com/product/7939750?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG (http://www.frys.com/product/7939750?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG)
It's a 3.8 GHz with a GT610 and 8 GB of RAM. Good enough for, say, MK9? If not, I guess I'll go the "parts" route. Just thought it might be cheaper to get a whole box to disassemble!
Sorry if this post is newbish! I'm still learning ... ;-)
Thanks,
Brian
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I am not sure how much larger the 2 player Bartop is then the single player. I picked up one of his single player kits and putting a Micro ATX board was really tight with the power supply, amp, cables and everything else.
I would part the PC yourself, usually cheaper and you get a better idea of the size of each component.
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I'd say build, but I'm biased that way. I never buy pc components at the same time. For instance, once it gets warmer outside I'm putting together another 1-2 Mame builds. Cost of components is small when you buy as they're discounted. For my next build,
MSI 1150 motherboard. 24.00 (Coupon code +Rebate)
Intel haswell Pentium 3.2 ghz. 58.00 (Coupon Code)
8GB ddr3 ram. 35.00 (Bought 32 GB over a year ago when it was CHEAP)
Amd 7750 1gb ddr5 card. 62.00 (Coupon Code)
WD black 500GB hd. 41.00 (Not super hot price, but bought a few months ago when prices got cheap.)
Corsair 430 watt p/s. 15.00 (20.00 rebate)
Total cost to me is about 235 bucks before OS and the thing will do very well on most games at med/high settings and 1080p. The trick is buying in small pieces and waiting a few months to build.
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I'd be careful with Steam in a cab.
I was running PC games through AtomicFE without issue until I installed Steam for some new cab friendly indie games, and at first it worked well. However about a month in Steam kept updating (got a wifi dongle and turned that off) then kept asking for username and password (despite being set to never ask) every time I turned on the cab - which made me go get the keyboard, kill the FE, enter my username/password and restart the FE. It was getting annoying, especially when guests were over. Oh let's not forget the occasional "authenticate your PC" (have Steam running on a few different PCs including the cabinet PC) nonsense.
To top it all off? About a month ago I noticed that my cab wouldn't run any PC games through the FE anymore (they run fine outside, with a few issues) and the steam games won't run unless I'm connected to the internet. :hissy:
I suspect a Steam update borked my set-up somehow.
So I'm starting over - without Steam.
As for the PC components - go with the build-it-yourself - you'll save money.
WonderAlex
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Thanks for your input, everyone!
I'll definitely go the "build" route, although it may take some time to find the deals you're mentioning! I'll be patient. :-)
As far as Steam goes, you're totally right, it may be smart not to go that route. There are only a few games that I'm interested in, and it won't be a dealkiller if I can't include them. I'll stick with TIE Fighter or Freespace 2 if I want a good space sim, and I'll save the Steam stuff for my actual PC.
I didn't think that size would be too big of an issue since I'm putting the parts into the cabinet individually, but I guess that it all still has to fit in a relatively small area! I'll keep that in mind while shopping.
Again, thanks so much for the help! Time to do some searching! ;-)
Brian
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Here is a look at the back of my single player just as a reference.
(http://s19.postimg.org/el73r9ran/DSC01337.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/el73r9ran/)
Thats minus the the cables and video card.