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PC Cost confusion.
edekoning:
I also went with a Core i5 based setup, but its was not exactly cheap (530€/710$). Though you can easily save some cash (150€/200$) by opting for a cheaper PSU, regular HDD, less RAM, cheaper i5, stock cooler, etc.
* CPU: i5-3570K
* Mobo: Asrock B75 Pro3-M
* RAM: 8GB Corsair Vengence (low profile, 1600Mhz)
* Cooler: Scythe Nugen 3 PCGH
* SSD: 128GB Samsung 830
* PSU: Seasonic G-550 (modular, 80 Plus Gold)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,119175.msg1323724.html#msg1323724
slappyhooper:
I have to throw my .02 in here too...
Although I'm not as experienced building the cabinets as some of you fine folks, I definitely want to +1 for going the Intel route. Or, at the very least going with a Phenom II and overclocking the crap out of it.
I just built a similar system as badmouth. (Athlon II @3.4) only 8 GB DDR3 and Windows 7 x64. and I tested MAME on that build before I sold the computer.
as it sat, Blitz was playable, but not really enjoyable. IE, sound stuttered, and game had slowdown.
What's frustrating is that it's soooooo close to emulating Blitz decently, but falls just short of enjoyable.
My guess is with decent cooling, and overclocked to about 4 GHZ, the x2 270 would probably be about the sweet spot for running blitz.
If it were me though, and blitz were that important to you, I'd bite the bullet, buy an Intel Ivy Bridge i3 processor. Figure something like this:
Processor 120
Motherboard 60
RAM (4 GB) 20
Hard Drive 50
P/S 30
---------------------------------
Total 280 ish.
Add a few bucks on for windows COA if you don't have any XP COAs laying around.
Basically you're still looking around 300 all said and done, which isn't bad. Notice I didn't price in a computer case, since you can just mount the motherboard to the inside of your cab, and for video card, I'd just use onboard, honestly. It's plenty good for MAME.
My .02
BadMouth:
--- Quote from: slappyhooper on February 21, 2013, 04:06:32 am ---I just built a similar system as badmouth. (Athlon II @3.4) only 8 GB DDR3 and Windows 7 x64. and I tested MAME on that build before I sold the computer.
as it sat, Blitz was playable, but not really enjoyable. IE, sound stuttered, and game had slowdown.
--- End quote ---
I make no guarantees.
Performance can vary greatly depending on how the computer is setup.
My systems have all unnecessary services disabled, including networking.
I think having a third core helps out with the overhead.
Windows 7 is more resource hungry. Newer versions of MAME are also more resource hungry.
My 3.4Ghz X3 runs the original Blitz smoothly with only the occasional crackle in the sound.
I'll post video when I get a chance. It does choke on newer versions of the game.
Like I said, I'd probably go with a newer socket if building today.
When my current build is complete, I plan to start a new PC for it based on a fast i5.
michelevit:
Dont forget you can always buy used PCs on craigslist or ebay. Bleeding edge power users often upgrade their machines every year and sell off their old build for pennies on the dollar.
slappyhooper:
--- Quote from: michelevit on February 21, 2013, 11:40:56 am ---Dont forget you can always buy used PCs on craigslist or ebay. Bleeding edge power users often upgrade their machines every year and sell off their old build for pennies on the dollar.
--- End quote ---
What he said. I see i5 and i7 systems all the time getting dumped by guys who have to pay rent or something for cheap.
The only problem with that is, I just don't trust other people to build computers. I know it sounds crazy, but I always worry somebody would throw in some crummy parts or flaky hard drive or something, and sell it to dump it off.
I've very particular with everything I build, and take a lot of pride in getting everything right on the build. That's why I never jump on CL computer deals.
@Badmouth,
No worries, I seriously had the same thought as you did, independent of your recommendations when I picked up the computer. I suffer from a condition that makes it impossible for me to not buy cheap computer components when I see them. The sick thing is I don't need them at all. Because of this, I had RAM, Hard Drive, DVD drive, Power Supply and MB already sitting in my closet when I bought the Athlon II x2 270.
I didn't tweak the OS or anything, I was just curious how it would run Blitz. I actually have a AM3 Phenom II x3 720 waiting in the wings for when I build myself a cab. I figure it should be good for 3.5 GHZ or so when I OC it, and that should run MAME perfectly...when I get around to it. For me, the problem comes down to managing my time/money and curbing my impulsive side......
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