Which Windows OS is best used with a MAME/Emulator PC ?

[mike boss]

I don't know that it matters, but I thought I'd ask.
I have a nice PC @ home that I plan on running a Hyperspin EXT HDD off of.
I purchased the drive with image a lil while ago.

I have windows XP and Windows 7 discs, no Vista.
I was wondering if the OS made a difference ?

Any thoughts ?

[severdhed]

It really depends on the specs of the pc..I prefer xp on an older pc, but if you want to take advantage of 64 bit mame, or have more than 4 gb if ram, then Windows 7 is the way to go

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

[Generic Eric]

It matters most whether or not you are going to connect it to the internet.  Pick win7x64 now and you will have a longer support window from Microsoft for security updates.

win7x64 also allows you to take advantage of higher performance computers too.  More RAM, newer video card drivers, that sort of thing.

*shrug* 

[mike boss]

I'll need to verify the PC specs.
I know it is 1GB on ram (512 x 2).
And I think the chip was upgraded also (off memory).
I bought it in a bundle from a buddy, it was a good gaming PC I'm told (for PC gaming).
So I'm sure it will be good for MAME.

In the past I've used XP, but the PC's I work on are older.
Perhaps I'll toss XP on this.
Oddly, perhaps someone can help, it is an ASUS board and on the site they have no drivers for Windows 7.
Does that make sense ?

[Todesengel]

I'll need to verify the PC specs.
I know it is 1GB on ram (512 x 2).
And I think the chip was upgraded also (off memory).
I bought it in a bundle from a buddy, it was a good gaming PC I'm told (for PC gaming).
So I'm sure it will be good for MAME.

In the past I've used XP, but the PC's I work on are older.
Perhaps I'll toss XP on this.
Oddly, perhaps someone can help, it is an ASUS board and on the site they have no drivers for Windows 7.
Does that make sense ?

If you only got 1gb of ram, I would definitely go with windows xp.

[EightBySix]

I was wondering about starting a project to make an app for mame on windows phone, but now things are via the app store I suspect it would be against Ts & Cs. Same applies to windows rt I guess.

[mike boss]

I have a 1GB stick of RAM, and then 2 X 512. I was told it was better to use the 2 x 512, this true ?
Either way I think I'll go with XP.
In the past I've found it easy to work with, and I like that I can easily drag shortcuts into the start folder and get things to work on launch.

Thanks all for the help

[JDFan]

I have a 1GB stick of RAM, and then 2 X 512. I was told it was better to use the 2 x 512, this true ?

Depends on the system -- ie. usually why people would suggest using the 2x512MB is so that the memory system can be setup to use dual channel mode which is a bit faster than single channel mode - BUT that only makes a significant difference if the system supports dual channel (this would depend on the system specs) and has enough memory for it to be used effectively !! -- If your MOBO has 4 ram slots (or even 3) in your case the benefit of using dual channel mode would most likely be more than offset by using all 3 sticks and increasing the overall available memory to 2 GB even if that meant going to single channel mode. (since you'd get more memory space available and avoid using the even slower HDD page file when the 1 GB. runs out) -- Or if your system does support dual channel mode and has 4 slots then getting another 1GB. stick and using all 4 sticks to have 3GB. of RAM using dual channel mode would be the even better option !

[Dawgz Rule]

If you want to get really creative, make your own custom WinXP using Nlite.  You can strip out a lot of unnecessary apps and services with Nlite......especially if you aren't going to be networked.

[Generic Eric]

If you want to get really creative, make your own custom WinXP using Nlite.  You can strip out a lot of unnecessary apps and services with Nlite......especially if you aren't going to be networked.

Slipstreaming!  Those were the days.

[mike boss]

I took some picks of the MO-BO and the RAM I have available.
I wanted to post it and see what you all think would be the best set up.
I have a couple of different options and I'm unsure what would be best.

Thanks all

(I'll try to post tonight)

[sleong]

Oddly, perhaps someone can help, it is an ASUS board and on the site they have no drivers for Windows 7.
Does that make sense ?

If you only got 1gb of ram, I would definitely go with windows xp.

Asus does have drivers for Windows 7 but you will also need the model number in order to get to the right drivers.

If you know the model number it may be easier for us to help you find the right drivers.

BTW which drivers are you looking for?

[Fursphere]

I'll need to verify the PC specs.
I know it is 1GB on ram (512 x 2).
And I think the chip was upgraded also (off memory).
I bought it in a bundle from a buddy, it was a good gaming PC I'm told (for PC gaming).
So I'm sure it will be good for MAME.

In the past I've used XP, but the PC's I work on are older.
Perhaps I'll toss XP on this.
Oddly, perhaps someone can help, it is an ASUS board and on the site they have no drivers for Windows 7.
Does that make sense ?

1GB RAM = very old gaming PC. 

[Brian74]

I wouldn't run a pc with no less then 4 gigs. Win7 I run 8, will be putting in another 8. I will get to 32 @ some point.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Fursphere]

I have 8gb ram in my PCs.   The only reason I'd go higher is if I was doing crazy development work or running lots of virtual machines. 

[mike boss]

PC will be for MAME w/ Hypserspin and console emulation.
I'll need to get the pics up (and I will) for further assistance.
From what I was told the PC set up can run SFIV which is about as new as I would go on the PC.
(perhaps SSFIV: Arcade Edition or SFxTEKKEN if I could...I think MK KOMPLETE would be a pipe dream)

[Generic Eric]

My PC has 4G of ram, and chokes on Hyperspin.  I can't imagine you will find success on a machine with 1Gig of ram.

[Fursphere]

My PC has 4G of ram, and chokes on Hyperspin.  I can't imagine you will find success on a machine with 1Gig of ram.

Its not choaking because of ram. 

CPU, Video, and HDD access are what kill Hyperspin (and having your real-time virus scanners scanning the \hyperspin\* folders...)

[Generic Eric]

My PC has 4G of ram, and chokes on Hyperspin.  I can't imagine you will find success on a machine with 1Gig of ram.

Its not choaking because of ram. 

CPU, Video, and HDD access are what kill Hyperspin (and having your real-time virus scanners scanning the \hyperspin\* folders...)

I'll definitely look this over then.  I hate to have to upgrade to a new platform at this stage.

[Fursphere]

Think of it this way.

Every piece of Hyerpspin is a file.  Either a JPG, a PNG, a MP4, a ZIP, even flash is in there.  So when you load a wheel, its rendering like 50+ files all at once - from the HDD.   

When you spin that wheel, it has to load every single wheel image - all individual graphic files.   

If you want Hyerspin to be *really* smooth, load it on an SSD....   (I personally use SSD hybrid caching to accomplish this)

[mike boss]

I crashed @ my moms last night since I'm selling my car and it is parked in her drive way.
I should be @ my house tonight and I'll post these images.
Thanks for the help/info guys.

[mike boss]

Site is giving me issues (when trying to attach my photos).
None the less here is what I'm working with.
Perhaps someone can let me know which is the best route to go using what I have in my possession.

[mike boss]

Above is the motherboard I plan on using, I also think the chip was upgraded.
I included the close up of the model #.
I also included all the various RAM that was included with the lot.
Not sure which combo is best to go with.

[Fursphere]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131516

ASUS P5AD2-E
Socket 775
Pentium 4 / Celeron D

Stick with XP.

Don't spend ANY additional money on it.  It is old.  It is slow.  It will run the older games fine (NES, SNES, older MAME games, etc). 

Hyperspin will most likely lag on it.

[mike boss]

I was told this PC would easily support SFIV!
Thank you for the info.
I thought this was a  Dual Core or something.

Do you have any tips as to which of the RAM I should install ?

I'll try the Hypserspin drive I have, but should it not work as needed I'll just goto MAME + MaLa.

[Fursphere]

Install whatever ram will get the thing to boot.   It should click nicely in.  If you have to force it - its not going to work and you'll probably do permanent damage in the process. 

Street Fighter IV?  It might load....   maybe?    But it won't be playable.

Also, a lot of the newer emulators are using the advanced instruction sets present in the CoreDuo and up processors - So you'll probably find at least one or two emulators they will never work on that thing.   And some emulators are moving to DirectX 11, away from 9.   XP only supports 9, so you'll be stuck there. 

[mike boss]

Thanks all for the info.
The reason I asked about the RAM was I heard  that the RAM always had to be paird.
So for example, I have slots that would take each one of the sticks shown , however it would not work.
So I was of the understanding that the 2 x 512 would be ideal vs. the 1 x 1GB.
I thought (which could be corret)  that I could use the 2 x 512, then 1 x 1GB.

[ark_ader]

Micro XP.

Runs everything.  40mb footprint.  You can run it in a Ramdrive (get Win2K Ramdrive).

Faster than ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- through a goose.

Legal if you have a spare license.

Google it.

[JDFan]

Thanks all for the info.
The reason I asked about the RAM was I heard  that the RAM always had to be paird.
So for example, I have slots that would take each one of the sticks shown , however it would not work.
So I was of the understanding that the 2 x 512 would be ideal vs. the 1 x 1GB.
I thought (which could be corret)  that I could use the 2 x 512, then 1 x 1GB.

A bit late on the reply but since it hasn't been responded to yet.
From the pic you posted you show 5 modules not 3 -- are they all available for use ? If so then here are the options I would use

1.) Use the 2 Kingston 1GB modules (total 2GB.) DDR2 667 at CAS5 1.8V setting and see if the system works with them  -- They would need to be placed in color matched RAM slots on the MOBO so they run in dual mode.

2.) If that works add the 2 Corsair 512MB modules into the other 2 slots ( these are slightly slower rated modules at DDR2 533 rather than 667Mhz. but are usually fairly good overclockers so may work alongside the 2 Kingstons giving you 3GB @DDR2 667 CAS5

If the system will not boot with the 3 modules at DDR2667 remove the 2 Corsair modules and go into BIOS and set to DDR2 533 speed shut down and reinstall the corsairs and see if it boots. If it does I'd still use all four modules even though they are at a slower speed since 3GB. @ DDR2 533 is still better than 2GB. @ DDR2 667 settings.

IF that still doesn't work then just use the 2 Kingstons since they are the faster m\and larger modules of what you have and will give you 2GB.

[mike boss]

Thanks JDFan for the info regarding the RAM.
I've got my Hyperspin external HDD that I purchased (got it Saturday).
So the idea is to get onto this PC ASAP!
Came with 2 HDD, one of which I plan on installing the operating system.
Leaning towards XP (vs. 7).

The other HDD I plan on installing PC games, SFIV, SSFIV: AE and SFxTEKKEN.
Over and above that the external just gets hooked up via USB and from what I'm told the PC can be set to boot into Hyperspin (Z drive)....it must be named Z drive I'm told.

[Dawgz Rule]

There are four memory slots.  Here are the specifics from the ASUS website

Dual channel memory architecture
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support max. 4GB DDR2-711(FSB1066)/DDR2-600(FSB800)/DDR2-533(FSB1066/800) non-ECC memory
Intel® Performance Acceleration Technology (Intel® PAT)
ASUS Hyper Path2
(Note:Visit ASUS global website www.asus.com.tw for the latest DDR Qualified Vendors List)

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5AD2E/#overview