MAME version

[deadmoney5]

Hey All,

My computer is acting funny and not wanting to recognize my controller anymore (Ipac).  The computer is from 2002 anyways and it's time for a replacement.  I think my version of Mame is .98, and I use an old 27" tv with S-video (I'm in US..no SCART).  My question is which Mame should I use with my next computer?  I probably won't spend over $100 for a new computer, so it wont be fancy for sure...I only play older games anyways.  Should I be using GroovyMAME?  Will I see any advantages using a regular tv?

I was thinking of upgrading to a real arcade monitor because there is a guy nearby me who refurbishes Wells Gardners, but that's another story.  Then I have to get a new videocard...starts to add up.

[ark_ader]

If your hardware works, why ditch it for another?  I just picked up a Dell Dimension 3000 with monitor and gear for $20, and I game on .84 and it works like a champ.  Like you I play the classics.  Go on Craigslist and find a cheap replacement or look at getting a Xbox and modding it.  Cheap is where we like to be in this hobby.  No need to complicate matters with a new build. 

[Howard_Casto]

I think I would get rid of the tv if you can get a WG for cheap.  I'm not a big fan of paying a lot for hardware though.  You would be surprised how well a really cheap pc works for the most recent version of mame, so long as you don't want to run anything crazy. 

[deadmoney5]

I think I would get rid of the tv if you can get a WG for cheap.  I'm not a big fan of paying a lot for hardware though.  You would be surprised how well a really cheap pc works for the most recent version of mame, so long as you don't want to run anything crazy.

Here is one he has for $250

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/vgm/4196179567.html

How do these hook up to a pc?

[Haze]

if you're only willing to spend $100 on a machine then I'm not sure it's actually worth upgrading at all, you're unlikely to be able to buy something capable of running much newer versions, so unless there's something specific you're unhappy with now you're probably better saving for a while until you can get a more significant upgrade otherwise (in terms of the emulation you're getting) you'll be more or less replacing like for like...

unless stuff in the 3ghz Core 2 range goes for $100 these days? maybe used.. but then you might end up having to spend a bunch more on maintenance, and upgrades / fixing of older hardware tend to be more expensive because the parts are out of production.  We're already at the point where RAM for my Core 2 is more expensive than larger amounts of RAM for newer systems if purchased new.

a lot of interesting classic era stuff has been added since 0.98, be it rare Data East cassette titles like Manhatten, or long-lost prototypes like Planet Probe (which probably only got canned despite being finished due to the developer going bankrupt or similar) but general requirements of MAME are quite a bit higher these days and I'm not sure $100 is going to buy you something decent enough (you absolutely want to be avoiding onboard video solutions etc. as many of the intel drivers are so bad they struggle even with the MAME internal interface)

[pbj]

I use MAME .36 on my machines.  Modified to no nags or warning messages.  You can actually play Galaga on a 486 like they originally intended.

 

[deadmoney5]

if you're only willing to spend $100 on a machine then I'm not sure it's actually worth upgrading at all, you're unlikely to be able to buy something capable of running much newer versions, so unless there's something specific you're unhappy with now you're probably better saving for a while until you can get a more significant upgrade otherwise (in terms of the emulation you're getting) you'll be more or less replacing like for like...

unless stuff in the 3ghz Core 2 range goes for $100 these days? maybe used.. but then you might end up having to spend a bunch more on maintenance, and upgrades / fixing of older hardware tend to be more expensive because the parts are out of production.  We're already at the point where RAM for my Core 2 is more expensive than larger amounts of RAM for newer systems if purchased new.

a lot of interesting classic era stuff has been added since 0.98, be it rare Data East cassette titles like Manhatten, or long-lost prototypes like Planet Probe (which probably only got canned despite being finished due to the developer going bankrupt or similar) but general requirements of MAME are quite a bit higher these days and I'm not sure $100 is going to buy you something decent enough (you absolutely want to be avoiding onboard video solutions etc. as many of the intel drivers are so bad they struggle even with the MAME internal interface)

It's not like I really want to upgrade, but the USB and PS/2 ports are acting buggy.  I can't get my controller to work anymore.  It uses ipac and doesnt work in USB or PS/2 all of a sudden.  Although I have always had troubles getting everything to work from a controller stand point on that machine..POS