PCI Express

[Serpent]

As you maybe know, the upcoming motherboards will feature the new PCI express as substitute of our PCI and also of AGP. There are two points here that may be interesting for Arcade VGA users. If motherboards only include PCI xp and not agp, then that would mean that we could not update our computers for use with ArcadeVGA, unless Andy releases a new version of the card. On the other hand, if motherboards feature dual pci xp + agp slots, that would mean that we could have two cards at the same time! It would be perfect for those who don't have space or money for a PC exclusively dedicated to MAME. This way, we could switch from our bios the booting card and, for instance, with two partitions, have a OS with the ArcadeVGA + MAME connected to your Arcade monitor or TV, and other OS for working and PC games with a powerful modern card and a multisync monitor.

[XtraSmiley]

Does anyone know if there is a new version of the ArcadeVGA on the way?  One that is a bit more powerful perhaps?

[SirPeale]

Does anyone know if there is a new version of the ArcadeVGA on the way?  One that is a bit more powerful perhaps?

More powerful than what?  The purpose of the ArcadeVGA is to drive an arcade monitor.  It has 3D function, but it isn't for that purpose.

Near as I can tell, the AVGA is just a regular ATI S7000 card with a custom BIOS set.  If Andy is reading this he can give more input than I.

[Serpent]

The problem is not in the lack of power of the card (obviously, you don't need more power for 2D), although if it could be used as a card for PC games many users would love a faster gpu. Remember this card is conceived to be used with MAME. The problem, I think, is in the fact that it cannot be used as a daily use card, because, although you can plug it into a multysinc monitor also, it cannot pass 60hz, so it's not practical for working with windows.

[XtraSmiley]

Yes and as I've decided to build a MAME cabinet, I can't decide if I want to use this card or not.  I'm going with the WG 9200, but I'd also like to run some older (maybe newer) PC games as well as MAME.  That's why I'm asking about a newer version of the AVGA.  Although a great card for MAME, not so great for PC gaming.

[tom61]

I'm going with the WG 9200, but I'd also like to run some older (maybe newer) PC games as well as MAME.  That's why I'm asking about a newer version of the AVGA.  Although a great card for MAME, not so great for PC gaming.

I have played Unreal Tournament and Quake 3 on the ArcadeVGA before.  Also, many people use 3D emulators (such as PSX and N64 emulators) with the ArcadeVGA. You're not going to be able to play Doom III on this card with everything turned on, but this isn't an S3 Virge, it will handle a fair amount of gaming, especially since you're limited to 800x600 or less on the D9200.

. If motherboards only include PCI xp and not agp, then that would mean that we could not update our computers for use with ArcadeVGA, unless Andy releases a new version of the card.

You probably don't have to worry about for a couple of years at least, PCI Express only will likely be an option, like 'legacy free' is today. Most motherboards still have PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports (parallel and serial too), even though USB was supposed to surplant them.

[shmokes]

We already have PCI and AGP; if you want to plug in two videocards you're more than welcome to (in fact I am currently writing this post on a dual monitor setup using a PCI and an AGP videocard simultaneously).  Not to mention that just about every videocard on the market today is a dual-head card and can drive two monitors with only a single videocard.  Actually, since both my PCI and AGP cards are dual-head capable, I could run four separate monitors with only my two cards.

[b3atmania]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. If there's no new version of the AVGA, you can always use some other card to drive your arcade monitor. The AVGA is more a convenience thing than a requirement.