Recommended Video Cards to Connect Arcade Monitor?

[smaxdot]

Hi folks,

I'm very close to purchasing a cabinet that will be prefitted with a 2-player control panel (4 action buttons each player) and a working 25" arcade monitor.  So....I'll be using this to build my first MAME cabinet.  I didn't plan on using an arcade monitor, but the price is right on this cabinet...and it's in stellar shape.  

I've heard that using the ArcadeVGA card is a good way to go, but my little research also revealed that there certainly *are* other VGA video cards that can output the required 15Khz horizontal scanrate signal.  

Can anyone recommend a reliable video card to use that will perform nicely under MAME32?  Keep in mind I'd prefer greatly to run Windows 2000 as the operating system.  I don't need the "latest and greatest" card -- just something reliable that will look nice and give good performance (and, of course, output the 15Khz scanrate signal).

Also, any general pointers on how to connect the darned thing?

Thanks for your help, guys.

Regards,

- Dave

[subcriminal]

Go for the ArcadeVGA and a Video AMP from Ultimarc. The range of built in resolutions is unmatched by any other card.
As well as the 15KHz signal, you really need a 5V output from the graphics card which the Amp provides. Without it the card outputs a 1V signal and picture that is low on contrast and unadjustable.

You can use the card with a normal VGA breakout cable without an amp but you won't get anywhere near as good a picture as you do with an amped cable.

[b3atmania]

I've heard that using the ArcadeVGA card is a good way to go, but my little research also revealed that there certainly *are* other VGA video cards that can output the required 15Khz horizontal scanrate signal.

I use an Xpert98 card. It has AGP (2x) and an ATI Rage chipset. Works fine with 15kHz and 25kHz modes.

Also, check what kind of signals your arcade monitor expects. You might need an amp, but then again you might not.

Also, I would recommend against running MAME in Windows mode. You will be limited in possible resolutions thus MAME will stretch in an attempt to fill the screen resulting in a very ugly display. Go for DOS-mode with AdvanceMAME.

[SirPeale]

If he's getting a J-PAC he doesn't need the amplifier.

If he's not going to use Windows, he doesn't need an ArcadeVGA.  Of course, since he's planning on using Windows 2000, either the ArcadeVGA or a Trident Blade t64 based card, AFAIK, are the only options.

I could be wrong about that.  I have not tried using the monarc.sys util with Windows.

[DaveJ-UK]

I'm using an ArcadeVGA with JPAC, Win2K, MAMEWAH and it works great.

I tried advance mame with win98se dos and a Matrox G200 (wiring directly with no signal boost) and that displayed a great picture.

In the end I went for Win2K and MAMEWAH over advmame because it seemed easier to configure.

ArcadeVGA and the JPAC are well worth the money both quality products.

[smaxdot]

Well, my first choice was to run Windows 2000.....  BUT -- If I can save myself some money and not have to purchase the ArcadeVGA + video amp cable, I can certainly run MAME under DOS.  No problems there, I used to be a DOS junkie...

So if I did decide to run MAME under DOS, what video card would you all recommend?  Also, would I still need an amp cable?  

Incidentally, the cabinet is not JAMMA.

Thanks again guys,

- Dave

[tom61]

So if I did decide to run MAME under DOS, what video card would you all recommend?  Also, would I still need an amp cable?

If you're standard Mame, any card will do. If you'll be running AdvanceMame, ATI cards typically have lower dot clocks (meaning more tweakable resolutions). You'll likely need an amp, as most arcade monitors want 5Vp-p and VGA cards output 1Vp-p. However, you could just turn up the brightness knob and get an OK output.

[smaxdot]

If you're standard Mame, any card will do.

Really?  I thought only a certain # of cards output the 15Khz signal, regardless of the operating system...  Perhaps I'm mistaken?      

I do see that the Trident Blade T64 comes highly rated as a card to get if using an arcade monitor and DOS...  I'm confused though if I can run ArcadeOS as the frontend with this card + the arcade monitor or do I need to run AdvanceMAME?  Is there an advantage of one over the other in this configuration?

Thanks for clarifying, you guys are a huge help!

- Dave

[SirPeale]

The Trident is highly lauded because there are drivers to get Windows working in 15KHz.  A very inexpensive alternative to the ArcadeVGA.

There are many, MANY cards that will output @ 15KHz.  Most ATI cards, nVidia will.  S3 as a rule do not.  Trident cards mostly will, depending on the chipset.

[DaveJ-UK]

I hear the ATI Rage Pro is great on an arcade monitor.

As I said before, I had a Matrox G200 on an arcade monitor (Hantarax 9000) displaying a great picture with no JPAC or other signal booster. I think this is because my monitor can accept the VGAs 1v signal though and not because the video card outputs 5V.

[hijakt]

I'm looking to do the same thing. since this is an old thread, I was hoping someone could suggest a card that will work on a arcade monmitor. Is it possible to get a card that will run Street fighter 4 and be playable on a monitor or  is there another  solurion. I'm assuming I'll also need the amp. all help will be greatly appreciated, a link to the site that has tehe card would be handy, I'm new at this, so figure you guys will have more knowledge. Thanks.

[dholcombe]

The ArcadeVGA is still the answer.

Updated version is available at Ultimarc.

http://www.ultimarc.com/avgainf.html