Ok, finally getting around to building an emulation box...

Post by **Flak Beard** » Thu May 15, 2008 4:30 pm

I've got enough spare parts now to build a machine (minus case). It'll be a dated machine, but should be able to handle all the 8-bit, 16-bit emulators along with MAME, NeoGeo, PS1 and N64. I also plan to have things like StepMania and Frets On Fire installed. Here's my components:

2600+ Athlon XP
MicroATX Mobo
1GB DDR 333
2x 80GB HDD
DVD-ROM
128MB GeForce4 MX440

Should all of this run fine on a 350W PSU? Here's the case I plan to get:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811121003

I know there are smaller cases, but they can be expensive and I'd rather leave run for air flow. My biggest concern right now, is that I don't have an HDTV so I'll be hooking this up via s-video. The video card has s-video capability, but will I be able to make this my primary video output? The mobo also has onboard video, so I'll need to learn how to disable that. Should I set up the machine before adding the AGP video card?

Also, any other suggestions for setting this up would be greatly appreciated.

Post by **dudex77** » Thu May 15, 2008 5:58 pm

Start off using the video card and once you've installed the nvidia driver you're given the option to set whatever moniter as the default. I think the PSU should be fine but I could be wrong in which case just take out the second HD (put the PS1 isos on disks). This should be pretty cool when it's done. What I would suggest is making your own custom case so you can set up the usb ports as if the were controller ports and possibly model the case after a console. Also I'm not sure frets on fire supports lower resolutions.

Post by **Flak Beard** » Thu May 15, 2008 6:11 pm

If Frets On Fire only runs in higher resolution, would the video card take care of scaling it down for me?

I like your idea of putting the controller ports somewhere on the case. I might figure out a way to put my PS2 to PC adapter in one of the bays. It's got slots for two controllers. Also, if space becomes an issue, I have an external 200GB HDD.

Post by **Mozgus** » Thu May 15, 2008 8:20 pm

I believe that nvidia cards will default to s-video if a tv is detected and no monitors are detected on the vga/dvi outputs. I think it will even do this without the drivers installed.

Post by **aaron** » Thu May 15, 2008 8:31 pm

always wanted to do this, please give us a detailed description of your progress

Post by **retro_gammer79** » Thu May 15, 2008 8:36 pm

That would be fine for your setup. Just make sure your TV can do S-video or that you have an S-video to RCA adapter. Unless it's a really really old Nvidia card, it will have S-video. I have thought about building one of these many times and using http://mamewah.mameworld.net/ However, do to it right I would want a slim case and good controllers.

Post by **Flak Beard** » Thu May 15, 2008 8:43 pm

I'll definitely keep you guys updated. I'm hoping that building a box for the TV will pull me out the "emulator syndrome". I can be more relaxed while playing and enjoy it a bit more.

I was checking out this case as well...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811144160

What do you guys think? Is it worth the extra cash?

Post by **Flak Beard** » Thu May 15, 2008 8:48 pm

retro_gammer79 wrote:That would be fine for your setup. Just make sure your TV can do S-video or that you have an S-video to RCA adapter. Unless it's a really really old Nvidia card, it will have S-video. I have thought about building one of these many times and using http://mamewah.mameworld.net/ However, do to it right I would want a slim case and good controllers.

My TV has s-video and component as well, but it is a standard 27" CRT. A slim case would be nice, but I hear a lot of complaints about heat and I think I would need a low-profile VGA card right?

Post by **fastbilly1** » Thu May 15, 2008 10:25 pm

What I find funny is that your trash emulation pc is almost as powerful as my gaming computer... Your PSU should be fine and you can play FoF through the Svideo on your tv, I have done it even though I am rubbish at it. Stepmania works fine and is just a hoot. Heck four player Perfect Dark or Twisted Metal 4 will run fine. I highly suggest a Super Joybox 5 if you need a controller converter.

Post by **dudex77** » Fri May 16, 2008 2:16 am

Flak Beard wrote:I'll definitely keep you guys updated. I'm hoping that building a box for the TV will pull me out the "emulator syndrome". I can be more relaxed while playing and enjoy it a bit more.

I have a computer with similar specs and use it both as a computer and an emulator box on the second screen. Honestly you don't need a special case, that just makes it cooler. I've actually forgotten I'm emulating and tried switching cartridges on my n64.