Custom MAME build, help me out!
Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 10:29 pm
Hey guys,
I'm getting ready to embark on a pretty big project for my modding/custom build skill level. I've been wanting to build a custom MAME cabinet for years and I've finally committed to the project by buying an empty cab to put it in. In my head, I have a lot of ideas I want this project to have and I'd like to inlist you good people to help me decide on my best options and to help solve technical obstacles I'm sure to encounter.
To start, here are a few picture of the cab:
I restored a Neo Geo cab a few years back, it's what initially got me into this whole MAME mess.
As you can see, it's a pretty nice cab to start with and the control panel gives me a lot of room.
So here is what I want to accomplish:
1.) Keep the whole thing under $1,000. Ideally I'd like to spend no more than $600, but I think thats unlikely.
2.) I want to play the widest variety of games possible. Everything from classic arcade, console, light gun, bowling/golf and on up to modern 3D fighters like Street Fighter IV etc.
3.) I want to put in the biggest and most versatile monitor I can. I'd really like to buy an arcade CRT to get that nice arcade feel, but I don't know how these will look running slightly more modern games. Maybe still badass? Maybe LCD is the way to go? I don't know, help me decide. the screenshots have a tape measure for reference to what size monitor I might be able to fit.
4.) Obviously I need a decently powerful PC. I know it doesn't take much to run emulated MAME games, but being that I want to run some newer 3D games like SF IV and maybe the Deer Hunter style games, I'll need something a bit beefier. Can anybody recommend an off the shelf PC capable of running these games? Something around $400? I know building my own setup is an option, but I'm feeling a bit lazy in this regard. There are tons of $200-$300 PCs for sale these days, but I dont think these can run SF without a video card and usually these cheapos don't have PCI slots to upgrade. What do you guys recommend?
5.)Controls! Of course with this setup I need the best button/joystick/trackball arrangements. I want to have plenty of buttons, so I can play all these games. Also which style/brand do you recommend?
Then there is all the other components I'll eventually need. Wiring, IPAC, speakers, etc... We'll get to that stuff when the time comes.
So there you go, Help me bring this sucker to life. I plan on taking lots of WIP shots to document the build and if any of you are in the LA area, maybe you can help me out or come play once it's done!
Thanks!
I'm getting ready to embark on a pretty big project for my modding/custom build skill level. I've been wanting to build a custom MAME cabinet for years and I've finally committed to the project by buying an empty cab to put it in. In my head, I have a lot of ideas I want this project to have and I'd like to inlist you good people to help me decide on my best options and to help solve technical obstacles I'm sure to encounter.
To start, here are a few picture of the cab:
I restored a Neo Geo cab a few years back, it's what initially got me into this whole MAME mess.
As you can see, it's a pretty nice cab to start with and the control panel gives me a lot of room.
So here is what I want to accomplish:
1.) Keep the whole thing under $1,000. Ideally I'd like to spend no more than $600, but I think thats unlikely.
2.) I want to play the widest variety of games possible. Everything from classic arcade, console, light gun, bowling/golf and on up to modern 3D fighters like Street Fighter IV etc.
3.) I want to put in the biggest and most versatile monitor I can. I'd really like to buy an arcade CRT to get that nice arcade feel, but I don't know how these will look running slightly more modern games. Maybe still badass? Maybe LCD is the way to go? I don't know, help me decide. the screenshots have a tape measure for reference to what size monitor I might be able to fit.
4.) Obviously I need a decently powerful PC. I know it doesn't take much to run emulated MAME games, but being that I want to run some newer 3D games like SF IV and maybe the Deer Hunter style games, I'll need something a bit beefier. Can anybody recommend an off the shelf PC capable of running these games? Something around $400? I know building my own setup is an option, but I'm feeling a bit lazy in this regard. There are tons of $200-$300 PCs for sale these days, but I dont think these can run SF without a video card and usually these cheapos don't have PCI slots to upgrade. What do you guys recommend?
5.)Controls! Of course with this setup I need the best button/joystick/trackball arrangements. I want to have plenty of buttons, so I can play all these games. Also which style/brand do you recommend?
Then there is all the other components I'll eventually need. Wiring, IPAC, speakers, etc... We'll get to that stuff when the time comes.
So there you go, Help me bring this sucker to life. I plan on taking lots of WIP shots to document the build and if any of you are in the LA area, maybe you can help me out or come play once it's done!
Thanks!