Posted by Claw919 on 6, 2000 at 9:51 AM:
In Reply to: Re: Sutable Computer? posted by Raptor||| on 6, 2000 at 12:21 AM:
I'd look into AMD Duron processors, to be honest with you. Bit better performance over the Celeron, at close to the same price point.
Also, (no offence to above), but try and stay away from the Intel i810 onboard chipset. In particular, the video output on those isn't great in terms of speed. Forget 3D accelleration (which isn't really a factor at this point, I know..)..
I'd say ($Cdn estimates, so -40% for you):
AMD Duron 500 ($120)
Generic Socket A with Via chipset onboard ($90)
Soundblaster 16 ($30)
128mb RAM ($100 CDN now - BIG price drop)
Puts you at about $330 Cdn ($200 US). Then you'd need a video board and a hard drive. I'd go for some kind of end of line deal that you can often find (or a tradein at your computer shop). If you're a 'warezdood' and are planning to download ALL the ROMsets (tsk, tsk..), you'll only need <2gb including the neo-geo files.
ATI makes a couple of decent entry level video boards as well.
Hope it helps. Fire away any questions. I do a lot of hardware/networking consulting as part of my job, so I'd be glad to help.
Dave
: : The Intel GS810 MicroTower comes with an Intel Celeron 500MHz Processor, 64MB PC100 SDRAM, a 10.2 GB UDMA/66 Hard Drive, built in Intel Sound Card, a built in Intel AGP Video Card (with 4MB of Video Cache) all in a micro-tower case. This system uses the Intel 810DC100 chipset for super fast system speeds at a value price. This whole system is put together so you don't have to worry about it assembling it, and with Intel's name on it, you don't need to worry about it failing when you need it the most. Fully setup with a Mini-PCI 56K V.90 Data/Fax Modem,quality Intel Sound with 2 outputs (for speakers/headphone) and 1 mic input, 4 USB ports to hook up a scanner or printer (2 USB ports are used by the keyboard and mouse), and a 24X CD-ROM drive so you can play CD's on computer in your dorm, home or office!! This Complete System comes with a USB keyboard, a 3-button Logitech USB Wheel Mosue, power and phone cords, Manuals and Drivers on CD, and quick setup manual. This is the perfect system for a dorm or a small office with minimal space! Don't hurt your wallet on your next system, get this super deal - the Intel Celeron-500MHz MicroTower System, 64MB RAM, 24X CD, plus more!
: : Is this a good deal? Where could I find the cheapest monitor possible? And most importantly, how much arcade action can I get? Most MAME near full speed? Rain at good speeds? Neogeo any good? Other than that, I will mostly use it for internet access, and minimal application use (word processing etc...) I know its not top of the line, but I am just looking for a good starting point into a PC to MAME machine project. Any help is much appreciated!
: I'd be weary of intels sound, I can't get Mame workin with it, I've got the 810 board. I havn't tried Mame32 yet but I'd probably get a better soundcard if I were you.