Any PC Builders here? Advice on GROOVYMAME PC Build

[Dochartaigh]

I haven't built a computer since 2002 so I'm a bit out of the loop. Can anybody look over my build and tell me if I'm missing anything? (notes below)

It's main purpose is going to be running GroovyMAME, with CRT Emudriver, on a CRT monitor so the computer doesn't need to be blazing fast. I would like to use it as a Plex media server as well so I hope I choose components which will make it powerful enough for that as well.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Pentium G4400 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($49.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - H270M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($95.38 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Crucial - 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: SanDisk - SSD PLUS 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX - Radeon HD 5450 1GB Video Card ($38.20 @ B&H)
Case: Cooler Master - Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.89 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: EVGA - 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $404.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-22 16:28 EDT-0400


NOTES:

Any cables I'll need? Screws/mounts for things like the hard drive (going with a 2.5" SSD, and a 3.5" optical)? Ribbon cables? Anything else I'll need to complete the build?

Processor: G4400 is cheapest it seems. I would like G4560 at MSRP of $64...but that's like $100-110 everywhere (because of limited stock from Intel)

Motherboard: I could go cheaper for $68 for the ASRock H110M-ITX/ac (that was the other one I choose), but the bad reviews threw me off...

RAM: Going with a single 8gb although I know 2x4GB is better performance-wise - but I want the chance to go to 16 more easily down the road...

VGA to BNC (or SCART) cable: I have a VGA to BNC cable I got in a trade, but I'll have to post pictures of it later (if has like 10+ connectors coming off it, all labeled with things I'm not necessarily sure about so it might work...might have to order another one)

I can order everything else today for $420+tax from Amazon and start building the computer on Sunday at least...

_____________________________________________________

On a side note I'm also looking for some answers about running GroovyMAME on a Windows PC if anybody is familiar with doing that:

1.) On my PC, can I run CRT Emudriver off my compatible Radeon HD video card (on the CRT monitor), while at the same time use a second regular/flatscreen/LED monitor (run off the motherboard’s build in Intel video card with HDMI output)? The HDMI flatscreen monitor would ONLY be used for things like browsing the web, watching YouTube, streaming movies, etc. - it would NOT be used for MAME.

2.) If I can do the above, is there any detriment in running Windows 10 vs. Windows 7 in regards to having GroovyMAME run the best it can? (as GroovyMAME is the primary use of this computer). I would rather use Windows 10 to browse the web and such, but if I can’t do the above it doesn’t matter and I’ll stick with Windows 7 (if that’s still the best choice for the best performance for GroovyMAME of course).

3.) There are arcade games which have resolutions above (15khz) 224p/240p/480i, correct? (couldn’t find a list of those titles if there are). Since I’m using a multiformat CRT monitor which can do 240p up to 1080i/720p (15-47khz), would I be able to play those games in their proper resolution with GroovyMAME/CRT Emudriver?

4.) Random question I’ll throw in: Can have multiple save states per game in GroovyMAME like I can running FBAlpha on my RP3? (sorry for such a basic questions…I went through 4 pages of Google results for ‘ GroovyMAME “save game” ‘ and found absolutely nothing to my surprise)

[s8n]

hi Doc , the only part that concerns me is the GFX Card. I had a ArcadeVGA2 (X550) which worked with groovymame and then i got a error message when gm got to around release 0.185. It was something like 'your card cannot support the power of 2 textures' , so i bought a Radeon 6450 and no more problems. I'm just a little worried the 5450 you selected may have the same issue and it may be worth getting a slightly newer GFX Card.

[Lord of Pirates]

Any particular reason why you'd want to go up to 16GB in the future? Screws and cables you'll need should all be included if you're buying new.

[Dochartaigh]

the only part that concerns me is the GFX Card.

Thanks for chiming in! The video card should be good - there's an old compatibility list floating around. "Calamity" (think that's the programmer who made CRT Emudriver) made a tutorial specifically for that 5450 card so it should be good to go. I'm actually researching a 7XXX series card as well since I read they're better in some aspects (and definitely have WAY less power draw for a little compact built like this) - still need to finish researching though to confirm those are OK to use as well.

Any particular reason why you'd want to go up to 16GB in the future? Screws and cables you'll need should all be included if you're buying new.

I'm a graphic designer so most of my computers for the last ~10 years or so have always had 16gb (which I commonly max out on my desktops - have 32gb in my 2014 Mac Pro right now because of that actually). Just wanted the option in the future to upgrade for cheaper (especially if I start to use this computer for things other than emulation, that'll save me like ~$40 just for the RAM upgrade).

[Dochartaigh]

What is everyone using to combine the VGA's Horizontal and Vertical sync into a RGBs signal for their PVM/BVM? I've been reading using a simple t-combiner for H/V sync is a bad long term solution so I don't want to do that.

I know many people suggest the Extron RGB Rxi (203) series - is this overkill for what I want to do? All I need to do is combine sync - I think I can even set GroovyMAME to center the image properly and all that through it's settings. Will I have any problem with sending an array of different resolutions to the Extron Rxi since I'm planning on using this on a multiformat monitor using 240p/15khz, 480p/31khz, etc. (when the majority of people are using it for a monitor which can only take 15khz input)?

[Fudoh]

I know many people suggest the Extron RGB Rxi (203) series - is this overkill for what I want to do?

there are considerably cheaper interfaces, starting at maybe $20 on ebay. These are ideal if you just want a proper sync conversion.

[Dochartaigh]

there are considerably cheaper interfaces, starting at maybe $20 on ebay. These are ideal if you just want a proper sync conversion.

Are you talking about some of the cheaper Extron RGB devices? (i.e. not the fancy 203 model)

When I search for VGA sync combiner all I find is $200+ Tektronix VGA cables.

[Fudoh]

yes, I mean other Extron RGB interfaces. Just search for "Extron RGB" and you have a plethora of devices to choose from.

The Extron RGB 190 or 192 for example can convert to either RGBs for a 4-cable connection or RGsB for a 3-cable connection to your monitor.

[DoomsDave]

I use an extron 190f on one monitor and it works great. I think it cost me about $35 with a PSU.