I have a lot of original hardware and that's where I have been historically. What I'm doing here is out of curiosity and knowledge gaining.
Josh128 wrote:
My previous experience with Rasp. Pi emulators from about 5 years ago was that they had a terrible amount of input lag. Is that not the case anymore? It still uses some version of MAME, correct? How does it switch to the proper resolutions per game? It uses a Linux OS, right?
Not so much with the right controller and using a CRT.
Still uses MAME as base core for arcade.
Uses types of timing modelines the same/similar to CRTemul drivers for the PC.
Flavours of LINUX yes.
Josh128 wrote:
Im currently using a rather large HP Elitedesk i5-6500 PC with an ATI/AMD HD5450 in my Mace Cab running GroovyMAME. I use one of Jim Riddle's 6 to 1 JAMMA switcher boards populated with additional relays to output stereo over JAMMA to switch from the Seattle board, MVS, and PC and it works fantastic. Aside from the obvious pro of space and power requirements, what other pros and cons are there vs a PC in a setup like this?
Between your current set-up and let's say a Pi. No functional advantage assuming you have GroovyMAME setup properly. GroovyMAME using CRTemul drivers on a properly setup PC and CRT is superior from a functionality perspective.
Between your current set-up and the MisTer. Depending on MisTer core the Mister use case could be more "authentic". I think the "more authentic" element is not a real thing to 99% of people, as software emulation nowadays is bloody good setup correctly and using appropriate hardware. This is my real interest in finding this out first hand...... and I'm prepared to be educated.
Josh128 wrote:
I have a unique situation in that Mace is only a 4 button fighter, so I must control 6 button games like SF2 using only 4 buttons (medium and hard punch/kick) or I can choose to use my 2 Xbox wireless controls for full 6 button functionality which are also setup on the GroovyMAME box. For authenticity sake, I'm not cutting new holes for more buttons in my cab, so I'm wondering if its possible to also attach the Xbox wireless PC dongle to the Pi and get the same functionality?
Depends what the Pi will see the dongle as. If it's seen as generic, you'll be fine. Convert to six button CP imo though. Do it right and make a replacement so you can swap them out.
Josh128 wrote:
Sorry for all the questions, but I would really like to get the most efficient, minimal lag, perfect resolution switching setup. I don't require 8000 games. I mainly am interested in a few classic Pacman/Galaga era games, mid 80s Capcom, Konami, Taito, Sega games, CPS 1, 2, 3 games, and some Midway mid 90's drivers and fighters. I have an actual MVS w/161in1 in my cab for authenticity as well, so that's already covered, but if Neo Geo core is good enough perhaps I could have the courage to remove it. I'm not up to date on all the MisTer cores and peripherals, but I assume it puts out the authentic per game resolutions as well?
You won't have the compatibility on MisTer as you have on a Pi or your PC. If setup correctly and you have no issue with the size of your PC, stick with the PC. I do like the idea of a low powered and small box in my cabs though (and being solid state).... if it all plays and feels good enough.