Suggestions for converting crappy old Dell PC.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a school was selling old computers it did not need anymore. I bagged 2 computers in the sale. One had 256MB RAM, one had 386MB RAM. Both have the same processor and an ATi Rage video card. I'm using one computer for spare parts and I transferred one 256MB stick of RAM into my computer for 512 MB (They only have 2 RAM slots) of RAM. When I get a job in the summer I'm gonna save for a more advanced computer, so this is why I created this thread.

Ideas I already have:
Arcade machine with MAME, a frontend, X-Arcade dual joystick, and 2 USB lightguns. Maybe even frontending other emulators in a chain for Genesis, SNES, NES, and Master System.

Creating a small DOOM LAN by reassembling both computers and using them exclusively for Skulltag, running them each at 256 MB of RAM in Skulltag's software rendering mode (OpenGL mode wouldn't be too hot on 256MB). Maybe I'll even LAN System Shock 2 and Hexen II in addition to DOOM, Heretic, and Hexen.

Taking it apart completely and using it as a box for my game controllers and wires.

Formatting the HDD's and using them as slave drives for my new PC (Both are 20GB by the way).

Make an htpc perhaps? just install ubuntu or whatnot, xbmc, config, and buy an s-video cable, along with a scart or whatever it is you have with s-video on it.

Processor specs would be helpful.

It's a P4 1.7 GHz.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Honey the Cat

It's a P4 1.7 GHz.

---

That kind of processor can be used for quite a few things! Heck, I thought you were talking less than 800MHZ based on the ram. There's almost nothing it can't run (like a PS2 emulator) with the right tweaking.

I'm with Dunn on this one, use Linux and then load it up. That machine can haul plenty of workload. Also I'd use both 20GB drives in one machine, heck why not.

Nathan

My most particular plan was to create a Doom LAN with Skulltag and these two computers running on the exact same specs. That P4's holding its own for what I care about (Genesis, SNES, NES, SMS, DOOM, MAME, pre-2003 computer games, MUGEN). It's just the RAM and more disk space that I really care about. The only reason I don't have my other HDD configured as a slave is because the casing won't fit it (which can be remedied by doing away with the casing and using another casing, or just not using a casing alltogether).

You should get Links: The Challenge of Golf running.

Doom LAN is cool too...

I say get a couple hundred GB hard drive (a 160 GB drive must be pennies on the dollar nowadays) and torrent complete ROM sets for every system you want. Pile them on to your computer, and enjoy. It may bog a little when running around the OS, but once the data is loaded and you're in the game, you should be fine. I have a Dell laptop with (I'm pretty sure) a slower processor and 512 MB of RAM and it handled MAME just fine. Even better, these computers are probably old enough to have an S-Video output from the factory so all you would need is a cable (and a composite converter if your CRT doesn't have S-Video) and then a headphone->Stereo cable to run from the headphone jack to the TV and WHAM! good times are had by all. I've been doing something similar (only more convoluted thanks to the lack of built in composite video in new Macbook Pros) and it is SOO AWESOME. It's especially perfect for super rare/expensive systems like the Neo Geo that you're unlikely to ever own in real life.

Probably just Genesis, SMS, NES, SNES, and maybe GB, Atari 2600, and GameGear. It's great you brought up that suggestion because I'm actually really into retro gaming and the like. I have a Dual Shock ripoff controller by Logitech which did me fine for as long as I've had it and I got an XBox 360 controller on a whim to use with a PC. But the S-Video thing I don't think I'll be doing since having a decent monitor eliminates the need for using a TV. My monitor's a medium-sized CRT which would probably be fine for local multiplayer gaming.

They still make RAM that goes into computers that age. Kinda pricey, but you can get 1gig DDR sticks.

I did just that for a Dell I had collecting dust.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rusty Venture

They still make RAM that goes into computers that age. Kinda pricey, but you can get 1gig DDR sticks.

I did just that for a Dell I had collecting dust.

---

Yeah DDR isn't too much of a problem, hell even SDRAM isn't THAT tough. (used sourses might be better to look into though)

RDRAM (rambus) is a real PITA though, expensive and relatively short lived as mainstream PC memory, my dad had to buy some last year to upgrade my grandpa's 256 MB 733 MHz P3 machine which was painfully slow running XP. (chugging with paging to disc constantly) I know it was at least $60 for a 512 MB stick. (which still only brought it up to 640 MB as it had been 2x 128 MB sticks previously)
The only reason we did that was because a motherboard swap and general upgrade with re-install was more trouble than necessary. (used basicly for email) 640 MB is fine though, I ran XP with 512 MB for many years without much trouble. (a bit more towards the end)


Anyway, that set-up sounds fine for a decent emulator box. What's the RAM like that's there already. You mentioned 256+384 MB, but how's that divided? (if 2 of those are 256 MB sticks, that may be sufficient; 512 MB is OK for a lot of stuff) Plus you might be able to dual channel if the mobo supports it. Is it all DDR?

It's SDRAM. By the way, since my XBox broke and I don't have the right screwdrivers to get into it, I converted both my XBox controllers for use with my PC, which holds its own with Genesis and SNES emulation. I tested Gauntlet 4 to see if I could get 4 players and I can tell you how to get 4 player in Gauntlet 4:

Use the TeamPlayer Slot 1 in Kega Fusion. Only configure the first three slots in the TeamPlayer. Those are the first three players. The fourth player uses the second controller port on the Genesis. This info can also be used for real hardware.

I can safely say the only reason I'd need a keyboard is for 5 player Bomberman. :P

My dad put 2x 1gb sticks of DDR in his Compaq P4 2.6ghz... so I can confirm they exist too! Decent computer that would be awesome for emulation but it has shitty onboard video, with no AGP slot. If you could get a cheap ATI radeon 9000 or something that is PCI, it'd be awesome with XP and any 16bit emulator you desire. Kega doesn't even run full speed at full screen cuz of it. Damn intel...

Even with my monitor capable of running at more than 1024*768, I still use 1024*768 for everything to ensure my computer is a little faster.

I got loads of SDRam layin' around.

You can play hexen public multiplayer games (cooperative or deathmatch) by using skulltag.
For playing hexen2 cooperative you may use Hamachi (more here http://forums.raven-games.com/showthread.php?t=33181 or ask samkov)
To play hexen2 deathmatch you can use Hammer of Thyrion HexenWorld Source port
read more here http://sourceforge.net/projects/uhex.../topic/3439244