Project: Dedicated computer running Sega emulator

[runback22]

How good is DC emulation? What type of CPU specs are we talking about to get it to work? Specifically, I'm interested in powerstone, any DC racer, and sonic games.....

[nathanallan]

I'm looking at a case like that... but I'd want two hdd bays. Thankfully I found a decent looking low profile case with the options. It just boils down to the room and money, which I don't have.

This one actually has 2 bays in it, behind the white sticker and beside the cd-rom bay. I'm only going to use one for now, only one drive in it at this moment. These cases rock, check your local computer place (the suckier the better, this one came from the one that had the worst rep in town).

[gamevet]

This topic is being bumped to save some bandwith: I'm thinking of building a low profile emu box for Genesis, Saturn... maybe emulate DC if I can. What does that require for processor and video power? I know emulators for that system are (just now?) playable and it's exciting stuff!

Should I use my already lying around Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (non black edition) or buy another AMD AM-whatever CPU? I was thinking of a Sempron 140 2.7Ghz when they come out like in a few days and overclocking it to 3ghz (prolly multiplier locked, but come on it should be possible to get at least 300mhz) but its single core, and the specs look good, just wish it was 10-20w lower (it's going to be a 45W part) so decisions, decisions... Probally a passive HD4350 for video (the only passive HD4550's i've seen are full profile and no component out)

Hell, I don't even have the friggin room right now and I REALLY want to do it!

You're not going to be able to run Saturn emulation very well using a single core processor.

[David J.]

Yeah... for some reason the cpu I have lying around doesn't seem that attractive to use when its plenty good. O well..

[runback22]

so whatever happened to this project? I was recently given a dell dimension black tower that is running a 2.53ghz celeron. Its a crappy celeron, but its fast enough to run everything on Fusion perfectly.

I was thinking of using it and slapping that gorgeous Sega Genesis logo on the side.

Only question I have is.....Is it okay to lay a tower computer on its side?

[nathanallan]

The project is lately on hold, though there haven't been any setbacks. Just life got in the way. Win2K Pro is humming along nicely, waiting for something to do. I just need to install the emulator (going with Gens, Fusion didn't work out, didn't seem to like the computer much) and tweak the splash screens and such.

There is absolutely no problem running a vertical standing tower on its side, the things don't rely on being in any certain position. Save for the CD-ROM drive, which it's just a chore to hold the CD in as you close the door. It ought to be okay.

Though I got a black faced floppy drive for the machine, I was thinking about getting a Zip250 that was black faced. I mean, why not, I have a free 3.5" bay. But right now it's on the back burner.

[ThugsRook]

case looks great!

dont waste your $/time on a zip drive, they are super slow. USB flash drives are the way to go and will be way more useful to you.

[Da_Shocker]

My Quad Core works great on eveything now if there was a Saturn and DC emu out i'd be real good then.

[nathanallan]

Yeah, I know about zip drives but I'd like to stuff the empty hole with something. If I can swing a USB card reader and get it to work I'll go that way. When I get to it-- need time! I need to work Mars hours.