Portable Emulator System

makkanosappo · January 9th, 2003

I'm planning on picking up an empty XBox shell/case and turn it into my little portable emulator system. I'm trying to keep the cost down, but I want to have psx emulation in it and was curious what kind of specs I need to have to run everything smoothly at descent resolutions, 640x480 or 800x600, doesn't matter too much as it'll just be displayed on a TV.

Right now I'm looking at http://www.accubyte.com/applications...?sku=AMP-810LM for the motherboard, a micro atx size that fits easily in the xbox case, but I would like to know what processor speeds I need to have to keep Epsxe running smoothly. It comes down to a 1700 Athlon XP at $95 or a or a 1.2 ghz Duron for $75 (both with motherboard).

I'll be using 512 meg of PC 133, that should work well enough, and next I'm looking at which video card I need to pick up. Geforce 2 MX400 costs are extremely low, but is it enough to emulate well? I can step up to the Geforce 2 TI for $20 more. If those won't cut it the Geforce 3 is the next step up, but it costs quite a bit more and heat is going to be an issue with it. I don't know much about the ATI Radeon or any other cards for the most part, been an NVidia flunkie. It's only major purpose is to run the emu's.

Just looking for some advice before I start this project up. I'll be going with a 52x CD-Rom and probably a 40GB 5400 Hard Drive, something in that range.Thanks for any replies!

Off topic: Are the best emu's on Linux or Windows? I haven't researched it much as I've not messed with Linux till this semester, class on it.

Phoenix Flame · January 9th, 2003

If you haven't messed with Linux then forget about it, it's an incredibly unfriendly OS and does more harm than good unless you absolutely know what you're doing. Plus all the major emus are usually on Windows first, then Linux and the Windows versions generally have better support because of the larger fan base.

For the graphics card, I have a GF2 GTS which seems to cut it OK but it struggles terribly when I try to use FSAA. If you want it to look absolutely gorgeous then a GF4 MX should do the job nicely - they're relatively cheap as well. Forget about anything from ATi because they simply don't have the compatability and will only cause hassles.

For the CPU, I'd recommend the Athlon XP over the Duron any day of the week. If you want to run most games perfectly with all the detail settings (framebuffer effects and the rest) then you'll need a powerful processor.

CDROM is fine, just make sure that it supports subchannels (I'd be surprised if it doesn't) and 40Gb should be enough just as long as you don't put too much stuff on there. All my PSX games are run as ISOs on the hard drive, which takes up mucho space but makes the games run so much smoother. If you're planning on doing that, then maybe get a slightly bigger hard drive - it shouldn't cost too much extra.

Shin_Gouki · January 10th, 2003

Damn it are ATI cards to Emulation actually THAT bad?? My system runs on a radeon and lets say it works "sub optimal" ...
Do give radeon 9xxx any chances to it as well as Nvidia cards? Are you speaking of personal experince or have you just heard?
regarding price-power which Nvidia card woulf now becomming interesting (about 120 $) the GF ti 4200 or maybe i should wait until march when " GF FX MX " is released?

I´m also looking INTENSIVLY for an "portable" Emu-DivX system which works STABLE ! What do you think about the X-Box Linux ??
Has the X-Box (proper set) a chance to Emulate PSX and Arcade games (CPS 2) hm lets say "well"?

I´m lookinf forward to your comments.
(PLEASE excuse my bad english...)

MFG Shin Gouki

Gamer1 · January 10th, 2003

i know from expierience that ati isn't bad for emus only the 8xxx and the 9000 just sucks for pete's opengl. but i found a fix around that problem. use window mode instead of full screen.

-----------------------------------

anyway, too bad a group that was hacking the xbox dropped out of the race (d@mn M$ for strong arming them) that's a step back for linux running on xbox. i wonder if they will ever release their work? for others to build on top of that.

-----------------------------------

If you are thinking of a new vid card, just go for a GF3 or a 9500 pro

**Snake785** · January 10th, 2003

For a portable emulator system, I'd just get a nice powerful Laptop.

(however, those cost an arm and a leg).

**Kirby** · January 10th, 2003

Linux is extremely hard to use. And I broke an arm and a leg trying to install the 3D acceleration drivers for my GeForce2 200 (but I did it

)

A GeForce3 should be perfect. And the CPU is well OK (the Athlon XP one, Durons will bottleneck your video card) However, you'll still be doomed when PS2 emulation comes out in the next century

**Kane** · January 10th, 2003

I'd think a 4MX wouldbe better for emulation purposes. More bang for buck, as it doesn't need the pixel and vertex shaders.

F-3582 · January 10th, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Kane
I'd think a 4MX wouldbe better for emulation purposes. More bang for buck, as it doesn't need the pixel and vertex shaders.

Why not 2gts or 2pro? They are much cheaper and cost less than 4mx.

January 10th, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by makkanosappo
I'm planning on picking up an empty XBox shell/case and turn it into my little portable emulator system. I'm trying to keep the cost down, but I want to have psx emulation in it and was curious what kind of specs I need to have to run everything smoothly at descent resolutions, 640x480 or 800x600, doesn't matter too much as it'll just be displayed on a TV.

Right now I'm looking at http://www.accubyte.com/applications...?sku=AMP-810LM for the motherboard, a micro atx size that fits easily in the xbox case, but I would like to know what processor speeds I need to have to keep Epsxe running smoothly. It comes down to a 1700 Athlon XP at $95 or a or a 1.2 ghz Duron for $75 (both with motherboard).

I'll be using 512 meg of PC 133, that should work well enough, and next I'm looking at which video card I need to pick up. Geforce 2 MX400 costs are extremely low, but is it enough to emulate well? I can step up to the Geforce 2 TI for $20 more. If those won't cut it the Geforce 3 is the next step up, but it costs quite a bit more and heat is going to be an issue with it. I don't know much about the ATI Radeon or any other cards for the most part, been an NVidia flunkie. It's only major purpose is to run the emu's.

Just looking for some advice before I start this project up. I'll be going with a 52x CD-Rom and probably a 40GB 5400 Hard Drive, something in that range.Thanks for any replies!

Off topic: Are the best emu's on Linux or Windows? I haven't researched it much as I've not messed with Linux till this semester, class on it.

interesting idea!
as for system; my p3 800 with gf4mx pull off epsxe easily at 1024x768, so I dont think you'd have to worry, unless you insist on using FSAA. I had a gf2mx before, and it performed great as well, allthough I think it might have had some problems with a few "heavy" games on 1024x768, no problems on 800x600 though.
However, the geforce 2ti + athlon combo would probably also allow better Nintendo 64 emulation, and also emulating N64 would be a nice addition, IMO.

Windows is definately the best for emus, since theres a larger varietyfor it and you'll probably have less problems getting a gamepad recognised.

btw, I'm curious what kind of gamepads you were planning to use.
Also, if I were you I'd put in a dvd drive so its a little movie box as well. A big HD would be a plus too; running straightly of HD means not having to swap cds.

ok, another suggestion (but this is a bit off), try to make it possible to control as much as possible with joypad. I think there are programs to control the mouse through the joypad in windows; that way you dont have to do difficult things whenever you have to change a game. (if you're sitting on a couch using a gamepad to change a game is more comfortable than having to stand up, get a mouse, etc)

**Kane** · January 10th, 2003

>Why not 2gts or 2pro? They are much cheaper and cost less than 4mx.

Because you'll get higher resses, better TV out and better FSAA from the 4MX.

**Shiori** · January 10th, 2003

How much are the early nForce boards now anyway? $79? That's prolly worth a look.

**Kane** · January 10th, 2003

That's not a bad idea actualy, as long as you put in enough memry.

F-3582 · January 10th, 2003

Oops, I meant that they are as powerful as the 4mx series (I've read it in the c't)

Ninjaa · January 10th, 2003

An Xbox case is portable? O_o

**Dark Watcher** · January 10th, 2003

Kane is right...The GFMX420 is probably the the best way to go...very inexpensive but well featured, and decent TV out via S-Video. ATI's are good cards, but in the case of PSX emulation..plugin authors such as Pete revolve most settings around NVidia cards. There are workarounds for ATI users, but go with the NVidia for less worry.

Optional external USB card for extra USB ports connection.4 <-- We are assuming you plan on using a USB controller. So will you rewire the Xbox controller ports? Or will you simply gut the ports and feed the cords through to a USB card and make it a permanent connection?

We have been running ePSXe with most features on a GF4MX PCI (heh not even AGP) with a 733mhz Pent 3 256 RAM without a problem for quite some time now...because your using it as a makeshift console anyways...particularly with TV-Out..then resolutions of 640x480 and 800x600 should be no prob

another factor to look into...be sure that you can get a compatible power supply that not only can fit in the Xbox shell, but will work with your mobo selection.

hmm...with all this talk we are beginning to wonder whether building this thing or simply modding an Xbox and patiently waiting for emus to be made is the way to go....authors already appear to have MAME, SNES, Genesis, and other emus running....and hell if Mark can get PCSX running on a Dreamcast..then Xbox should be a strong possibility.....bah.....
anyways the concept does indeed sound cool...go for it....It will be interesting to see how it turns out..

January 10th, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Ninja
An Xbox case is portable? O_o

well, maybe not for those small asian girls in your avatar

ok, it's also big for a console, but I guess its perfectly suitable to hide a pc in

Ninjaa · January 10th, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Samor
ok, it's also big for a console, but I guess its perfectly suitable to hide a pc in

You might be able to sneak a sniper rifle or a large assault rifle onto an airplane in one too...

The Captain · January 10th, 2003

Quote:

I can step up to the Geforce 2 TI for $20 more

As everyone else has said, go with the gf4mx. I have a gf2 TI and it can't do all the framebuffer effects perfectly/at full speed.

January 10th, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Ninja

You might be able to sneak a sniper rifle or a large assault rifle onto an airplane in one too...

perhaps, but a gamecube makes a good handgrenade case

and ps2 is for sandwiches. or something.

**Shiori** · January 10th, 2003

The new GBA could double as a waffle iron.

January 9th, 2003	#1 (permalink)
makkanosappo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2	Portable Emulator System I'm planning on picking up an empty XBox shell/case and turn it into my little portable emulator system. I'm trying to keep the cost down, but I want to have psx emulation in it and was curious what kind of specs I need to have to run everything smoothly at descent resolutions, 640x480 or 800x600, doesn't matter too much as it'll just be displayed on a TV. Right now I'm looking at http://www.accubyte.com/applications...?sku=AMP-810LM for the motherboard, a micro atx size that fits easily in the xbox case, but I would like to know what processor speeds I need to have to keep Epsxe running smoothly. It comes down to a 1700 Athlon XP at $95 or a or a 1.2 ghz Duron for $75 (both with motherboard). I'll be using 512 meg of PC 133, that should work well enough, and next I'm looking at which video card I need to pick up. Geforce 2 MX400 costs are extremely low, but is it enough to emulate well? I can step up to the Geforce 2 TI for $20 more. If those won't cut it the Geforce 3 is the next step up, but it costs quite a bit more and heat is going to be an issue with it. I don't know much about the ATI Radeon or any other cards for the most part, been an NVidia flunkie. It's only major purpose is to run the emu's. Just looking for some advice before I start this project up. I'll be going with a 52x CD-Rom and probably a 40GB 5400 Hard Drive, something in that range.Thanks for any replies! Off topic: Are the best emu's on Linux or Windows? I haven't researched it much as I've not messed with Linux till this semester, class on it.

January 10th, 2003	#4 (permalink)
Gamer1 Anti-Brand Loyalist Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Its too dark to tell... Posts: 3,237	i know from expierience that ati isn't bad for emus only the 8xxx and the 9000 just sucks for pete's opengl. but i found a fix around that problem. use window mode instead of full screen. ----------------------------------- anyway, too bad a group that was hacking the xbox dropped out of the race (d@mn M$ for strong arming them) that's a step back for linux running on xbox. i wonder if they will ever release their work? for others to build on top of that. ----------------------------------- If you are thinking of a new vid card, just go for a GF3 or a 9500 pro __________________ Iris: (Proc:Intel Pentium4 2.8Ghz w/ HT UNLOCKED @ 15x200) (Mobo: Asus P4C800-E) (RAM: Corsair XMS 2x512MB DDR400) (HDD 1: Seagate 80GB, 8MB Buffer, 7200 RPM) (Disk Drive 1: Lite-On 16x DVD Burner 1673S) (GFX Card: Radeon 9800 All-In-Wonder Pro 128MB) (Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy) Morrigan: (Proc:AMD Athlon 2500+ @ 11x200) (Mobo: Asrock K7V88) (RAM: Corsair XMS 512MB DDR400) (HDD 1: Seagate 80GB, 8MB Buffer, 7200 RPM) (Disk Drive 1: NEC 16x DVD Burner 3200AG) (GFX Card: Radeon 920064MB) (Sound Card: Sound Blaster Live! 5.1)

January 10th, 2003	#5 (permalink)
Snake785 Prepare for Descent... Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 2,615	For a portable emulator system, I'd just get a nice powerful Laptop. (however, those cost an arm and a leg). __________________ My Computer specs: Pentium 4 2.6Ghz 512 MB of RAM Geforce FX 5700 128 MB Windows XP SP1 Click here for Flaretech.Biz Web Hosting

January 10th, 2003	#6 (permalink)
Kirby Politically incorrect FTW Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 8,445	Linux is extremely hard to use. And I broke an arm and a leg trying to install the 3D acceleration drivers for my GeForce2 200 (but I did it ) A GeForce3 should be perfect. And the CPU is well OK (the Athlon XP one, Durons will bottleneck your video card) However, you'll still be doomed when PS2 emulation comes out in the next century __________________ AMD Athlon64 X2 4400+ Toledo, Nvidia GeForce 7950GT SLi, 2GB PC3200 2-3-2-5, ABit AN8-SLi, Sound Blaster X-FI XtremeMusic

January 10th, 2003	#7 (permalink)
Kane 邪魔ゎ指せない Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Gosport, England Posts: 26,255	I'd think a 4MX wouldbe better for emulation purposes. More bang for buck, as it doesn't need the pixel and vertex shaders. __________________ >Site Live< Pop over to my site for help with setting up PSX emulators. Help for the Final Fantasies and other RPGs avalaible Celes: (Desktop) Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 2Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, MSI K8N Platinum, GeForce 8800 GTS 320Mb, 500Gb RAID HDD, Vista Business Erika: (MCPC) Athlon XP 2400+, 1Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, geForce 6800 256Mb, 80Gb Hdd, XP 2005 MCE Kimiko: (Desktop 2) Athlon 64 3000+, 512Mb 400MHz DDR Ram, Asus K8V, geForce 6800 128Mb

January 9th, 2003	#2 (permalink)
Phoenix Flame Flood Yourself Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 1,342	If you haven't messed with Linux then forget about it, it's an incredibly unfriendly OS and does more harm than good unless you absolutely know what you're doing. Plus all the major emus are usually on Windows first, then Linux and the Windows versions generally have better support because of the larger fan base. For the graphics card, I have a GF2 GTS which seems to cut it OK but it struggles terribly when I try to use FSAA. If you want it to look absolutely gorgeous then a GF4 MX should do the job nicely - they're relatively cheap as well. Forget about anything from ATi because they simply don't have the compatability and will only cause hassles. For the CPU, I'd recommend the Athlon XP over the Duron any day of the week. If you want to run most games perfectly with all the detail settings (framebuffer effects and the rest) then you'll need a powerful processor. CDROM is fine, just make sure that it supports subchannels (I'd be surprised if it doesn't) and 40Gb should be enough just as long as you don't put too much stuff on there. All my PSX games are run as ISOs on the hard drive, which takes up mucho space but makes the games run so much smoother. If you're planning on doing that, then maybe get a slightly bigger hard drive - it shouldn't cost too much extra.

January 10th, 2003	#3 (permalink)
Shin_Gouki Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Europe / Germany Posts: 772	Damn it are ATI cards to Emulation actually THAT bad?? My system runs on a radeon and lets say it works "sub optimal" ... Do give radeon 9xxx any chances to it as well as Nvidia cards? Are you speaking of personal experince or have you just heard? regarding price-power which Nvidia card woulf now becomming interesting (about 120 $) the GF ti 4200 or maybe i should wait until march when " GF FX MX " is released? I´m also looking INTENSIVLY for an "portable" Emu-DivX system which works STABLE ! What do you think about the X-Box Linux ?? Has the X-Box (proper set) a chance to Emulate PSX and Arcade games (CPS 2) hm lets say "well"? I´m lookinf forward to your comments. (PLEASE excuse my bad english...) MFG Shin Gouki

January 10th, 2003	#10 (permalink)
Kane 邪魔ゎ指せない Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Gosport, England Posts: 26,255	>Why not 2gts or 2pro? They are much cheaper and cost less than 4mx. Because you'll get higher resses, better TV out and better FSAA from the 4MX. __________________ >Site Live< Pop over to my site for help with setting up PSX emulators. Help for the Final Fantasies and other RPGs avalaible Celes: (Desktop) Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 2Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, MSI K8N Platinum, GeForce 8800 GTS 320Mb, 500Gb RAID HDD, Vista Business Erika: (MCPC) Athlon XP 2400+, 1Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, geForce 6800 256Mb, 80Gb Hdd, XP 2005 MCE Kimiko: (Desktop 2) Athlon 64 3000+, 512Mb 400MHz DDR Ram, Asus K8V, geForce 6800 128Mb

January 10th, 2003	#11 (permalink)
Shiori :3 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Seoul, South Korea Posts: 10,116	How much are the early nForce boards now anyway? $79? That's prolly worth a look. __________________ "...And when I finally meet you again, I want to ask you - have you found what you were looking for? Because that's what I felt you were doing, all these years. And I want to hear you answer, "Yes, I have, thank you for asking," and we'll be together again, until the end of our days..."

January 10th, 2003	#12 (permalink)
Kane 邪魔ゎ指せない Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Gosport, England Posts: 26,255	That's not a bad idea actualy, as long as you put in enough memry. __________________ >Site Live< Pop over to my site for help with setting up PSX emulators. Help for the Final Fantasies and other RPGs avalaible Celes: (Desktop) Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 2Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, MSI K8N Platinum, GeForce 8800 GTS 320Mb, 500Gb RAID HDD, Vista Business Erika: (MCPC) Athlon XP 2400+, 1Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, geForce 6800 256Mb, 80Gb Hdd, XP 2005 MCE Kimiko: (Desktop 2) Athlon 64 3000+, 512Mb 400MHz DDR Ram, Asus K8V, geForce 6800 128Mb

January 10th, 2003	#13 (permalink)
F-3582 Back to regular business Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: in Sachsen Posts: 3,242	Oops, I meant that they are as powerful as the 4mx series (I've read it in the c't) __________________ In a world without walls and fences - who needs Windows and Gates?

January 10th, 2003	#14 (permalink)
Ninjaa Banned Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Soviet Canuckistan Posts: 0	An Xbox case is portable? O_o

January 10th, 2003	#15 (permalink)
Dark Watcher Coffee Demon Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Darkness, Unknown Posts: 2,898	Kane is right...The GFMX420 is probably the the best way to go...very inexpensive but well featured, and decent TV out via S-Video. ATI's are good cards, but in the case of PSX emulation..plugin authors such as Pete revolve most settings around NVidia cards. There are workarounds for ATI users, but go with the NVidia for less worry. Optional external USB card for extra USB ports connection.4 <-- We are assuming you plan on using a USB controller. So will you rewire the Xbox controller ports? Or will you simply gut the ports and feed the cords through to a USB card and make it a permanent connection? We have been running ePSXe with most features on a GF4MX PCI (heh not even AGP) with a 733mhz Pent 3 256 RAM without a problem for quite some time now...because your using it as a makeshift console anyways...particularly with TV-Out..then resolutions of 640x480 and 800x600 should be no prob another factor to look into...be sure that you can get a compatible power supply that not only can fit in the Xbox shell, but will work with your mobo selection. hmm...with all this talk we are beginning to wonder whether building this thing or simply modding an Xbox and patiently waiting for emus to be made is the way to go....authors already appear to have MAME, SNES, Genesis, and other emus running....and hell if Mark can get PCSX running on a Dreamcast..then Xbox should be a strong possibility.....bah..... anyways the concept does indeed sound cool...go for it....It will be interesting to see how it turns out.. __________________

January 10th, 2003	#20 (permalink)
Shiori :3 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Seoul, South Korea Posts: 10,116	The new GBA could double as a waffle iron. __________________ "...And when I finally meet you again, I want to ask you - have you found what you were looking for? Because that's what I felt you were doing, all these years. And I want to hear you answer, "Yes, I have, thank you for asking," and we'll be together again, until the end of our days..."

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