MAMEWorld Forums - Hardware - Re: computer speed

> How fast of a computer is needed to run all games available for MAME 145u7?
>
> I’m planning to make a cab and would like to know what type of machine to purchase. I
> am not sure what other information to add to this so feel free to ask any clarifying
> questions that may come up.
>
> Thanks for the help in advance.

98% of games up to 1993 (8-bit and 16-bit era, including 'cheap' hardware/bootlegs made right into the 2000s): Even a Pentium 3 866 can handle practically all of the early games, possibly with the exception of early games which have recently had analog/discrete sound boards emulated in place of samples.

From 1994-2000 (PlayStation era, and earlier 3D systems like Namco System 21): Any modern dual core/x64 system should be able to handle the early 3D era, and for the less taxing games, such as "2D" games like Point Blank 2 (there are a handful of 3D models used but the game is mostly 2D, hence the quotes), even a 3GHz Pentium 4 can run a lot of them at full speed, or near enough.

NAOMI/Atomiswave/PS2 era games will probably need an i5 or faster just to be playable - I haven't gone near this era of games as far as emulation is concerned so I have no idea speed-wise. R. Belmont's rig should be a good example of an all-in-one MAME system.