Hardware

Complete hardware specs for this build:

• • Intel 1.3ghz Pentium 4

  • 128mb RDRAM

  • 256mb CF card, CF<->IDE adapter

  • 250W PSU

  • PCI: S3 Virge DX, 4mb VRAM

  • PCI: Creative (Ensoniq) Sound Blaster PCI

  • Monitor: IBM PS/1 13" CRT VGA (max res: 800x600)

  • Speakers: cheap no-brand PC speakers

This combination handily runs all Vertical 2-way, 4-way, spinner and dial games for Dosmame .106 at full speed, as long as Scitech Display Doctor is used to set up an accelerated 2d graphics driver for the S3 Virge.

I thought a rough hardware cost estimate would be interesting.  These totals are for materials used - things not listed are either tools used for multiple projects, or they were free / leftovers.

• • MDF: $35

  • Screws and wood glue: $15

  • Joysticks, buttons, T-Molding: $30

  • Plexiglass scraps: $10

  • Paint: $15

  • Printing: $5

  • Fluorescent lamp: $7

  • Hinges, lock, misc. fasteners: $30

Total: almost $150.  The real cost in a build like this, of course, is time - which I would guess at roughly 1-2 months of weekend work.