NES PC. Help!

Nhialor · Post by **Nhialor** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 4:54 pm

Alright guys, I'm planning on building a small PC, for nothing but emulators. Snes, Nes, N64, PS1, MAME, the likes.

I have picked out my MOBO, PSU, RAM, HDD, the likes. I just need to know if they'll all work together, and if there's anything I should no.

It's my first time building a computer, so I expect to run into a few errors. But I hope it will all go smoothly.

I've picked out a case and the likes, but need to do some adjustments to it.

The thing is, this isn't any sort of computer, since its a gaming computer, I thought I might aswell build it to this theme. I have a few instructables to follow, but the guy who wrote it died of cancer (RIP) and thus can't ask him any Q's (obviously).

I'm using a close to the same set up as the originalist because I know it all works.

The mother board I will be using is a "Jetway J7F2 1.5GHz C7D CN700 Mainboard - 25W TDP", as seen here http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11045

Many of my Q's are about this, and if things are compatible with it.

I was wondering if the HDD I am going to buy is comptible with this, it is a 2.5" Seagate 320GB Laptop HDD (http://cgi.ebay.ie/Seagate-320GB-Intern ... 240%3A1318), and do I need to buy a converter or anything to make it comptbile?

My PSU can be seen here (http://cgi.ebay.ie/PicoPSU-120w-Power-S ... 240%3A1318).

Also, Fans, I need to know if they are hard to get functioning in a computer, because I may need a few as there wont be a lot of room in there and will need to be ventilated properly. Are they hard to mount and get working properly?

The main Question that I have is this. I want to have the original NES power button and reset button to start the computer and possibly open the CD Drive. Is this hard to do or what? The power button will be used to power on the computer, and the reset button shall be used to hopefully open the CD Rom Drive. I'm not too pushed about the CD Rom being opened with the Reset button, althought I would like it to have some sort of function (suggestions?), but the power button I want to definatly power on the unit (obviously). Much knowledge involved? Hard to get working?

Also, how much ram would I need to get, I was considering getting 2gigs, but then I thought this might be a bit much for only emulators and not even large ones. (largest being N64 or PS1.)

Also, would you recommend getting a PCI card to improve performace with some emulators like the N64 one? IF so, which one should I get?

I really appreciate everyone's help, and you shall be rewarded in due time somehow.

Niall.

niallwatchorn@gmail.com is my MSN address if anyone can help me, or just post here. Thanks Guys.

exploding.monkey · Post by **exploding.monkey** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:06 pm

i have no idea about any of your questions , but good luck and post some pics!

Bibin · Post by **Bibin** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:52 pm

I'll go ahead and answer a few.
Yes, wiring the NES buttons up to PC buttons like the CD eject and power is quite easy. I also have a working design of how to get the flap to open on it's own when a CD emerges.
1GiB of RAM is more than enough for what you're using it for.
PCI cards in themselves don't improve performance; you're thinking of a video card, some of which (but not most) can be PCI. You'll want either a PCI Express or AGP one, depending on your motherboard.

HBN · Post by **HBN** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:20 pm

Always get as much ram as you can afford / get the computer to use. Its a general rule-of-thumb (And one I should practice more than I do.). You may be overpowering it a little, yes. But say you're playing along, and for whatever reason, the ram draw spikes (It can happen (Starfox (SNES) is famous for it when there is a lot of sprites on the screen). Bam. Lag. So you compensate, and usually, over compensate. No reason not to, to be honest.

Think about it this way: Some day you're gonna come across a really kick-ass ROM that's gonna need that extra RAM.

As for fans, they aren't that hard to get working. Most just plug directly to the motherboard through a two or three pin plug (Rarely four or five, but they do exist. These have built in RPM sensors, temp gauges, and things of that sort. Unnecessary equipment to woo costumers, and inflate prices.). Just pay attention, and that should be pretty simple. As for mounting, the most you should need will be two screws each fan and proper air flow. I'd suggest cutting a hole the diameter of the fan blade. and getting a fan grill xoxide.com has some REALLY nice grills, and also some really simple ones. Whatever tickles your fancy.

Good luck.