[quote name='javeryh']I'm so confused. So I should go with BuGG's setup except use your video card?[/QUOTE]
The setup I did was with a AMD socket 754 processor. I was looking at cheap and I hadn't checked the socket AM2 stuff which is the board in BuGG's setup uses. The AM2 socket is newer and you will have more upgrade ability in the future.
The one problem with what BuGG recommended was that he posted an AGP board and PCI-E video cards. That won't work. You can use either setup, but if you go with his, you'll to change the video card or the motherboard. You'll have to use an AGP card with his setup or change his motherboard for one that supports PCI-E.
Both systems are pretty good, but they are a little more than you need for just a cheap mame setup. With either setup, you could probably handle some of the later arcade and console emulators. If this is going to be strictly for Mame, you might not need all the power we have been suggesting. It just depends on the games you choose to play.
If you want to go cheap, there are other options. All you really need is a high P3, a low P4, or an athlon processor. You could check your local computer shops to see what they have. There's always craigslist. You could also watch for computer parts or even ask for them on your local
Freecycle. I usually see parts and computers pop every once in a while, but depends on your area. I don't know who you work for, but you could check with your IT department to see if they have any old machines that they're getting rid of. I just thought I'd through out a few alternatives before you go and spend $200-$300.
