MAME vs MAME32--- differences ??

[stargate]

I have been using MAME32 for some time now. I think I tried using the DOS version of MAME awhile back and couldn't figure it out so I went with the Windows version.

I was wondering if I should give the DOS version another shot. What are the benefits? I am running MAME32 on a PIII 650MHZ with 512 RAM and a 32 Meg video card.

[Gapporin]

I hate to sound like a MAME Nazi, but you should actually call it the MAME "commandline" version instead of calling it MAME DOS. The reason for this, is that there are two different versions of MAME commandline. One is Windows (the default), and the other is DOS (not really used anymore, although updated). So, you can use the MAME "commandline" version, but depending on which version you get, it will either run under Windows or [pure] DOS. Confusing? Yes. Moving forward.

I think that if you're comfortable with MAME32, you should just stay with it. A lot of people use the commandline MAME with a frontend, which is just basically MAME32 anyways. However, one advantage to using regular commandline MAME with a frontend over MAME32, is that you can customize it basically any way you like. Say for example, you're running a MAME cabinet. Most people use a frontend with commandline MAME, so they can customize it specifically to a cabinet's needs, rather than using MAME32.

As for actual changes in the program, there are not that many. I think offhand, there might be a few bugs that are present in MAME32, that aren't in commandline MAME, and vice versa, but it's not really anything drastic.

Also, if you plan on using commandline MAME without a frontend, be prepared to delve into the finer points of setting up .bat files and using commandline...commands.

So, my advice? Stick with MAME32.

[stargate]

I hate to sound like a MAME Nazi, but you should actually call it the MAME "commandline" version instead of calling it MAME DOS. The reason for this, is that there are two different versions of MAME commandline. One is Windows (the default), and the other is DOS (not really used anymore, although updated). So, you can use the MAME "commandline" version, but depending on which version you get, it will either run under Windows or [pure] DOS. Confusing? Yes. Moving forward.

I think that if you're comfortable with MAME32, you should just stay with it. A lot of people use the commandline MAME with a frontend, which is just basically MAME32 anyways. However, one advantage to using regular commandline MAME with a frontend over MAME32, is that you can customize it basically any way you like. Say for example, you're running a MAME cabinet. Most people use a frontend with commandline MAME, so they can customize it specifically to a cabinet's needs, rather than using MAME32.

As for actual changes in the program, there are not that many. I think offhand, there might be a few bugs that are present in MAME32, that aren't in commandline MAME, and vice versa, but it's not really anything drastic.

Also, if you plan on using commandline MAME without a frontend, be prepared to delve into the finer points of setting up .bat files and using commandline...commands.

So, my advice? Stick with MAME32.

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I guess I will stick with Mame32. I thought the commandline MAME was faster or something, but probably not worth the effort. Mame32 is pretty easy and fits my needs for now.

Thanks!!

[Flack]

While we're on it, what's the advantage/disadvantage of using the pentium pro enhanced version?

[Gapporin]

If you use the Pentium Pro version with a computer that has a Pentium chip in it, it will run faster(?). That's all I know about it, and I've never used it, because the computer I use has an Athlon chip in it.

[Flack]

I guess I just never understood if it had to be pentium brand or what. All the versions of MAME run pretty well on my laptop (2.6ghz, 1 gig of RAM) but on an older machine I guess it might make a bigger difference.