GP32 owners, couple questions..........

[OldSchoolGamer]

Hi guys! Ordered a GP32 bundle off EBAY (BLU model) have gained much info here and all over, so far sounds like I wont regret the purchase. It's funny I have a GBA SP w/ 512 mb flash card and import movie player and find even though I could flash just about ANY GBA game all I ever play on it is the NES emulated version of SIDEPOCKET and a Homebrew variation of TETRIS so I am thinking I should of got the GP32 in the first place!

Just a few more questions though if you would be so kind..........

1. What is the MAXIMUM memory sized recognized (Smart Media Cards) I been hearing 128mb, is that because that is the maximum size available OR the maximum the unit can recognize?

2. I ask the above because I am curious of the movie platback capabiliites, 128mb card surely cannot hold much?

3. What are all the uses for the external mini keyboard? Is it essential? Could I use it to write simple text files for use on PC?

4. I am getting one of the white models I believe, I am normally not fussy about such things BUT personally think white should be banned with electronics, black would look more cool so I might paint at least the front cover, any opinions or suggestions regarding this?

5. Opinions, best and most user friendly emulators (reviews?)

6. I believe it's the BLU version I am getting, I have heard of incompatabilities with some software of earlier models, info please?

7. What about overclocking (HOW?/ WORTH IT? / DANGERS?)

THANKS AS ALWAYS you folks are the greatest!

[Flack]

1. What is the MAXIMUM memory sized recognized (Smart Media Cards) I been hearing 128mb, is that because that is the maximum size available OR the maximum the unit can recognize?

128 meg, because the unit uses 3.3v cards and 128 meg is the largest 3.3v card.


2. I ask the above because I am curious of the movie platback capabiliites, 128mb card surely cannot hold much?

With compression you can put full length movies on there, no problem.


3. What are all the uses for the external mini keyboard? Is it essential? Could I use it to write simple text files for use on PC?

Typing. Yes you could write text files.


4. I am getting one of the white models I believe, I am normally not fussy about such things BUT personally think white should be banned with electronics, black would look more cool so I might paint at least the front cover, any opinions or suggestions regarding this?

Like anything, it can be painted and results will depend on your skill and the type of paint used.


5. Opinions, best and most user friendly emulators (reviews?)

GP32x.com


6. I believe it's the BLU version I am getting, I have heard of incompatabilities with some software of earlier models, info please?

Almost every program worth using is compatible or has new version which will work on it.


7. What about overclocking (HOW?/ WORTH IT? / DANGERS?)

The programs themselves overclock, you don't have to do anything. It's worth it because you get faster performance. There is no danger, other than going through batteries more rapidly.

Go read gp32x.com and gp32emu.com.

[OldSchoolGamer]

Cool! Thanks for the info...........

I am looking to get the most out of the unit, emulators, homebrew etc, I ordered the BLU model, is the firmware upgrade necessary? Does it improve it much?

[jonjandran]

1. What is the MAXIMUM memory sized recognized (Smart Media Cards) I been hearing 128mb, is that because that is the maximum size available OR the maximum the unit can recognize?

128 meg, because the unit uses 3.3v cards and 128 meg is the largest 3.3v card.


Not exactly true. You can use a converter and use other media on the GP32 but it will still only recognize 128mb of the larger media.

It's a bios limitation that unfortunately can't be overcome except with a LOT of work.

[jonjandran]

7. What about overclocking (HOW?/ WORTH IT? / DANGERS?)

The programs themselves overclock, you don't have to do anything. It's worth it because you get faster performance. There is no danger, other than going through batteries more rapidly.


Well the programs do the overclocking but every GP32 will have a max mhz that it will overclock to. Most can do at least 156 - 160 mhz. But in order to go higher up to 200-220mhz you will need to do a hardware mod :

http://www.cobbleware.com/gp32/gp32oc.html

It's a pretty difficult mod because of the small resistors. I did it to my Unlit, Flu, and Blu and they all were able to go over 200mhz afterwards. This helps a lot to make almost every Snes game play at full speed.