Ideal build for a dedicated emulation machine

[rollthehardsix]

Hi everyone, I hope this type of thread is allowed here. I recently posted on reddit asking for recommendations on a build for a (preferably under $500) dedicated emulation machine. My desire is to be able to emulate GC/N64 (Perhaps Wii in the future?) and below. The build that got posted recommended a Ryzen 3 2200g (Full build recommended here: https://www.pc-kombo.com/share/mq7PqnvG ). How does the integrated graphics work with Dolphin? I know historically Intel has been recommended over AMD in the past, though I have heard Ryzen working well with Dolphin. The guy who recommended the 2200g kept the build under $400, though I don't mind spending ~500 for a better build if a 2200g isn't preferable. Is there a better CPU/Graphics card within that price range for Dolphin?

[Helios]

Find the highest clock speed AMD Ryzen APU you can then pair it with 4 GB of RAM and Linux, or 8 GB of RAM and Windows (Mostly if you care about Cemu or not)

That's about as cost efficient as you can get, most Dolphin games should run fine at 1080p. Heavier games like Last Story and Rogue Squadron will lag.

Pick your case.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/L9Dstg

[Helios]

Here's the intel option.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/32yddX

A bit more expensive, but you get a more powerful GPU.

Probably only runs slightly better in emulation.

[rollthehardsix]

I likely will be using linux as all this will be doing is emulation, so I have no need to purchase an OS. Thanks for the information. As for the RAM, would RAM higher than 4GB not provide any additional benefit?

[Helios]

if you were REALLY stretching for cost efficiency and this was truly a dedicated emulation machine, then yeah.

A light WM and Linux will work fine on 4 GB.

8 GB is obviously nice and pretty much required for Windows but you don't need it if you match the criteria above.

[KHg8m3r]

More RAM is only useful if you're going to be using Hires texture packs and you use the prefetch option.

[JonnyH]

Just make sure you use dual channels (IE 2x ram sticks of the same size) - especially if you use an integrated GPU (like the ryzen example). It can make a significant performance impact there.

[Helios]

Actually, yeah thats a good point.

I wouldn't even bother with 4 GB. you can't get 2x2GB DDR4 kits.

Just get 8 GB.

[sirdaniel]

(08-18-2018, 05:49 AM)Helios Wrote: Actually, yeah thats a good point.

I wouldn't even bother with 4 GB. you can't get 2x2GB DDR4 kits.

Just get 8 GB.

yep. And with ryzen especially, Ram speed is important too, unfortunately even up to 3000Mhz but those are really expensive