Systems to Run MAME on a Budget.

Release Date | 1997-02-05 |
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Pricing Model | Open Source |
Platforms | Android, Android TV, Chrome OS, Linux, Mac OS X, Windows |
MAME (an acronym of Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is a free and open source emulator designed to recreate the hardware of arcade game systems in software on modern personal computers and other platforms. The intention is to preserve gaming history by preventing vintage games from being lost or forgotten. The aim of MAME is to be a reference to the inner workings of the emulated arcade machines; the ability to actually play the games is considered "a nice side effect". Joystiq has listed MAME as an application that every gamer should have.
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Computer Specs to Look For
If you're conducting your own search, the following specs are the most common in mass-produced PCs capable of running MAME at a basic level:
Compatible Ready-Made Systems
The following Systems meet the minimal system requirements set by MAME's developers. So, it should run the game, but you might need to lower visual quality for an enjoyable experience.
Matches are sorted by price, so if what you see doesn't match your expectations and you can afford to pay more, feel free to move on to the next page.

Lenovo 14-inch IdeaPad 3 Chromebook (82KN0002CF)
Even by Chromebook standards, this netbook is a bit humble, but it's a cost-efficient solution for everyday needs.
A few characteristics could impe
Performance in selected Apps
MAME |
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Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
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Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
MediaTek MT8183
GPU
ARM Mali-G72
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (C523NA-BS01-CB)
With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model could be of interest if you care less about portability than having space to work. This co
Performance in selected Apps
MAME |
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Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
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Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N3350
GPU
Intel HD Graphics 505
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Acer Chromebook 311 (CB311-9H-C29L)
Chromebooks excel as easy-to-carry travel companions for those of us who need to remain connected on the go, and this model is no exception. A USB-C d
Performance in selected Apps
MAME |
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Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
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Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Screen
12", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N4000
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader
Pricing

HP x360 14-inch Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook (14C-CA0030CA)
Performance in selected Apps
MAME |
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Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
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Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core i3-10110U
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics
Memory
8 GB
Storage
128 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

HP 15-inch Laptop (15-dw3088ca)
Despite its humble price tag, this laptop makes a compelling option to handle homework and other everyday tasks.
Thanks to detailed documentation,
Performance in selected Apps
MAME |
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Who it's For
- Aspiring Creative
- Photo Editor
- Multitasker
- Productivity-Focused User
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
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Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 11, Home Edition
Screen
15", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Core i3-1115G4
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics
Memory
8 GB
Storage
512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing

Acer Vero 15-inch Eco-Friendly Laptop (AV15-51-55ZQ)
If you're interested in reducing the environmental impact of your digital activities but cannot afford some of the pricier options, this laptop might
Performance in selected Apps
MAME |
---|
Who it's For
- Aspiring Creative
- Photo Editor
- Multitasker
- Productivity-Focused User
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 11, Home Edition
Screen
15", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Core i5-1155G7
GPU
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory
8 GB
Storage
512 GB total, Solid State (very fast)