Scott Hanselman's ComputerZen.com

This is the seventh part of a multi-part series I'm going to do about assembling an Arcade Cabinet for my house. This series has two disclaimers:

Software Disclaimer 1: There's all sorts of legal issues around emulating arcade games. This series of posts has nothing to do with that. I do own some original arcade boards, but if you want to emulate arcade games with MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator), you can search the 'tubes. What I'm doing here is putting a computer in a pretty box.

Hardware Disclaimer 2: Many folks that build arcade cabinets have a purist view of how these things should be done. They will prefer original Arcade CRT monitors and more expensive, higher quality parts. I am more of a pragmatist. I also have no idea what I'm doing, so I've also got ignorance on my side.

Video Tour

Here's a short HiDef Video shot with my Creative Vado HD showing the Arcade Cabinet:

What I Learned

I learned:

• You can cut corners, save money and still end up with a nice system, as long as you set your goals up front.
• Steel is hard to cut. Know what you're doing, or get a pro.
• Acrylic is hard to cut. Know what you're doing, or get a pro.
• Painting and sanding something is the easiest way to make it look nice.
• Making stuff with your hands is very satisfying and easier than you think (if you're a coder and you think this stuff is hard).
• I could do it way better next time. ;)
• I, myself, prefer to refurb old stuff rather than make new stuff.

All in all, the wife is amazed it looks so good, and she's said I can bring it into my den/office. She's nixed the living room...for now!

Total Cost: US$441

The Complete Series

1. Cabinet and Power
2. Monitor and Mounting
3. Control Panel
4. Sound and Lights
5. Paint and Art
6. Computer Hardware and Software
7. Success and Conclusion