Building a Mini-ITX MiSTer FPGA - Assembly and First Impressions
Retro game emulation can be done on basically anything as long as it can compute stuff... but I'd consider the MiSTer project approaching the gold standard for the task. Being driven by an Altera Cyclone V FPGA, it's got real analog audio/video output, a near-perfect USB translation layer, support for REAL controllers of all types, and some of the most accurate emulation available all in a neat, low-power package.
In this video I monologue a bit, and then build one in a Mini-ITX form factor. The components are housed in d3fmod's Ironclad DX board, and then that is housed in a MININGEEK GM100 with a... modification. Hooked it all up to an old cheap CRT television and opened my eyes to the true meaning of life.
Parts used:
Terasic DE-10 Nano (use a MiSTer Pi instead when available): https://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/pa...
with usb wifi dongle
MiSTer Mini-ITX Ironclad DX: https://www.d3fmod.com/product/mini-i...
with heatsink, remote control, and RGB to composite/svideo converter
128MB SDRAM: https://retroremake.co/products/128mb...
MicroSD Card: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X7C2GBC
MININGEEK GM100: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT2PTK2Z
USB 3.0 to 2.0 Header: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072ZV1566
Noctua NF-A4x10: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DXS86G7
MEAN WELL 5V4A Power Supply: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D0Z8PLW
Composite video cable
Headphone out to RCA cable
8BitDo Arcade Stick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GJC5WSS
Sanwa adapter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BK12QBG
8BitDo SN30 Pro: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y9RC49N
Video references:
Linus Tech Tips - "I review whatever I want now - Retrotink 4K Video Upscaler": • I review whatever I want now - Retrotink 4...
What's Ken Making - "Making Sense of SNACs on the MiSTer FPGA": • Making Sense of SNACs on the MiSTer FPGA
Video Game Esoterica - "MiSTer FPGA and Screen Filters in 2024! Scanlines, Shadowmasks and More! Do You Need a CRT TV Still?": • MiSTer FPGA and Screen Filters in 2024! Sc...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:03 The Assembly
14:42 The Config
16:15 Sanwa Mod
16:34 Opinions