First post, by ux-3
- Rank
- Oldbie
I am about to complete a retro project, which is to cover the gap between Dosbox emulation and a powerful Win98 machine. Hence it must handle games from late DOS to early Windows 98, incl. glide games. Late DOS is defined as everything that Dosbox can’t handle good and/or fast enough. Games that run nicely under Direct3D and win98 will end up on a faster machine.
I am using an AOPEN MX6B EZ mobo. This is a micro-ATX board with BX chipset, Slot 1 CPU, AGP 2.0 3x pci, 1x shared ISA. The board hast three ram banks. I am currently using 64MB PC-133 Ram. Usually, the board will run with a P2-333, which can be adjusted between 133-450 MHz. The Bios allows control over FSB, multi and ext. cache. Internal cache responds to a small program. So basically, the CPU can be slowed down to a 133 MHz Celeron or worse. This allows to slow it down enough for late DOS games, should the need arise. If more power is desperately needed, the CPU can quickly be swapped for a P3-800.
The mobo comes with the ESS-Solo1 soundchip, which I personally find to be a good SBpro substitute in pure DOS. But since later DOS games do take advantage of the SB16, I’ve installed a CT1770 for sound.
The graphics setup causes me the most trouble. My first choice was a Riva 128 AGP paired with a Voodoo1. This combination was very compatible, but also very slow and limited to low res. After some experimentation, I exchanged the Riva for a Voodoo3 AGP. Both these AGP cards have an excellent reputation for DOS games. The Voodoo3 will power many glide games much faster and in higher res than the Voodoo1. On the other hand, if the voodoo3 can’t handle a game (like Archimedean Dynasty), there is always the voodoo1 to fall back on.
During my research for such a dual voodoo system, I learned that nearly all games that run on a voodoo1 can be made to run on a voodoo2 as well. After I convinced myself with Archimedean Dynasty, I am now wondering if I should rather team a V3 with a v2 or a V3 with a v1. I also have a choice between a V3 2000 AGP and a V3 3000 PCI.
The System uses a Quantum Fireball 3 40GB HDD, which is very quiet! It also has a 6 in 1 multi-panel for quick file transfer using memory cards. The Toshiba DVD-Drive allows for quiet CD and DVD access. I have not yet decided if I stick in a 100mbit low profile network card – that would cost me the last free pci slot.
Constructive comments are welcome.
