Emulation General Wiki

Intel-based PC emulator comparisons

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Main article: POS (Pong Consoles) CPUs and Other Chips#x86 CPUs
For emulators that run on DOS, see Emulators on legacy Microsoft products#DOS.
For emulators that run on Windows 3.x, see Emulators on legacy Microsoft products#Windows 3.x.
For emulators that run on Windows 9x, see Emulators on legacy Microsoft products#Windows 9x.
For emulators that run on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista, see Emulators on legacy Microsoft products#Windows NT.

The Intel-based PC architecture originated from the 1981, IBM PC / model 5150. Due to being designed with off-the-shelf hardware, clone manufacturers could produce compatible hardware and was only limited by the copyright on the PC's BIOS. To circumvent this, competitors such as Compaq created their own compatible BIOSes using clean-room reverse engineering. See, Compaq reverse-engineered patented IBM BIOS code.

IBM PC is also the basis for the IBM PC-compatible de-facto standard. IBM PC-compatible computers are technically similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT, all from computer giant IBM, that are able to use the same software and expansion cards. Such computers were referred to as PC clones, IBM clones or IBM PC clones. The term "IBM PC compatible" is now a historical description only, since IBM no longer sells personal computers after it sold its personal computer division in 2005 to Chinese technology company Lenovo. The designation "PC", as used in much of personal computer history, has not meant "personal computer" generally, but rather an x86 computer capable of running the same software that a contemporary IBM PC could. The term was initially in contrast to the variety of home computer systems available in the early 1980s, such as the Apple II, TRS-80, and Commodore 64. Later, the term was primarily used in contrast to Apple's Macintosh computers. During the 1990s, IBM's influence on PC architecture started to decline. "IBM PC compatible" becomes "Standard PC" in 1990s, and later "ACPI PC" in 2000s. An IBM-brand PC became the exception rather than the rule. Instead of placing importance on compatibility with the IBM PC, vendors began to emphasize compatibility with Windows.[1]

While the PC is technically capable of running many different operating systems, most of the emulators on this page are intended for x86 computers running DOS software, some kind of DOS-based Windows and Windows 9x (see operating systems section). If you wish to run software intended for Windows 2000 and Windows XP or even a newer version of Windows it is suggested to use a "recommended solution" mentioned in their dedicated pages. Most emulators on this page requires an operating system to run, exceptions to this are DOSBox forks and DREAMM, with the former having its own DOS implementation and the latter implementing both DOS and Win32 APIs. If you want to run Windows software in DOSBox fork you still need a Windows install though.

Keep in mind that due to DOS and Windows running on a range of different hardware, cycle accuracy is less crucial than for most systems covered by this wiki, as software could not rely on cycle timing of a particular chip without excluding a large part of the market.

Comparison

Emulators

Before editing, review the Getting involved and Recommended pages. See system requirements page for performance demand of the emulators.
For details on Operating systems support, Enhancements support, and Hardware, features and peripheral support see their respective tables.
For more details such as licensing, programming language, emulation method, visit each emulator’s dedicated page.
Tons of non-active obsolete DOSBox forks for Android exists, see this page for that. See Category:x86-based page for other x86 based systems software emulation.
Name Platform(s) Latest version Active License Compatibility Recommended
PC
86Box         Dev
6.0
PCBox fork		 ✓ GPLv2 (Copyleft) 69.23%
9 out of 13 reported titles		 ✓
DOSBox & Forks DOSBox-X             2026.08.02 ✓ GPLv2 (Copyleft) ??%
0 reported titles 		✓
DOSBox Staging       0.83.0 ✓ ? ? ✓
DOSBox Pure         1.0 preview 6 ✓ ? 60%
12 out of 20 reported titles 		✓
DOSBox-core           git ✓ ? ? ✓
DOSBox (Original)       0.74-3 ✗ ? ? ✗
DREAMM         4.0.0 ✓ Proprietary Compatibility is limited to select games. ✓
PCem       v17
git
git (macos)		 ✓ GPLv2 (Copyleft) ? ~
MartyPC           [lower-alpha 1] v0.4.1 ✓ MIT (Permissive) ? ~
UniPCemu   2023/04/11
git		 ✓ GPLv3 (Copyleft) ? ~
MAME         Git artifacts[lower-alpha 2]
0.289
libretro core		 ✓ GPLv2
BSD-3-Clause 		??%
0 reported titles		 ✗
QEMU       11.1.0 ✓ GPLv2 (Copyleft) ? ✗
VARCem   Builds
1.7.3		 ✗ BSD-3-Clause
GPLv2 		? ✗
PCjs   git ✓ MIT (Permissive) ? ✗
Bochs               3.0 ✓ LGPLv2.1 (Copyleft) ? ✗
Mobile
DOSBox Pure     libretro core ✓ GPLv2 (Copyleft) 60%
12 out of 20 reported titles		 ✓
DOSBox-core     libretro core ✓ GPLv2 (Copyleft) ? ✓
UniPCemu   2023/04/11 ✓ GPLv3 (Copyleft) ? ~
Magic DOSBox   1.0.84 ✓ Proprietary ? ✗
Limbo     6.0.1
WinMobile build		 ~ GPLv2 (Copyleft) ? ✗
DOSBoxPPC   0.63 ✗ Proprietary ? ✗
Bochs   2.6.11
git		 ✗ LGPLv2.1 (Copyleft) ? ✗
Console
DOSBox Pure     UWP libretro core ✓ GPLv2 (Copyleft) 60%
12 out of 20 reported titles		 ✓
UniPCemu       2023/04/11 ✓ GPLv3 (Copyleft) ? ~
Bochs   2.3.5 ✗ LGPLv2.1 (Copyleft) ? ✗

Hypervisors

Name x86 platforms ARM platforms Acceleration Virtual GPU Adapter Active[lower-alpha 3] License Compatibility
Type 2 Hypervisors
VMware Workstation     ✗ VMware Virtualization Engine SVGA3D with SoftGPU ✗ Proprietary ?
VirtualBox           ✗ Built-in VboxSVGA with SoftGPU ~ GPLv3 (Copyleft)[2] ?
Type 1 Hypervisors
Because these are using KVM or WHPX for acceleration, we decide to include these solutions as Type 1 Hypervisors. See Limitations of the Type-1 / Type-2 classification for more information about this.
QEMU-3dfx     KVM (Linux)
WHPX (Windows)[lower-alpha 4] 		MESA GL and Glide Pass-Through ($) ✓ ? 100%
43 out of 43 reported titles
  1. ↑ It should build on Linux and MacOS (Including M1) but no release builds for these platforms at the moment.
  2. ↑ CI-Windows CI-Linux CI-Macos
  3. ↑ including Virtual GPU Adapter, integrations and legacy operating system support and drivers.
  4. ↑ QEMU with TCG is painfully slow. So, that is not included in this table. Keep in mind that, WHPX have some issueswithsomesystems. You can also use WSL2 to make an Ubuntu container and run QEMU with Virt-Manager and create a Windows XP machine using KVM on Windows that way. See   here.

Descriptions

PCem/86Box/PCBox/VARCem:

These emulators provides an excellent compatibility and hardware and peripheral support for DOS-based operating systems such as Windows 3.x, Windows ME/98/95 (and even NT-based XP, Vista or Windows 7 supported but not recommended) that is beyond what "DOSBox forks" can offer but unlike "DOSBox forks" these emulators usually requires modest to top-notch single-thread performance of CPUs. As of June 14, 2021, PCem's original developer, Sarah Walker, has stopped working on the project. It has now been taken over on December 18, 2021, by a new maintainer, Michael Manley. 86Box (formerly known as PCem-X) is a fork of PCem which is developed more actively, while PCBox and VARCem are forks of 86Box.

PCem v15 introduced a rewritten dynamic recompiler (dynarec), which was primarily aimed at improving emulation performance in games; however, it also caused minor to severe performance regressions in certain cases. The default 86Box build (a.k.a ODR) uses the pre-v15 PCem dynarec, with optimizations performed by the devs, as they have determined that the new one causes too many regressions to be adopted as the default. The NDR builds of 86Box use the new dynarec. ARM builds use only the new dynarec.
PCem’s emulation of some core system components, such as the Programmable Interval Timer (PIT), takes certain shortcuts to improve performance. These shortcuts are mostly fine for games, which is what PCem targets, however, they have caused issues with the software preservation side of things. In addition to taking fewer shortcuts, 86Box also tries to follow the specifications of these components, rather than implement the minimum viable feature set, which is - once again - mostly good enough for games, but not for some other applications. Generally speaking, the more accurate a component’s emulation is, the more host CPU horsepower is required. See this guide for more information.
DOSBox-X/DOSBox Pure/DOSBox-core/DOSBox Staging:
DOSBox is another option for emulating many older computer games specially for pretty good performance with low-end computers but compatibility, accuracy and hardware support aren't as good as PCem or 86Box. DOSBox is no longer updated but it has many "DOSBox forks" over the years. Windows 95/98/ME can be installed in "DOSBox forks" and also supports 3DFX Voodoo emulation. Even more forks are listed in the "DOSBox forks" page of DOSBox Staging's GitHub wiki or here.
DOSBox-X is vastly different from other "DOSBox forks" in that it aims to be a complete emulation package that covers all pre-2000 DOS and Windows 9x based hardware scenarios. It features more flexibility by way of config options and an accompanying frontend to customize the DOS VM further, and beyond games it also supports standard software for DOS, as well as DOS-based Windows including Windows 3.x and 9x/ME with 3D acceleration via 3dfx emulation. The project also has its own wiki which contains extensive documentation on DOSBox-X, and a summary of notable added features can be seen here. While DOSBox-X currently supports emulation of IBM PC/XT/AT, Toshiba AX/J3100, IBM PCjr/Tandy, and NEC PC-9800 series architecture, the maintainer, Jonathan Campbell, does not plan to add any other MS-DOS system. This limitation is mainly done to prevent bloating of the codebase, keeping it at a manageable level for himself while also staying organized. However, the codebase does contain stubbed source files for FM Towns emulation in the event that other programmers want to add that functionality.
DOSBox Pure is a new DOSBox fork originally built specifically for RetroArch/Libretro, but now available as a standalone emulator. According to its project description, it aims for simplicity and ease of use just like DOSBox Staging. On top of that, it has an advantage over other "DOSBox forks" because of libretro features (  EmuVR support, Shader presets/Overlays and configs etc). Some of the other advantages are save-states, wider platform support (including Switch and Vita) and input auto-configuration fetched from the game database. It's good for users who want to experience their DOS games without too much hassle with settings, in a simple way akin to how console emulators deal with ROMs.
  0.9.5 version brings 3dfx emulation support.
0.9.8 version brings further improvements to the ATAPI CD-ROM emulation for Windows 9x games with CD copy protection, add support for uncompressed CHD version 5 CD images and add netplay for multiplayer games that used IPX, Ethernet or a modem over the internet. This shouldn't be confused with access the internet, the network card implementation for this core is purely for connecting multiple cores via Libretro's NetPlay to play multiplayer games.
DOSBox-core is an alternative core for RetroArch/Libretro, which focuses on being as close in use as upstream DOSBox. Its advantages include using .conf files to run games, ability to use external MIDI synths (like the Roland Sound Canvas VA, the Yamaha S-YXG50, or whatever else) so that you can get much higher quality MIDI music in dosbox-core, and has more configuration options befitting more advanced users. Its disadvantages are slightly worse input lag (like half a frame), lack of save-states and runs on less platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS and Android; consoles like Vita and Switch are unavailable)
DOSBox Staging is a DOSBox fork that focuses on ease of use, modern technology and best practices. 3dfx emulation is supported with the latest releases.
DREAMM is a new emulator that targets specific games rather than the PC platform in general. Notable features include reconstructing missing EXE and index files from digital releases, automated installation from disk images, GUI-based configuration of video and sound hardware, and when running games that originally had manual or codewheel based copy protection DREAMM provides the correct answers for the user. Games run in the emulator's built-in implementations of DOS, Win32 and FM Towns OS.
UniPCemu
The UniPCemu (Universal PC emulator) emulator, originally made to play games on the PSP, now built for Android, Windows, PSP, Nintendo Switch and PS Vita! Play your old classic PC games on Android! It's a cycle-accurate x86 emulator (previously called x86EMU before the rename, This isn't based on the other cpu-emulator called x86emu (lower case)). It's a 8086(IBM PC) up to Pentium II (Compaq Deskpro 386, Compaq Deskpro 386 with PS/2 mouse (adds PS/2 mouse to the Compaq Deskpro 386 chipset, optional BIOS ROM replacement (loading it instead, alternatively a i430fx Pentium or i440fx/i450gx Pentium Pro/Pentium II chipset with PS/2 mouse. A 85c496/7 chipset is also supported.) and seperate CMOS settings like the other architectures) emulator(with various, configurable hardware), with up to 80386 timings (80486SX and Pentium using 80386 timings or 1 cycle for newer/unknown timings/instructions, both having no floating point unit)).
 In basic CPU's, all generations in between are supported (8086/8088, 80186/80188, 80286, 80386sx/dx, 80486, Pentium, Pentium Pro and Pentium II. All without FPU emulated, other than software FPU emulation support using drivers).
 It can run many IBM PC XT games, and also various 286(*) up to Pentium II games. Support for ATAPI CD-ROM (using VIDE-CDD.SYS, OAKCDROM.SYS or compatible ATAPI drivers) also works. Many graphics cards and sound cards can be used (MIDI using a Soundfont renderer inside UniPCemu (recordable by UniPCemu's sound recording functionality) or passthrough(passthrough on Windows only, which is not recordable by the emulator's own recording functionality)), from PC speaker up to Sound Blaster 2.0 and from IBM Monochrome Display Adapter up to ET4000/W32 SVGA(up to 16M colors (in True Color mode) using it's SC15025 DAC)!
 EMS is available using the Lo-tech 2MB EMS board on the XT and various EMM emulation software(e.g. JEMM386, EMM386) on IBM AT and up. For more information about UniPCemu use this link.
MartyPC:

It's an open source emulator written in rust that aims to be cycle accurate for IBM PCs. Compared to other (also great) PC emulators like PCem/86box/DOSbox forks etc, MartyPC focuses on ultra accurate CGA and DMA emulation. It requires pixel perfect and cycle accurate CGA emulation as well as emulation of CRT properties like overscan.[3] Developer "Glorious_Cow" said; 

 Of course my next target is the 286, I think it would be interesting to try to make a cycle-accurate 286. The biggest challenge is the microcode for 286 hasn't been decoded yet, but there is a high resolution 286 die shot I'd love to get my hands on... My hope is that the 286 is a more 'regular' chip than the 8088. The 8088 turned out to have a lot of odd, poorly documented behavior. I guess we'll find out.
 386 is sort of a long-term goal. I'll get there when I get there, but it might take another year for 286 I estimate before I tackle it. Now that I've accomplished Area 5150 I don't really have a "goal target" in mind other than running DOOM :) My 386 will not be slavishly cycle-accurate, after all, there were many variations of the 386 and clones, so which one would be accurate to? Besides the fact it's hard to write a cycle-accurate CPU at 40MHz...
 At that point I think MartyPC will be done chasing the hardware, I have no interest in following the CPU generations up into the Pentiums - that's probably best left to 86box - and I think I will probably turn my eye just to seeing what kind of interesting debugging features I can add. Save states and rewinding, an inline assembler or scripting language would be cool.
 With most end-users probably best served by using 86box, I figure my best niche going forward is being a 'retro-developer's' emulator of choice, so I am motivated to add any debug features people might request.[4]
MAME:

The emulation of various CPU types seen here regarding MAME are all over the place in the changelogs and seem confusing. However, MAME has preliminary support for the families of 286, 386/i386, 486/i486, and almost the entire range of Pentium CPUs. However, only the 286/386/486 emulation is acceptable at the moment. According to ProjectMESS, many IBM PC/AT 5170 family PCs running the 286 CPU have preliminary support. MAME 0.146u3 (Jul 2012) added CPU types for Pentium MMX, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium III, and Pentium 4, but don't expect miracles.

- MAME compat list showing the sector for several IBM-type PC systems - most of which may work fine.
- wiki.mamedev.org's search results for Pentium (e.g. 0.100u4, 0.103u4, 0.146u3, 0.148, 0.152, 0.156)
- wiki.mamedev.org's list for MACHINE_NOT_WORKING (Few systems based on a Pentium CPU)
- wiki.mamedev.org's list for MACHINE_IS_SKELETON drivers (Several PCs/systems based on a Pentium CPU)
Bochs:

A full x86 PC emulator with a focus on development and test operating systems and other low-level software. Its lack of proper timing emulation makes it not useful, and it is often too slow for newer systems to be playable. It is thus not recommended to use Bochs. Bochs is not timing but functional emulator, it's emulates time in very trivial way - one guest instruction emulated equal to one guest cycle. By tuning "IPS" setting you not anything in the way it emulates time - in opposite, you only giving a hint about emulation speed to Bochs which helps it to emulate devices like mouse or keyboard.

QEMU

Similarly to Bochs, QEMU with TCG acceleration may not be the perfect x86 emulator, but its versatility, hypervisor capabilities, and vast platform support make it a powerful tool for anyone interested in exploring the world of virtualization. While QEMU is versatile and great for virtualization with KVM acceleration, but if your focus is precise, reasonable and compatible x86 emulation, it’s better to stick with dedicated emulators like 86Box, PCem or even DOSBox forks. That said, if raw performance is your top priority (especially for 3dfx graphics), QEMU 3dfx build with the SoftGPU drivers is currently the fastest option available. See the QEMU 3dfx note section for details and setup instructions.

Enhancements

Side note: Please don't bump/spam GitHub threads/issues and feature request pages.

Name 86Box DOSBox forks DREAMM
Controls Disguise peripheral support through passthrough
Tricking the software into think that the original controller was connected even those identify themselves with different device IDs. When a game tries to identify a connected 'nearly the same internally' controller, emulator will tell it that the equivalent original controller is connected instead, allowing it to work.		 ? ? ?
Input lag mitigating ✗ ✗ ?
Real peripheral support (passthrough)
Ability to passthrough USB HID devices or Bluetooth adapter for emulated system.		 ? ? ?
Turbo button ? ? ?
Performance Preload optical disc image to RAM
For users with sluggish multi-platter HDDs or plagued by horrible seek times, this enhancement might offer smoother experience, potentially reduced power consumption; it also shines when disc images reside on a network drive. Although keep in mind that preloading image would take some time, and it will require additional amount of RAM capacity. 		? ? ?
Post-processing AI-powered filter compatible
(Freestyle) 		? ? ?
Filters ✓ ~ ?
Inverse tone mapping compatible ? ? ?
Post-rendering anti-aliasing
(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA) 		? ~ ?
Post-rendering scaling
(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and FSR 1) 		? ~ ?
Shader chain ✓* ~ ?
Quality of life Automatic updater ~[lower-alpha 1] ? ?
Big Picture Mode ✗ ~ ?
Built-in custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes
For using this on Windows, you need CRT Emudriver.
Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility". 		Exclusive to libretro cores and GroovyMAME at the moment.
Capable image format support ✓** ~ ?
Command-line options ✓ ✓ ?
File sharing
Similar to "Shared Folder" enhancement for Type-2 hypervisors. 		✓* ? ?
On-screen display
Showcases messages, controller input state which is useful for speedrunners, performance data, active settings, and various notifications. 		? ~ ?
Pause/Resume emulation ✓* ~ ?
Portable and stealth
Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary prerequisites and dependencies for your operating system if it is not statically linked. 		✓ ? ?
Streamable compression format ✓ ✓ ?
TAS features Fast forward/Turbo speed ✗ ✗ ?
Macros/Scripts/Lua ? ✗ ?
Movie recording/playback ✗ ✗ ?
Rewind ✗ ✗ ?
Save states ✗ ✗ ?
Misc. Ambient sounds simulation
Simulation of audio from original hardware and environments, such as mechanical hard drive, floppy diskette, and optical drive noises (e.g., head seeks, spin-up/down, tray loading, disc spinning, and clicking), variable CRT flyback transformer whine (the classic high-pitched "coil whine" that dynamically changes pitch based on screen brightness and content), arcade cabinet effects (e.g., fan hum or button rattles), and other background ambient noises. 		✓* ✗ ✗
Audio filters and presets
Simulation of characteristic playback limitations and coloration of vintage consumer audio hardware, such as CRT television speakers, arcade cabinets, handheld consoles, early PC sound outputs, and low-fidelity integrated speakers. These filters are not intended to be perfectly accurate recreations, but rather to evoke the tonal qualities, distortion, bandwidth limits, resonance, and compression associated with 8-bit and 16-bit era devices. Examples include mono or narrow stereo output, reduced frequency response, speaker cone distortion, mild saturation, aliasing, and preset lo-fi profiles inspired by classic TVs, portable game systems, radios, and retro multimedia hardware. 		Exclusive to libretro cores at the moment.
Debug features ? ? ?
EmuVR support Exclusive to libretro cores at the moment, this means that only DOSBox Pure supported.
(  Demonstration)
RetroAchievements ✗ ✗* ✗
Rich Presence (RPC)
Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported. 		? ? ?
Screen translator
Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically. 		You can use RetroArch's AI Service or the standalone offline bquenin's Interpreter.
  1. ↑ Included in the Avalonia 86 manager.

Operating system support

For virtualization of these legacy operating systems, see Windows NT 5.x emulators#Hypervisors.
For extensive list of OS support solely for 86Box emulator, see 86Box#OS_support.

Note: Do NOT spam fake or real but unemulated entries without legit proof.

Name 86Box DOSBox forks DREAMM
DOS MS-DOS ✓ ✓ ?
Windows 3.0 ✓ ✓ ?
Windows 3.1 ✓ ✓ ?
Windows 9x ✓ ✓ ?
OS/2 ArcaOS ✓ ✗ ?
eComStation ✓ ✗ ?
OS/2 ✓ ✗ ?
Workplace OS ? ? ?
Unix-like Debian ? ? ?
Fedora ✓ ? ?
Windows NT Windows NT 3.x ✓ ~** ?
Windows NT 4.0 ✓ ✗* ?
Windows NT 5.x ~[lower-alpha 1] ✗[lower-alpha 2] ?
Windows NT 6.x ? ✗ ?
Other Coherent ? ? ?
CP/M-86 ? ? ?
GRiD-OS ? ? ?
Inferno ? ? ?
JavaOS ? ? ?
Mac OS X (Intel) ✗ ✗ ✗
N88-BASIC(86) ? ? ?
NetWare ? ? ?
PC-UX ? ? ?
PC/GEOS ? ? ?
Solaris ? ? ?
Towns OS ? ? ?
Xenix ? ? ?
Zenith System Manager ? ? ?
  1. ↑ 86Box, PCem and PCBox supports these OS'es but even these actively maintained advanced emulators have limited Intel-based_PC_emulator_comparisons#x86_CPU's, Graphic Cards and Intel-based_PC_emulator_comparisons#Mainboards support especially for more demanding NT-based operating systems, performance will be unbearable anyway. Recommended to use "recommended available solutions" for these OS'es mentioned in Windows XP page.
  2. ↑ NT-Based OSes unsupported on most of the DOSBox forks at the moment. But it is possible to implement specific techniques to these emulators for achieving and improving Windows NT-based operating system emulation experience. See DOSBox-X: KVM and Hyper-V issue page, also DOSBox-X: 3D Graphics cards feature request page. There are other related things such as: adding softgpu driver compatibility for Windows XP guest. So in summary, lots of work already done for this which is promising for the future of Windows XP emulation.
For software that can run hardware features designed for PC-9800 system, see NEC PC-9800 series#Hardware features and peripherals.
For extensive list of hardware support solely for 86Box emulator, see 86Box#Hardware support.
For extensive list of hardware support solely for PCem emulator, see PCem#Hardware support.

List of pre-installed drivers on Windows
Note: Do NOT spam fake or real but unemulated entries without legit proof.
Side note: Please don't bump/spam GitHub threads/issues and feature request pages. This list only includes parts and accessories that can be possible to emulated through software or will be possible in the near future. Including everything would result in an endless list.

Hardware, peripherals, and features

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
External monitors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Input Infrared ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microphone ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MIDI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Networking Ethernet ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Modem ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Full-System Emulation
Beyond basic environment emulation, Full-System Emulation recreates the entire hardware stack and architecture rather than just the software layer. By emulating the actual motherboard chipset and original firmware (e.g., Award, AMI), it enables a true "Cold Boot" experience with granular, low-level control. Users can interact with the virtual machine exactly like physical vintage hardware—adjusting DRAM timings, CPU ring ratios, memory latency, and bus speeds directly through the BIOS setup. This approach ensures the hardware-level behavior that standard environment emulators cannot match. 		✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✓ ? ? ✓
Ports Communications ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Game ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Printer ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Serial ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
USB ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ROM Cartridge (IBM PCjr) ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Cassette (IBM PC) ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Scanner ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Machines/Motherboards

Display adapters/GPUs

CD-ROM controllers

Name Interface Emulation
86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
Mitsumi Mitsumi CD-ROM Controller with Double Speed Drive ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Mitsumi CD-ROM Controller with Newer Single Speed Drive ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Mitsumi CD-ROM Controller with Older Single Speed Drive ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MKEPanasonic (Matsushita-Kotobuki Electronics Industries Ltd.) MKEPanasonic CD-ROM Drive IDE ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MKEPanasonic CD-ROM Drive (Creative) IDE ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Sony Corp. Sony Proprietary CD-ROM Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?


Floppy disk controllers

Name Interface Emulation
86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
(Standard floppy disk controllers) Standard Floppy Disk Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Adaptec Adaptec SCSI Adapter Floppy Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
BusLogic BusLogic SCSI Adapter Floppy Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq Compaq Floppy Disk Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq PCMCIA Floppy Disk Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Internal device ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Zenith Data Systems Standard Floppy Controller on Zenith EISA board ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
DTK PII-151B (MiniMicro) Floppy Drive Controller ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
DTK PII-158B (MiniMicro4) Floppy Drive Controller ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Magitronic B215 ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Micro Solutions CompatiCard I ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Micro Solutions CompatiCard II ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Monster FDC Floppy Drive Controller ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/AT Floppy Drive Controller ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/XT Floppy Drive Controller ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Game controllers

Assign these symbols in "tables" based on;
✓: Emulation of the peripheral, including methods mentioned below.
~: No emulation of the peripheral, but real peripheral supported through passthrough, or disguise peripheral support through passthrough.
✗: No emulation or passthrough support.
Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
CH Flightstick ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
CH Flightstick Pro ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
CH Virtual Pilot ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
CH Virtual Pilot Pro ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Generic Game port Devices ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis Analog Joystick ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis Analog Pro Joystick ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis BlackHawk Digital ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis Eliminator Precision Pro ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis Gamepad ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis Gamepad Pro ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis Xterminator Digital Gamepad ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis Xterminator Dual Control ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
InterAct ProPad 6 ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Logitech Thunderpad ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Logitech WingMan ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Logitech WingMan Extreme ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Logitech WingMan Light ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft SideWinder Freestyle Pro ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft SideWinder game pad ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Thrustmaster Flight Control System ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Thrustmaster Formula T1/T2 with adapter ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Thrustmaster Formula T1/T2 without adapter ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Thrustmaster Top Gun Platinum ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?


Global positioning devices

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME

Hard disk controllers

Name Interface Emulation
86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
(Standard hard disk drivers) Plus Hardcard II ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Plus Hardcard IIXL/EZ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard Bus Mastering IDE Hard Disk Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard Bus Mastering IDE Hard Disk Controller (no serialization) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard Dual PCI IDE Controller PCI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard IDE/ESDI Hard Disk Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard IDE/ESDI Hard Disk Controller (no serialization) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard PCI IDE Controller PCI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Zeos ESDI IDE Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Acer Labs Inc ALI PCI IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Appian Technology Appian PCI IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
CMD Technology CMD PCI-0640 PCI to IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
CMD PCI-0640 Bus Master PCI to IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
CMD PCI-0646 (Tertiary and Quaternary) PCI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
CMD PCI-0648 (Tertiary and Quaternary) PCI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
CMD PCI-0649 (Tertiary and Quaternary) PCI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq Compaq Advanced ESDI Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq IDE Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Creative Labs IDE Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
DTC Data Technology DTC 2130S PCI Bus to IDE Single Port Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
DTC 5150X MFM Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
IBM IBM MCA Integrated Fixed Disk and Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
IBM PC Fixed Disk Adapter (MFM) ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Integral Peripherals Integral Peripherals PCMCIA Hard Disk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Intel Intel 82092AA PCI IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Intel 82371FB PCI Bus Master IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Intel 82371SB PCI Bus Master IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Internal device ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Kingston Technology Kingston Technology 170MB PCMCIA Hard Disk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Maxtor MobileMax 105MB PCMCIA Hard Disk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MobileMax 105MB PCMCIA Hard Disk (1U3B) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MobileMax 131MB PCMCIA Hard Disk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MobileMax 171MB PCMCIA Hard Disk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MobileMax 262MB PCMCIA Hard Disk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MiniStor MiniStor 131MB PCMCIA Hard Disk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MiniStor 170MB PCMCIA Hard Disk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
National Semiconductor National Semiconductor Dual PCI IDE Controller (RMM Support Only) PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Opti Opti Dual PCI IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC Technology PC Tech PCI IDE Single or Dual Port Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Silicon Integrated Systems SiS 5513 Dual PCI IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
SiS 5513 Dual PCI IDE Controller (C Stepping) PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
SunDisk SunDisk ATA FlashDisk ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Symphony Labs Symphony PCI IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
VIA Tech VIA Tech Dual PCI IDE Controller PCI ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Zenith Data Systems Standard IDE Controller on Zenith EISA board ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Acculogic XT IDE ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/AT IDE Controller ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/AT IDE Controller (Dual-Channel) ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PS/2 AT XTIDE (1.1.5) ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PS/2 AT XTIDE (1.1.5) (Primary Only) ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/XT XTIDE ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/XT XTIDE ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/XT XTIDE (Primary Only) ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Quaternary IDE Controller ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ST-11M MFM Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ST-11R RLL Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ST-50X Fixed Disk Controller ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Tertiary IDE Controller ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Victor V86P RLL Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
WD1002A-27X RLL Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
WD1002A-WX1 MFM Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
WD1003 AT MFM/RLL Controller ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
WD1004-27X RLL Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
WD1004A-27X RLL Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
WD1004A-WX1 MFM Fixed Disk Adapter ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
WDXT-150 XTA Fixed Disk Controller ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WD1007V-SE1 (ESDI) ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WDXT-GEN (MFM) ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?


Infrared

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
(Standard infrared devices) Built-in Infrared port on laptop or desktop ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
ACTiSYS ACT-IR200L Infrared Wireless Interface ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
ACT-IR220L Infrared Wireless Interface ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Adaptec Adaptec AIRport 1000 ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
AIRport APA-9320 External Infrared Adapter ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
AMP PHASIR ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Extended Systems JetEye PC Infrared PC Interface (ESI-9680) ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Parallax LiteLink PRA9500A ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Texas Instruments TI TravelMate 5000 Laptop ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗

Keyboards

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
AT&T 302 Keyboard ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
AX Keyboard ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq Enhanced Keyboard ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Olivetti Keyboard (102-Key) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Olivetti Keyboard (83-Key) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Olivetti Keyboard (86-Key) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Olivetti Keyboard (A101/102-Key) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PS/2 Keyboard ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
PS/55 Keyboard ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/AT Keyboard (84-Key) ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/XT Keyboard (83-Key) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PC/XT Keyboard (84-Key) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Memory Technology Drivers (MTDs)

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
Flash Memory Card (Series 1) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Flash Memory Card (Series 2) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
SRAM Memory Card ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Mice

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
(Standard mouse types) InPort Adapter Mouse ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard Bus Adapter Mouse ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard PS/2 Port Mouse ✓[lower-alpha 1] ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard Serial Mouse ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq Compaq Internal Trackball (PS/2) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq Internal Trackball (Serial) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq PS/2 Port Mouse ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Kensington Kensington Serial Expert Mouse ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Logitech Logitech Bus Adapter Mouse ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Logitech PS/2 Port Mouse ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Logitech Serial Mouse ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft Microsoft Bus Adapter Mouse ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft InPort Adapter Mouse ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft Serial BallPoint ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft Serial EasyBall ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft Serial Mouse ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Texas Instruments Texas Instruments QuickPort BallPoint ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Toshiba Toshiba AcuPoint ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3M MicroTouch (Serial) ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Mouse Systems Bus Mouse ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Mouse Systems Serial Mouse ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
  1. ↑
    Recommended to overclock the PS/2 interrupt frequency to slightly higher value if you're emulating PS/2 device for pointing device on top of higher display refresh rate from emulated guest operating system. Use 86Box's new recompiler, Smaller frames for CPU frame size, OGL renderer, fullscreen it, set guest to 100hz so it runs in VRR in your host's higher refresh rate mode, install the Logitech MouseWare (backup) in guest that allows you to disable mouse acceleration and use a 100hz poll rate (use 200Hz if you choose 2-button PS/2 mouse). Also see Input lag section and 86Box Docs: Input.

Modems

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
(Standard Modem Types) Standard 300 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard 1200 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard 2400 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard 9600 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard 14400 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard 19200 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard 28800 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
(VoiceView Modem Types) VoiceView 9600 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
VoiceView 14400 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
VoiceView 19200 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
VoiceView 28800 bps Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X 3X 14.4 Data Fax Modem Voice ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 296D ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 296DBX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 396DBX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 396DP ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 396DS ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 496D ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 496DB ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 514D ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 514DB ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 514DBX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 514DP ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 514DPX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 514DS ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 514DSX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 628D ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 628DB ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 628DBX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 628DP ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 628DPX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 628DS ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
3X Wysiwyf 628DSX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Djinn PCMCIA ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex Aceex DM-1414P ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-1414PC ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-1414V ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-1414VH ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-2400E ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-2400H ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-2400V ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-2814 & DM-1414VH ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-2814PC ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-2814V ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-2814VH ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-9624H ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-9624PC ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aceex DM-9624V ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Acer Acer 14.4 Data Fax Voice, VF1114HV-C1 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Acer 14.4 Data Fax, F1114HR-R2 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Acer 2400 Bps Data Fax Voice, VF9924H-C1 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Acer 2400 Bps Data, 96-48 Fax, FM9648HR ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Acer 2400 Bps Data, M24H-R1 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Acer 28.8, V.34 Data Fax, F1128HV-R6 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Angia Angia 14.4 PCMCIA (FAX-PCM2-NL) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aniga 14.4 PCMCIA (PCM144) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Angia Safejack 28.8, V.34 PCMCIA ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Angia Safejack Terbo 19200 Data Fax ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Apex Data Inc. Apex Data-Fax PCR-1414 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Apex V.34 Cellular PCMCIA Modem ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Archtek Telecom Corp.
ARN
AST
AT&T
ATI Technologies Inc.
Avtek
Aztech Systems
Banksia
Bausch Datacom Gmbh
Best Data
Blatzheim Datensysteme
Boca Research
BSB Datentechnik
Calcom
Cardinal
Cirrus Logic
Com 1
COM1 SA
ComCom Electronics GmbH
Communicate
Compaq
Computer Peripherals Inc
CPV - Stollmann Datensysteme
CPV, AXOS, CTK, ESCOM, TKR, VOBIS (Ger)
Creative Labs
Creatix
Creatix Polymedia GmbH
Data Race
DEC
Diamond Multimedia
DiCom
Digicom
Digicom S.p.A.
Digital Equipment Corporation
Digitan
Discovery
Dr. Neuhaus
Dynalink
E-Tech
E-Tech/Bullet Telecom
E.Y.P. Telecomunicación.
EEH Datalink GmbH
Elproma
ELSA GmbH
Epson
Ericsson AS
Exar
Exicom Australia PTY
EXP
Galaxy
Gateway 2000
General DataComm
GVC
Haeussler
Hayes Hayes Accura 144 + FAX144 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 144B + FAX144 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 24 EC + FAX96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 2400 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 24B EC + FAX96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 288 V.34-V.FC + FAX144 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 288 V.FC + FAX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 288B V.34 + FAX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 96 + FAX96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Accura 96B + FAX96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Compatible 2400 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Compatible 9600 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 144 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 144 + FAX for PCMCIA ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 144 + FAX for PCMCIA with EZjack ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 144 + FAX144 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 144 + FAX144 PCMCIA ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 144 + FAX144 Pocket Edition ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 144B + FAX144 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 24 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 24 + FAX96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 24 + FAX96 PCMCIA ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 24B + FAX96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 288 V.34 + FAX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 288 V.34 + FAX + Voice ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 288 V.34 + FAX PCMCIA ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 288 V.34-V.FC + FAX144 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 288 V.FC + FAX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 288 V.FC + FAX (UK) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 288B V.FC + FAX ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 96 + FAX96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Optima 96B + FAX96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Pocket Modem 2400 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Smartmodem 1200 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Smartmodem 1200B ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Smartmodem 2400 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Smartmodem 9600 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes Ultra 24 Smartmodem 2400 with Express 96 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes V-series Smartmodem 9600 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes V-series Ultra Smartmodem 14400 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hayes V-series Ultra Smartmodem 9600 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard Hayes-compliant modem ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hidem Technology
Hotline
Hotline - International
IBM
ICO
Infotel
INSYS
InteCom
Intel
Interlink Electronics
Intertex
ke Kommunikations Elektronic (Germany)
Kingston
KORTEX International
LASAT Commun.
LASAT Commun. A/S (Germany)
LCE
LightSpeed
Logicode
LONGSHINE
Macronix
Maestro Digital Communications
Magic Ram
Martignoni Electronics AG
Maxtech
Megahertz Corp.
Metricom, Inc.
Microcom, Inc.
Microfax
Mitsubishi
Motorola
Motorola (Ger)
Motorola - International
MTD Systems
Mulogic
MultiTech (Ger)
MultiTech Systems
NEC
NetComm
New Media Corporation
Nokia Mobile Phones
NOKIA TELECOMM.
Noteworthy
NOVAFAX International
NovaLink Technologies
Olivetti PCMCIA
OPTION
Ositech
P.N.B
Pace Micro Communications Ltd
Packard Bell
Philips Modem AB
Piiceon
PowerBit
Practical Peripherals
Premax
Psion
Puredata
Racal
Reveal
RFI Elektronik
Rockwell
Schmidt Electronic Laboratories
Sierra Semiconductor
Sierra Wireless
Simple Computing
Smart Modular Technologies
Sonix Commun. Ltd
Spectrum Signal Processing Inc
Standard Radio Telecom AB
Supra Corporation
Sysnet - Italy
TDK
Telebit
Telelink
TELINDUS
Teltra (Telecom Australia)
Texas Instruments
TKR
Tornado
Toshiba
Triple P
TRON
Trust
Turbomodem
U.S. Robotics (France)
U.S. Robotics (Ger)
U.S. Robotics, Inc.
Ucom AS (Nordic series)
V.DOT
VAYRIS, S.A.
Ven-Tel
Victory
Winbook
Woerlein
Xircom
Yoriko
Zoltrix
Zoom
Zoom Telephonics, Inc.
Zypcom
ZyXEL
ZyXEL (Nordic)
ZyXEL Comm. Corp. ZyXEL Elite 2864 POTS, V.32 28k8 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ZyXEL Elite 2864I ISDN, V.110 19k2 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ZyXEL Elite 2864I ISDN, V.120 38k4 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ZyXEL Elite 2864I ISDN, V.120 64k0 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ZyXEL Elite 2864I ISDN, V.34 28k8 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ZyXEL Elite 2864I ISDN, X.75 64k0 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ZyXEL U-1496E NL ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Multi-function adapters

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
(Multi-Function PC Card Parent Driver) Multi-Function PC Card Parent ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
BusLogic BusLogic 32-Bit Bus Master EISA-to-SCSI Host Adapter with Floppy Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ESS Technology, Inc. ESS ES688 AudioDrive and Game Controller ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Hewlett-Packard HP COM and LPT Ports Combo Card ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
New Media Corporation New Media Sound/SCSI II Multimedia Combo ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Ositech Ositech Jack of Diamonds Multi-function Trumpcard ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Xircom Xircom CreditCard Ethernet+Modem Corporate Series (CEM2) ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Zenith Data Systems ZDS SCSI/IDE/Floppy EISA Controller Board ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Network adapters

Using proxy projects for retro web browsing experience is recommended.
Name Interface Standard (IEEE 802.3) Release year Chipset 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
3Com EtherLink II ISA 10BASE-T
10BASE2 		1988 3Com 3C503 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
AMD PCNet-FAST III PCI 100BASE-TX 1997 AMD PCnet-FAST III ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
AMD PCNet-ISA ISA 10BASE-T
10BASE2 		1991 AMD LANCE ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
AMD PCnet-ISA+ ISA 10BASE-T
10BASE2 		1995 AMD PCnet-ISA+ ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
AMD PCNet-PCI II PCI 100BASE-TX 1996 AMD PCnet-PCI II ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
AMD PCnet-VL VL-Bus 10BASE-T
10BASE-FL
100BASE-TX
100BASE-FX 		1995 AMD PCnet-VL ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
NetWorth EtherNext/MC ISA 10BASE-T 1991 Western Digital WD83C690 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Novell NE1000 ISA 10BASE-T
10BASE5 		1986 National Semiconductor DP8390 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Novell NE2000 ISA 10BASE-T
10BASE2 		1990 National Semiconductor DP8390 ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
PLIP Network Parallel Proprietary N/A N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Racal Interlan EtherBlaster ISA 10BASE-T
10BASE2 		1992 National Semiconductor DP8390 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Realtek RTL8019AS ISA 10BASE-T
10BASE5 		1995 Realtek RTL8019AS ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Realtek RTL8029AS PCI 10BASE-T
10BASE5 		1995 Realtek RTL8029AS ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WD8003E ISA 10BASE2
10BASE5 		1987 Western Digital WD83C690 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WD8003E/A ISA 10BASE5 1988 Western Digital WD83C690 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WD8003EB ISA 10BASE2 1988 Western Digital WD83C690 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WD8003ET/A ISA 10BASE-T 1989 Western Digital WD83C690 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WD8003EBT ISA 10BASE-T
10BASE2 		1989 Western Digital WD83C690 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?

PCMCIA socket

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME

Ports (COM & LPT)

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME

Printers

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME

SCSI controllers

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME

Sound

Also see Sound and audio, and Wrappers.

Sound cards

Name Interface Release Year API Support Emulation
86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
Ad Lib Ad Lib Compatible (OPL2) ISA/Sidecar 1987 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Ad Lib ASB 16 N/A ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Ad Lib Gold Compatible (OPL3) ISA 1992 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aztech Labs Aztech Sound Galaxy Nova 16 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aztech Sound Galaxy Nova 16 Extra ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aztech Sound Galaxy Pro 16 AB ISA16 1994 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aztech Sound Galaxy Pro 16 III-3D PnP N/A ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aztech Sound Galaxy Washington 16 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aztech Sound Galaxy WaveRider Pro 32-3D (I) PnP N/A ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aztech Sound-3 288FSP N/A ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Compaq Compaq Business Audio ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Creative Advanced Wave Effects Synthesis for AWE 32 ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative EMU8000 PnP ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster ISA 1989 / 1991 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 ISA16 1992 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 Plug and Play ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster 32 Plug and Play ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2001 EAX 3.0 ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 2002 EAX 4.0 ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS 2003 EAX 4.0 ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE-32 ISA16 1994 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE-32 Plug and Play ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE-64 ISA16 1996 N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE-64 Gold ISA16 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE-64 Value ISA16 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Pro ISA 1991 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster PCI 128 PCI 1998 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster PCI 4.1 PCI 1998 N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! 1998 EAX 1.0 / 2.0 ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster ViBRA 16 ISA16 1992 N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Creative Music System / Game Blaster ISA 1987 / 1988 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
DSP Group TrueSpeech(TM) Software CODEC ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ESS Technology, Inc. ESS ES1488 AudioDrive ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ESS ES1688 AudioDrive ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ESS ES1688 Plug And Play AudioDrive ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ESS ES488 AudioDrive ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ESS ES688 AudioDrive ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ESS ES688 Plug And Play AudioDrive ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Internal device ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Media Vision Pro Audio Deluxe 1994 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Pro Audio Deluxe 16 1994 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Jazz-16 1993 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Jazz-8 1993 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Pro Audio Spectrum 16 ISA16 1992 N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Pro Audio Spectrum Basic 1991 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Pro Audio Spectrum Plus ISA 1991 N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Pro Audio Spectrum Studio with SCSI 1993 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision ProSonic 16 SCSI 1993 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Pro/Premium 3D 1994 VBI/AI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Media Vision Thunder Board 1991 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Microsoft MS Windows Sound System Compatible ISA16 1992 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
AcerMagic S20 ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Analog Devices AD1881 AMR ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aureal Vortex 1 (e.g., Turtle Beach Montego) 1997 A3D 1.0 ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aureal Vortex 2 (e.g., Diamond Monster Sound MX300) 1998 A3D 2.0 ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Aureal Vortex Advantage 1999 A3D 1.0 ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Boca Sound Expression 14.4 SRS N/A ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Boca Sound Expression V.34 SRS N/A ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
C-Media CMI8338 PCI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
C-Media CMI8738 PCI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Covox Sound Master Key ISA/Sidecar ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Covox Voice Master Key ISA/Sidecar ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Crystal CS4235 ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Crystal CS4236B ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Crystal CS4297A AMR ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Ensoniq AudioPCI PCI ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
The Entertainer ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis UltraSound ISA16 1992 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis UltraSound ACE ISA16 1995 N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Gravis UltraSound MAX ISA16 1994 N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Innovation SSI-2001 ISA 1989 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
OPL2Board (External Device) ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Mindscape Music Board ISA 1985 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
miroSOUND PCM10 ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ISA DAC-r0 ISA/Sidecar ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ISA DAC-r1 ISA/Sidecar ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
OPTi 82c930 ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PS/1 Audio Card 1990 N/A ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Rainbow Arts PC-Soundman ISA/Sidecar ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Tandy PSSJ Clone ISA 1989 N/A ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
TNDY ISA ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha YMF701 (OPL3-SA) ISA16 1994 N/A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha YMF711 (OPL3-SA2) 1995 N/A ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha YMF715 (OPL3-SA3) 1995 DirectSound3D
QSound 		✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha YMF718 (OPL3-SA2) ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha YMF719 (OPL3-SA3) ISA16 ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

MIDI synthesizer modules / Interfaces

Name Release Year Interface/Protocol Emulation
86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
Casio MT-540 / CT-460 / CSM-1 1988 / 1988 / 1989 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Korg NS5R 1997 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Korg NX5R 1999 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Roland MPU-401 1984 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ✓ ? ? ? ?
Roland MT-32 1987 MPU-401 MIDI ✓ ✗ ? ✓ ? ? ? ?
Roland CM-32L ✓ ✗ ? ✓ ? ? ? ?
Roland CM-32LN ✓ ✗ ? ✓ ? ? ? ?
Roland SC-55 1991 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ✓ ? ? ? ?
Roland SC-55mkII 1993 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ✓ ? ? ? ?
Roland SC-88 1994 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Roland RAP-10 1994 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Roland SC-88 Pro 1994 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Roland ED SC-8820 1999 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Roland ED SC-8850 1999 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Roland ED SC-D70 2001 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha MU80 1994 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha MU90 1996 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha MU100 1997 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha MU128 1998 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Yamaha MU2000 1999 MPU-401 MIDI ✗ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?

External Audio Devices

Name Release Year Interface/Protocol Emulation
86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
Covox Speech Thing 1987 Parallel Port ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Disney Sound Source 1991 Parallel Port ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?

System devices

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
EISA bus ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ISA Plug and Play bus ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
ISA Plug and Play bus with VL slots ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MCA bus ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PCI bus ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Video

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME

MPEG hardware decoders

placeholder text https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=34225&hilit=dvd+accelerators https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RealMagic

Floppy, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM drives

It's recommended to see Ripping, Home media players and Save disk space for ISOs pages. See "Emulation of the Disc Drive" section in Copy protection page. Also see Copy protection#Emulation section for middleware or disc-check emulation software tools.

Storage

  • 86Box supports speed profiles for hard disk (only IDE and ESDI) images. Speed emulation takes the rotation speed, physical layout and cache size of an average period-correct drive into account. The RAM Disk profile runs the drive as fast as the host can manage.

Hard drive interface

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
ESDI ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
IDE-XTA ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
MFM/RLL ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
SCSI ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Standard IDE ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?

Controller card

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
Acculogic XT-IDE ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Adaptec AHA-1542C ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Adaptec AHA-1640 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
AT Fixed Disk Adapter ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
BusLogic BT-445C/S ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
BusLogic BT-545S ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
BusLogic BT-640A ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
DTC 5150X ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Fixed Disk Adapter (Xebec) ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
IBM ESDI Fixed Disk Controller ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
IBM SCSI Adapter with Cache ✗ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Longshine LCS-6821N ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
NCR 53C90 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Rancho RT1000B ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
ST-11M (MFM) ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
ST-11R (RLL) ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Trantor T130B ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WD1002A-WX1 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WD1007V-SE1 ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?
Western Digital WDXT-150 ✓ ✗ ? ? ? ? ? ?
XTIDE ✓ ✓ ? ? ? ? ? ?

Arcade only

Name 86Box PCem DOSBox Forks DREAMM MartyPC UniPCemu VARCem MAME
I/O Board ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗

Emulation issues

For PC games up to 1999, emulators like 86Box, PCem, and DOSBox-X provide robust emulation solutions, accurately recreating the hardware environment of that era. However, games from 1999 onward increasingly demanded advanced 3D graphics capabilities. A low-level approach seems to be impossible for DirectX 8/9, SSE 2/3 emulation from the Windows XP era. On the other hand, instead of using hardware-assisted-based virtualization approaches such as KVM; QEMU's TCG/MTTCG emulation approach (kind of like Xemu and QEMU's PPC-based macOS emulation) could be better. While QEMU's TCG/MTTCG dynamic translation engine offers a foundation, it remains too slow in its standard form for usable Windows XP-era (or QEMU's PPC-based macOS emulation) emulation. A promising path forward involves specialized QEMU forks that enhance performance by implementing a guest OS-aware specialized recompiler, such as larger translation blocks, speculative execution, OS-specific fast paths (e.g., knowing it’s running Windows XP or Vista, kernel/user-mode splitting, user-mode translation, typical syscall paths that can be inlined or shortcut, etc.). Depending on an OS-level virtualization stack such as Microsoft's WHPX is not a good idea (similar to what most Android emulators do). If they could contain their "VM acceleration engine" instead of depending on third-party maintained acceleration (which could break any day and mess with the dependent program, and potentially affects host performance), that would be the best. Also, one of the biggest issue is 3D graphics acceleration with drivers for the guest OS: how would they approach that? Like QEMU 3dfx API passthrough with wrappers, or something like SoftGPU, Gallium Nine? There are projects out there, such as: virtio-gpu, VirGL virtual adapter, various compatibility layers and wrappers. Various methods and approach mentioned here could be chosen by the developers in the future. For more information about PC emulation and their reverse engineering;

Other projects and emulated systems that have helped, or may potentially help, PC emulators in the future;

FPGA

Main article: MiSTer

References


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