Retro SFF: ITX-Llama is a Model New DOS/Win98 Retro PC With AGP, OPL3, WAV Header, and Adjustable CPU Efficiency

Picture Credit score – Eivind Bohler

In case you’re into retro gaming, then I’ve some actually thrilling information for you. Eivind Bohler has put collectively a contemporary ITX board utilizing a Vortex X86 System on Module processor package deal that has been designed to verify off each field you possibly can presumably must play old style video games.

Adjustable processor pace for all the pieces from Wing Commander to Quake 3.
- Cache may be disabled.
- Pace may be set between 100 to 500 MHz
- Makes use of the Vortex86EX System on Module
- The SOM gives efficiency equivalence as much as a Pentium 233MHz MMX
128MB of RAM on the Vortex module.
AGP Slot good for a 3DFX Voodoo3
SD to IDE card adapter on the board for quick storage full with laborious drive click on simulator that may be disabled.
Crystal sound chip with each a small sized WAV header or 40-pin Rasberry PI primarily based MIDI playback.
- The crystal chip gives SB Professional 2, Adlib and WSS options
Non-compulsory true Yamaha OPL3 module.
Full Ethernet assist.
Hayes appropriate modem emulator that works over Wi-Fi
Each fashionable and interval correct rear ports.
DOS and Home windows 98 Suitable.

Bohler goes by means of the entire options on this video:

Moreover, he has a devoted thread on Vogons discussion board. CLICK HERE for that thread.

A gaggle purchase curiosity type is up on the Llama Board Discord. https://discord.gg/YN3XkycAXG

This board is just about the holy grail of those that have endeavored to construct an ITX sized retro PC; myself included. Up till now, you would want to search for industrial boards that had been by no means supposed for video games. In case you might discover one that may work, it was nonetheless lacking sufficient slots that full audio assist was questionable, and none had AGP assist. Nonetheless, the Llama ITX fixes all of those points.

…now if I can discover an AGP riser cable appropriate with fashionable sandwich instances I can have my dream retro PC.

I’m already planning on ordering one or two of those boards. As with all small batch orders there may be at all times a danger of worth creep and delays. SFFN regulars ought to be accustomed to this.

My deliberate construct for that is:

Densium 4 Case
OPL3 Module
DreamBlaster X2GS WAV module
Voodoo3 3500 AGP

I have already got a number of classic CRT screens I can use for show. In case you don’t although, a RetroTink 4K may very well be the reply for scaling these.

The most effective half is that early pricing signifies that the ITX-Llama board will solely be about $300. The Vortex SOM shall be about $70, and the OPL3 board shall be about $30.

I traded Discord messages with DesertPanther, who’s presently constructing an official retailer web page. He offered a brief Q and A for potential patrons.

1. Are planning handy solder the CS4237B and D1 ESP8266?

– Sure, the plan is to purchase these individually, ship them to JLCPCB and allow them to solder them by means of their “consignment” course of.

2. Is there an FAQ web page people can go to to be taught extra concerning the group purchase?

– Not but, I’m going to arrange a Shopify web site tonight and can embrace that.

3. How a lot are you meaning to cost per board?

– I’m making an attempt to get the value all the way down to round $300.

4. When are you planning to shut the group purchase and/or order the boards?

– The curiosity gathering type shall be closed at a while tomorrow, and I’ll announce the subsequent section which is inserting the deposits. Individuals will nonetheless be capable to purchase till we place the order in both early or mid-November.

5. When do you anticipate transport the boards to group purchase contributors?

– I intend to get the boards shipped to patrons in early December to allow them to take pleasure in enjoying with the board throughout the Christmas season!

6. What about deposits?

– A bit concerning the deposits: these shall be non-refundable to bind the contributors into truly shopping for the boards, it is going to additionally cowl a “testing” section the place we’ll purchase a number of boards as samples or prototypes to make sure that all the pieces is okay.

7. How a lot will the OPL3 module value?

– The OPL3 module shall be round $30

8. How a lot will the Vortex SOM value?

– The SOM shall be round $70

You’ll be able to try two movies by James Mackenzie who constructed up an ITX-Llama construct with the hyperlinks beneath.

and…