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DOS PCs: Buying a 486 or Pentium for DOS Games
Quick version: For most DOS games, a 486 is the classic choice. A Pentium MMX covers more ground, but some older games run too fast on it. Check the battery, the capacitors and the power supply before you switch on, and fit a Sound Blaster.
Fun fact: No single real PC runs every DOS game well. Some older games become unplayable on faster processors, which is why you may end up wanting more than one machine.
Which PC for which games?
- 386: a 386DX-40 runs most DOS games into the mid-1990s. Get one with a turbo button, which slows it down for fussy older games.
- 486 (the classic DOS gaming PC): a 486DX2-66 with 8 MB of memory was a common setup and handles most DOS games. Popular speeds were 66, 100 and 133 MHz.
- Pentium: this is where Windows 95 arrives. A Pentium MMX (166 to 233 MHz) runs games from the 386, 486 and Pentium eras reasonably well in one box, and suits 3D shooters. Some older games can be too fast on it.
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Check before you switch on
- Barrel batteries: many 286, 386 and early 486 boards have a small soldered battery for the settings. These leak an alkaline liquid that eats the board. Remove a leaking one before you power on.
- Coin cells: later 486 and Pentium boards often take a CR2032 coin cell in a holder, which is easy to replace.
- Dallas clock chips: some boards use a larger clock chip with the battery sealed inside. It can't be swapped like a normal battery, so the chip is replaced or repaired.
- Capacitors: look on the board and cards for leaking or bulging capacitors, and for burnt patches.
- Power supply: test the power supply on its own before connecting the board, and watch for sparks or a burning smell. Don't open it: the large capacitors inside can hold a lethal charge even after it is unplugged. Older AT boards limit your choice of power supply.
For batteries, power supplies and RAM, see our Retro PC upgrades guide.
Sound
Go for a Sound Blaster, or a true compatible, for the best game support. Early PCI Sound Blasters work in DOS, but a late ISA card is usually more compatible. Our upgrades guide covers which models to look for.
Storage
A CompactFlash card on an IDE adapter makes a replacement for an old hard drive in a 286 or later PC.
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Getting the picture on a modern screen
Some DOS games run at 70 Hz. Most TVs reject that, and some converters can't change it to 60 Hz, so a PC monitor that accepts 70 Hz is the easier route. Some monitors only accept 70 Hz by converting it to 60 Hz, which can make motion stutter. If you'd rather use a CRT, our upgrades guide has buying and safety notes.