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Pentium PCs: Late DOS, Windows 95 and the First 3D Cards
Quick version: A Pentium PC covers late DOS games, Windows 95 and 98 games and the first 3D graphics cards. A Pentium MMX on a Socket 7 board is the flexible choice. Some older DOS games run too fast on it, so keep a 486 in mind for those.
Fun fact: Early Pentium chips had a maths bug, found in 1994, that gave slightly wrong answers to some divisions. Intel ended up offering replacement chips.
In short
Intel launched the Pentium in March 1993 as the next step after the 486. It became the PC of the Windows 95 years, and the first home 3D graphics cards were built for its PCI slots. If you want DOS games from the mid 1990s and Windows games from the late 1990s on one machine, a Pentium is the place to start. Our DOS PCs guide compares it with the 386 and 486.
The story
The first Pentiums ran at 60 and 66 MHz on 5-volt boards. In March 1994 Intel moved to 3.3-volt chips at 90 and 100 MHz on a new socket, with a 75 MHz chip that October, and Socket 7 boards later took chips up to 200 MHz. In November 1995 Intel added the Pentium Pro, a different design aimed at servers and workstations rather than home games machines. Windows 95 arrived in August 1995, and in 1996 3dfx released the Voodoo Graphics card, which handled 3D on its own alongside a normal 2D card.
The Pentium MMX followed in January 1997, adding instructions for multimedia and a bigger cache. AMD sold rival chips for Socket 7 boards too, such as the AMD K6. In May 1997 Intel moved on to the Pentium II, which used a slot cartridge instead of a socket.
Which Pentium should you buy?
- Pentium MMX (166 to 233 MHz): the popular choice. It runs games from the 386, 486 and Pentium eras reasonably well in one box, and suits 3D shooters. Some older DOS games are too fast on it.
- Earlier Pentium (75 to 200 MHz): fine for late DOS games and Windows 95. Early chips from 60 to 100 MHz may have the maths bug.
- The board matters: an MMX needs a board that supplies its split voltage. Many older Socket 7 boards don't, so check the board's manual before you buy a chip for it.
- Slots: a mix of PCI and ISA slots lets you fit a 3D card and an ISA Sound Blaster in the same PC.
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Check before you switch on
- Battery: many Pentium boards take a CR2032 coin cell, which is easy to swap. Some use a Dallas clock chip with the battery sealed inside.
- Capacitors: look for leaking or bulging capacitors on the board and cards.
- Power supply: test it on its own first and watch for sparks or a burning smell. Don't open it: the large capacitors inside can hold a lethal charge after unplugging. Older AT boards limit your choice of power supply.
Our Retro PC upgrades guide covers batteries, power supplies and memory.
Sound and 3D graphics
- Sound: early PCI Sound Blasters work in DOS, but a late ISA Sound Blaster is usually more compatible with DOS games.
- 3D: a 3dfx Voodoo card is the classic add-on for late-1990s 3D games. The first Voodoo cards handle 3D only, so you also need a normal graphics card. The upgrades guide has more on graphics cards and CRT monitors.
- Storage: a CompactFlash card on an IDE adapter is an easy replacement for an old hard drive.
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For the nerds (click to open)
| Chip | Year | Speeds | Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentium (P5) | 1993 | 60 and 66 MHz | Socket 4, 5 volts |
| Pentium (P54C) | 1994 | 90 and 100 MHz (March), 75 MHz (October) | Socket 5, 3.3 volts |
| Pentium Pro | 1995 | 150 to 200 MHz | Socket 8, for servers and workstations |
| Pentium (P54CS) | from 1995 | 133 to 200 MHz | Socket 7 |
| Pentium MMX (P55C) | 1997 | 166 to 233 MHz | Socket 7, split voltage |
FAQ
Is a Pentium good for DOS games?
Yes, for most of them. A Pentium runs late DOS games well, but some older DOS games run too fast on it. A 486 is the safer match for early DOS games.
Which Pentium is best for retro gaming?
A Pentium MMX at 166 to 233 MHz is the popular choice, because it covers games from the 386, 486 and Pentium eras reasonably well in one PC.
Will a Pentium MMX work in any Socket 7 board?
No. The MMX needs a board that supplies its split voltage, and many older Socket 7 boards don't. Check the board's manual first.
Do I need a 3D card?
Only for 3D games that support one, mostly from the late 1990s. A first-generation 3dfx Voodoo is the classic choice; it handles 3D only, so it works alongside your normal graphics card.
See also: DOS PCs · 486 PCs · Retro PC upgrades · Video game timeline
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