Running classic games on your PC has never been simpler, but “simple” is a relative term, especially for certain titles from the DOS era (that’s the 1980s for those unfamiliar). Many of these games can behave unpredictably on modern hardware, often requiring a slowdown to operate properly. To tackle this challenge, one innovative builder has created an ITX motherboard designed specifically to run DOS games natively.
Enter the ITX Llama, a do-it-yourself project that retrofits classic PC components into a mini-ITX form factor, allowing for installation in any standard desktop case. This labor of love originated from discussions on the Vogons forum and was produced in limited quantities last year. While acquiring one may involve tracking down a dedicated enthusiast and possibly paying a premium, the project’s GitHub page offers hope for future versions if there’s enough interest.
This unique creation combines vintage parts with modern design elements. At its core is a Vortex86EX chip, akin to a Pentium III-era CPU, complete with all necessary ATX connections (including front panel connectors), a built-in Crystal CS4237B sound card, a game port, and even an AGP slot for older graphics cards. You can connect peripherals via USB 2.0 or PS/2, while VGA serves as the primary graphics output. There’s also an analog input for a CD drive.
For storage, you can load your operating system and games onto a SATA drive, but utilizing a microSD card in the onboard slot might be more convenient. If you opt for the latter, the board’s built-in “clicker” will mimic the sound of a spinning hard drive, adding a nostalgic touch. For added functionality, a Raspberry Pi can be connected via the 40-pin connector.
The custom BIOS for this motherboard is based on Coreboot/SeaBIOS, allowing you to downclock the processor for games that need specific CPU speeds—just like the classic “turbo button.” This level of customization may even inspire a hunt for a DeLorean to source era-appropriate parts!
