Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

86Box

86Box is an open-source, low-level PC system emulator designed to accurately replicate x86-based computers and their peripherals from 1981 through the late , enabling the execution of legacy operating systems and software such as , through 98, , and early distributions. Originally forked from the emulator in 2016, 86Box has evolved into an independent project with a focus on cycle-accurate emulation of hardware components including CPUs from the 8086 to Mendocino-era Celerons, various chipsets, video cards (such as VGA and ), sound cards, and network interfaces. The emulator emphasizes high fidelity to original hardware behavior, supporting configurations like the PC , PS/2 models, and numerous compatible systems up to and bus architectures, which allows for authentic reproduction of era-specific software environments. Development of 86Box is community-driven and hosted on GitHub under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later, with regular releases incorporating new machine support, bug fixes, and performance optimizations; as of October 2025, version 5.2 introduced floppy drive sounds, expanded game port joystick support, and additional machines. Unlike higher-level emulators like DOSBox, 86Box operates at a system level, emulating the full hardware stack to handle complex interactions that require precise timing and compatibility, making it particularly suitable for preservation efforts, retro gaming, and research into historical computing. Its user interface draws inspiration from modern hypervisors, providing tools for machine configuration, ROM management, and MIDI output via options like FluidSynth or hardware synthesizers.

Introduction

Overview

86Box is a low-level x86 emulator specializing in PC systems and compatibles from 1981 to the PCI bus era, up to around 1999. Its primary purpose is to run older operating systems and software designed for retro PC hardware, with a focus on accuracy to support preservation and research activities. The project originated as a fork of the PCem in 2016. It is , distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later, and hosted on the official website at 86box.net. The initial release occurred on June 26, 2016, and the current stable version as of November 2025 is v5.2, released on October 26, 2025.

Licensing and platforms

86Box is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software provided they adhere to the license terms. The project's source code is hosted on , where it is maintained as an open-source repository. As a community-driven initiative, 86Box relies on contributions from multiple developers worldwide, who submit code changes, bug fixes, and feature enhancements through pull requests on GitHub. In addition to stable releases, the project provides experimental builds compiled from the latest source code, enabling early access to new features and testing for advanced users, though these may include bugs or incomplete functionality. The emulator supports Windows 7 SP1 or later (64-bit), macOS High Sierra 10.13 or later (64-bit), and Linux distributions equivalent to Ubuntu 16.04 or newer (64-bit) as host platforms. Minimum host hardware requirements include an Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon 64 processor or equivalent, at least 4 GB of RAM, and a graphics card compatible with OpenGL 3.3. Cross-platform support has expanded over time, with compatibility introduced in version 3.2 released in February 2022, followed by macOS support in version 3.4 released in April 2022.

Features

Emulated hardware components

86Box emulates a wide range of x86 processors, spanning from the and 8088 used in early PC systems to more advanced models like the (Klamath and Deschutes variants), , and (Mendocino), as well as compatible processors from other manufacturers including the , K6-2, K6-III series, WinChip 2, and VIA . Support for the family was introduced in version 5.0, enabling emulation on motherboards. The emulator achieves cycle-accurate timing for early processors like the 8088, ensuring precise replication of original hardware behavior in low-level operations. The emulator supports over 288 distinct machine configurations, covering motherboards and complete systems from the IBM PC era through PCI-based designs, with ongoing additions in later versions. Notable examples include the IBM PC 5150 (1981) with its original 8088 processor and limited RAM options, the IBM PS/2 series (such as the Model 5550 for the Japanese market), various AT clones like the AMI/Phoenix/Quadtel IBM AT and Amstrad MegaPC, and advanced PCI-era boards supporting Pentium II processors, such as the ASUS P/I-P65UP5 (modular with Slot 1 support) and A-Trend ATC6310BXII. These configurations allow users to recreate specific historical setups, including unique features like gas plasma displays on certain 286-era machines or modular BIOS options on Socket 7 systems. Graphics hardware emulation in 86Box includes foundational standards such as CGA, EGA, , , and , progressing to VGA and SVGA adapters like the , TGUI series, ATI VGA Wonder, and OKI JEGA. For 3D acceleration, it supports the family, including the original Graphics (single TMU at 50 MHz), 2 (dual TMUs at 90 MHz with SLI), , and 3, alongside IBM-specific accelerators like the 8514/A (/), XGA ( only), and PS/55 Display Adapter. Emulation of NVIDIA's (NV3) is under active development as of 2025, with basic VGA functionality and driver loading achieved on , though full 3D acceleration remains incomplete. Sound hardware is emulated through support for up to four cards per machine, including the AdLib (using Nuked OPL3 or ymfm implementations for series chips), Creative series up to the AWE32, and (with the MAX variant added in v5.0). Additional options encompass the , Mindscape Music Board, (via libsidplayfp), and General Instrument AY-3-8913 (via Ayumi). MIDI output is handled via (requiring a soundfont), Roland MT-32/CM-32L emulation (using Munt), or system , with a standalone ISA card for direct control. Other peripherals include host bus adapters (up to four, configurable for I/O and IRQ), supporting various hard disk and interfaces. Network cards such as the NE2000-compatible ISA adapters and PCI-based RTL8139C+ are emulated, allowing up to four independent devices with customizable MAC addresses prefixed by manufacturer OUIs. Storage options cover controllers (including 1.44 MB support for XT machines), controllers with vendor-specific interfaces like the newly added Panasonic/MKE in v5.0, and hard disk emulators for MFM, RLL, ESDI, and standards (up to four controllers). emulation is available for compatible machines via the IBM cassette port. Overall, 86Box employs a low-level, component-by-component approach, modeling individual elements at and timing level rather than high-level abstractions, to achieve high with period-specific software and behaviors. This method prioritizes emulation fidelity, particularly for and systems, enabling accurate reproduction of original performance characteristics.

Supported guest operating systems

86Box supports a wide range of guest operating systems designed for x86-based IBM PC compatibles, primarily focusing on 16-bit and 32-bit systems from the 1980s through the late 1990s. These include DOS variants, early Windows releases, other proprietary operating systems, and Unix-like environments, all of which can be installed and run within emulated hardware configurations. DOS variants form a core part of 86Box's compatibility, with full support for MS-DOS across all major versions (from 1.0 to 6.22), PC-DOS, DR-DOS, and FreeDOS. These systems boot reliably on emulated 8086 through Pentium-era processors and are often used for running legacy applications and games that require precise hardware emulation. The Windows series is supported up to and Me for consumer editions, with the NT line up to performing well on mid-1990s emulated hardware such as processors and compatible video cards; and later versions can boot but are discouraged due to performance limitations and incompatibility with the emulated hardware's capabilities, such as lack of instructions. Other proprietary operating systems include up to 4, which runs with high fidelity on emulated 386 and later systems; 5, compatible with Pentium-era setups; and (versions 3.1–3.3), (4.0–4.2), and early Apple developer releases. These OSes leverage 86Box's accurate of period-specific peripherals, such as controllers for OS/2 or network adapters for . systems are supported for early distributions, including variants like 1.0 that work on 386/486 processors, as well as later ones requiring support; (up to version 6.x); and (PC editions 1.x and 2.x). i386 is recommended for stability, while /i386 may encounter boot issues depending on the emulated configuration. Limitations include no support for 64-bit guest operating systems, as 86Box emulates hardware up to the late era without extensions. The emulator targets 16/32-bit architectures prevalent until the late , and full compatibility for some guests, such as certain distributions or , requires precise matching of emulated hardware components like CPUs and storage devices. Installation of these guest operating systems typically involves booting from virtual or images provided by the user, followed by partitioning and formatting a virtual hard drive (e.g., in or modes) to complete the setup process. This mirrors authentic PC installation procedures and allows for the preservation of original installation .

Host operating system compatibility

86Box has provided full support for Windows hosts since its inception as a of in 2016, with optimal performance observed on and 11 due to improved with modern and drivers. The emulator leverages SDL2 for cross-platform audio and input handling, enabling features like low-latency sound output on Windows through underlying system . Pre-built binaries are readily available via releases, ensuring straightforward installation without compilation. Linux support was introduced in version 3.2 in February 2022, allowing the emulator to run on distributions such as 16.04 or 9 and later equivalents. Audio emulation relies on ALSA or backends via SDL2, though users may encounter configuration challenges for optimal sound quality. Potential issues arise on compositors compared to X11, including fullscreen mode failures and mouse input glitches, which have been addressed in subsequent updates like v3.6 and v5.0. Builds are typically distributed as AppImages for ease of use, with ROM sets placed in the application directory or adhering to XDG base directory specifications. macOS compatibility debuted in version 3.4 in April 2022 for Intel-based systems via 2, with native support added in v3.5 the following month. The emulator requires macOS 10.13 High Sierra or newer, though version 5.0 marked the final release supporting 10.13 and 10.14; subsequent versions mandate macOS 10.15 or later. Graphics rendering utilizes SDL2's capabilities, which integrate with macOS frameworks for efficient display output on both and architectures. Pre-compiled binaries are provided through , though users may need for custom builds. Performance across hosts benefits from just-in-time (JIT) dynamic recompilation for CPU emulation, which translates guest instructions to native code for improved speed, though cycle-accurate simulation of older hardware like 8088 systems demands significant host CPU resources. High CPU usage is typical, particularly for accurate timing, making multi-core processors with high instructions per cycle (IPC) recommended—such as Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen equivalents—to achieve full emulation speeds without throttling. While the core emulation loop is primarily single-threaded, ancillary tasks like audio and I/O can utilize additional cores, enhancing overall responsiveness on modern multi-core systems. Cross-platform differences manifest in file path handling and resource management; for instance, Windows uses standard drive-based paths, while follows XDG standards and macOS adheres to bundle directories for sets and configurations. management requires placing dumps in platform-specific locations, such as alongside the executable on AppImages or in user data folders on macOS, to ensure seamless loading. Build instructions, detailed in the official documentation, vary by platform—requiring on Windows, / on , and on macOS—facilitating compilation from the shared source repository.

Built-in manager and interface

The VM Manager, introduced as a preview feature in 86Box version 5.0 on , 2025, provides a centralized graphical for creating, editing, and launching multiple virtual machines without requiring external tools. This replaces the previously separate 86Box Manager application, streamlining workflow by organizing emulated in a list view with status indicators, icons, and quick actions such as starting, pausing, resetting, or shutting down via right-click menus or toolbar controls. Version 5.2, released in October 2025, continued enhancements with additional machine support and minor improvements. Configuration within the VM Manager occurs through a dedicated Settings window, where users can select and customize components including the CPU type and core count, allocation, peripherals like sound cards and input devices, and storage options such as hard disk images or floppy drives. Machine profiles are saved as .cfg files in a user-specified (defaulting to platform-specific paths like C:\Users[username]\86Box VMs on Windows), enabling easy export, import, or manual editing for advanced tweaks. These options allow of a wide range of hardware, with changes applied immediately upon saving and restarting the machine. During runtime, the interface displays the emulated machine's output in a resizable VGA window, supporting scalable rendering via for smooth visuals. Keyboard and mouse input are passed through directly, with enhanced polling and sensitivity adjustments for precise control, including configurable shortcuts like Ctrl+Alt+Del or mouse release (default Shift+Tab). capabilities include support for breakpoints and trace logging in debug builds, accessible via menu options or configuration flags. Additional runtime features enhance authenticity and usability, such as video filtering through the reworked 3.0 Core renderer, which applies GLSL shaders for CRT scanline and curvature effects to simulate vintage displays. Network bridging is facilitated via or modes, allowing emulated machines to connect to the host's or other VMs for shared resources. Printer emulation supports (LPT) output, directing jobs to host files or folders for review, with options for bidirectional communication and ECP/EPP modes added in v5.0. The VM Manager improves user-friendliness by drawing inspiration from modern hypervisors like , featuring intuitive layouts, dark mode support, and system-wide preferences for elements such as language and input scaling, which collectively reduce the manual configuration complexity of prior versions. A displays metrics like running VM counts and lock states, while integrated tools for accessing config folders, screenshots, and printer outputs further simplify management.

History

Origins as PCem fork

86Box originated as a fork of the emulator, which was initially developed by Sarah Walker beginning in 2007 to provide cycle-accurate of PC systems and compatibles from the 1980s through the Pentium era. PCem emphasized precise hardware simulation, allowing users to run vintage operating systems and software on emulated machines ranging from the PC to mid-1990s configurations. By the mid-2010s, however, PCem's development had slowed considerably, prompting community members to seek more frequent updates and enhancements. The fork that became 86Box was initiated in by a group of developers, primarily from the VOGONS hardware preservation forum community, motivated by the need for active maintenance and expanded capabilities beyond PCem's original scope. This effort evolved from earlier experimental branches like PCem-X, which had introduced bug fixes and feature improvements such as enhanced controller . From its inception, 86Box prioritized broader hardware support—including additional motherboards, peripherals, and processors—and cross-platform compatibility for Windows, , and macOS, diverging from PCem's Windows-centric focus. The project's first public release occurred in , marking the beginning of its independent trajectory. The relationship between 86Box and PCem remained amicable yet separate, with each project pursuing distinct goals: 86Box on accuracy and extensibility, while PCem emphasized performance optimizations. By 2018, the codebases had significantly diverged, incorporating unique implementations that affected and sets. Following Sarah Walker's retirement from PCem in 2021, assumed leadership of the original project, sustaining its development under a new maintainer. In contrast, 86Box emerged as the more -rich option, attracting contributors through regular updates and a growing emphasis on software preservation.

Major version releases

The major version releases of 86Box have marked significant expansions in emulated hardware coverage, performance enhancements, and cross-platform support, building on its foundations as a fork. Version 3.0, released on December 1, 2021, tripled the number of emulated machines to 288 compared to the prior v2.07 release, incorporating a wide array of new motherboards, chipsets, and peripherals such as 430/440 series, VIA Apollo series, cards, and support on select systems. It introduced support for the P6 CPU family, including , (Klamath and Deschutes variants), and (Mendocino), compatible with , /2, and Socket 370 configurations, alongside other processors like series, 2, and VIA . Additionally, this version improved and macOS compatibility through an experimental Qt-based , enabling broader host platform accessibility while supporting up to 2 GB of (or 3 GB on 64-bit builds). Version 4.0, released on August 26, 2023, advanced graphics with the first functional support for ATI Mach8 and Mach32 video cards across , , VLB, and buses. Network capabilities were enhanced via VDE virtual networking for and macOS hosts, along with an updated library for improved packet handling and potential speed gains on Windows. Other notable additions included up to four simultaneous sound cards, new video hardware like INMOS XGA , and an overhauled input system for better mouse and keyboard responsiveness, particularly addressing non-Windows platform issues. A softfloat FPU option was also introduced to optimize floating-point operations on non-x86 hosts. Version 5.0, released on August 24, 2025, debuted a preview of the built-in manager, allowing users to organize and launch emulated configurations directly within the , streamlining workflows previously reliant on external tools. It added emulation for CPUs on systems and integrated 8080 instruction set support into the V20 and V30 processors. For improved , a configurable CPU frame size option was implemented to enhance rendering smoothness, with defaults tuned for better frame timing, alongside reworked 3.0 Core rendering featuring shader emulation. New hardware encompassed machines like the OKI if386AX30L and PS/55 Model 5550, plus devices such as and ViBRA 16CL. Version 5.1, released on September 14, 2025, merged machine variants into base entries using the v5.0 system for simplified configuration, added new machines such as the Multitech PC-500 and PCS 44/C, and introduced enhancements including color scheme overrides and right-click machine actions. It also improved 386DX CPU performance, added support for sound cards, and fixed numerous bugs across input, storage, and display systems. Version 5.2, released on October 26, 2025, emphasized stability and refinement with extensive bug fixes addressing shader errors, display glitches, sound issues in cards like AdLib Gold and Crystal CS423x, and joystick mapping problems. Performance optimizations focused on faster emulator startup through ROM scanning improvements, while minor hardware expansions included updated RIVA support via new machines like the MSI MS-6119, additional ATI Mach64VT video cards, and YMF701/YMF719 sound cards. Features like optional floppy drive sounds (sourced from real ) and a search function in the machine list further polished . Ongoing development in 2025 has centered on late-1990s hardware, exemplified by a multi-part series documenting the of NVIDIA's (NV3) architecture, aiming to achieve cycle-accurate reproduction of its 3D acceleration features. The project relies heavily on community contributions through its repository, where developers submit pull requests for hardware models, bug fixes, and optimizations, fostering collaborative progress on x86 fidelity.

Reception

Critical reviews

86Box has received praise for its cycle-accurate of PC hardware from the 1980s and 1990s, offering greater fidelity than game-focused alternatives like by emulating full systems capable of running complete operating systems such as and Windows up to version 7. Reviewers have highlighted its support for a wide array of and cards, sound devices, and peripherals, making it a preferred choice for accurate reproduction of era-specific computing experiences. Usability in early versions was often criticized for requiring manual configuration of ROMs, hardware components, and virtual machines, which posed a steep for beginners. The release of version 5.0 in August 2025 addressed these issues with an integrated machine manager, described as a "much-needed" feature that simplifies organizing, tweaking, and launching multiple emulated systems, thereby improving for retro and . Community discussions on vintage computing forums have noted that, post-update, 86Box provides smoother mouse input and display output, enhancing ease of use for emulating 1990s-era games on modern hosts. In comparisons to its predecessor , 86Box is frequently favored for its active development and ongoing improvements in accuracy, allowing users to replicate diverse configurations with high precision. The Emulation General Wiki rates it highly for its focus on and PC hardware, positioning it as a top option for low-level x86 among enthusiasts. Critics have pointed to 86Box's high resource demands as a drawback, stemming from its emphasis on accuracy, which can result in slower performance on host systems compared to less precise emulators like , particularly when emulating II-era machines. Its scope is limited to hardware predating 2000, with no support for mobile platforms, restricting it to desktop environments on Windows, macOS, and . Media coverage, including a 2024 YouTube tutorial by Tech Tangents, has introduced 86Box as an essential tool for newcomers to PC , emphasizing its value in testing and software verification despite the initial setup complexity.

Applications in software preservation

86Box has been utilized by archival organizations such as the to preserve and distribute legacy software and hardware configurations from the and . For instance, collections on the platform include tested discs and pre-configured setups for running vintage applications on emulated floppy-based systems, enabling access to otherwise unpreserved titles like Psygnosis's Wipeout XL without requiring . Retro communities leverage these resources to execute software from eras reliant on floppy disks, facilitating the and playback of era-specific programs that might otherwise degrade or become inaccessible. In research contexts, 86Box supports the study of operating system evolution by accurately emulating early hardware like the Intel 80386 processor, allowing historians and developers to run and analyze initial kernels, such as version 0.11, in a controlled environment that mirrors historical configurations. Its emulation of peripherals, including interfaces via the Munt library for MT-32 compatibility and printer outputs for dot-matrix devices, enables authentic reproduction of legacy workflows, such as generating period-accurate printouts or soundtracks from software demos and applications. Community-driven preservation efforts integrate 86Box with standardized ROM sets, which provide and dumps essential for replicating authentic hardware behaviors and sharing complete emulated environments across platforms. Contributions to resources like the Emulation General Wiki document compatible setups and preservation strategies, promoting collaborative archiving of x86-based software and systems from the 1980s to 1990s. Looking ahead, ongoing development includes emulation of NVIDIA's (NV3) graphics chip, as detailed in a 2025 technical blog series, which aims to preserve by enabling accurate playback of late-1990s titles reliant on this hardware without original components. This work underscores 86Box's potential to extend preservation to graphics-intensive eras, bridging gaps in hardware availability for future archival needs.

References

  1. [1]
    86Box | Emulator of retro x86-based machines
    86Box is a low level x86 emulator that runs older operating systems and software designed for IBM PC systems and compatibles from 1981 through fairly recent ...
  2. [2]
    Frequently asked questions - 86Box
    86Box is a system emulator. It implements a whole system in software, which includes the CPU, chipset and additional cards, if any.
  3. [3]
    GitHub - 86Box/86Box: Emulator of x86-based machines.
    ### Summary of 86Box Emulator
  4. [4]
    86Box v5.0
    Aug 24, 2025 · This is the August 2025 update to 86Box, bringing in many new features, fixes, some important changes and an exciting preview for the ...
  5. [5]
    Experimental builds - 86Box
    These pre-release testing builds are made from the latest 86Box source code on GitHub. They may contain bugs, unfinished features, reduced performance or other ...Missing: community contributions
  6. [6]
    86Box v3.2
    Feb 16, 2022 · This is the February 2022 update to 86Box, and it's one we know many of you have been looking forward to, as it finally brings in Linux support.
  7. [7]
    Blog: 86Box v3.4
    Apr 20, 2022 · This is the April 2022 update to 86Box, bringing macOS support, bugfixes and other behind-the-scenes work. As always, you can download 86Box v3.4 from GitHub.<|separator|>
  8. [8]
    86Box v3.0
    Dec 1, 2021 · 86Box v3.0 provides a total of 288 emulated machine entries, more than tripling the amount of machines compared to the previous v2.07 release.Plug And Play · Acpi · 386 And 486 Odds And Ends
  9. [9]
    About 86Box — 86Box documentation
    ### Summary of 86Box Information
  10. [10]
    Machine-specific notes — 86Box documentation
    ### Summary of Emulated Machines in 86Box
  11. [11]
    Display - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    The Display page contains settings related to the emulated machine's 2D and 3D video cards. Video Video card to emulate.
  12. [12]
    Blog: NVIDIA emulation journey, part 1: RIVA 128 / NV3 ... - 86Box
    Feb 25, 2025 · In this series, I will explore the architecture and my experiences in emulating this graphics chip, aiming to demystify it once and for all.
  13. [13]
    Sound — 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    Sound cards to emulate. Up to 4 different sound cards are supported. Only cards supported by the machine's expansion buses will be listed.
  14. [14]
    Storage controllers — 86Box documentation
    ### Summary of Emulated Storage Controllers and Drives
  15. [15]
    Network — 86Box documentation
    ### Emulated Network Cards
  16. [16]
    86Box - Emulation General Wiki
    86Box is an open-source, low-level PC emulator. It focuses on PC hardware from the 80s and 90s. A variety of operating systems can be installed in the emulator.
  17. [17]
    Releases · 86Box/86Box - GitHub
    Emulator of x86-based machines. Contribute to 86Box/86Box development by creating an account on GitHub.
  18. [18]
    Fullscreen bug on Wayland · Issue #3512 · 86Box/86Box - GitHub
    Aug 1, 2023 · Describe the bug When trying to enter fullscreen mode on Linux under wayland I get a black screen with a border outline of where the image ...
  19. [19]
    Blog: 86Box v3.6
    Jun 30, 2022 · This is the June 2022 update to 86Box, bringing bugfixes and some new features mostly in the IBM PS/2 department. As always, you can download 86Box v3.6 from ...<|separator|>
  20. [20]
    ROM set - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    86Box honors the XDG base directory specification on Linux and other Unix-compatible platforms. The following locations are searched: $XDG_DATA_HOME/86Box/roms.Missing: cross- | Show results with:cross-
  21. [21]
    Blog: 86Box v3.5
    May 23, 2022 · 86Box v3.5 ... This is the May 2022 update to 86Box, bringing bugfixes as well as the long-awaited native Apple Silicon support for macOS thanks ...
  22. [22]
    https://86box.readthedocs.io/en/latest/usage/roms.html
  23. [23]
    Emulation speed issues with 86box - VOGONS
    Feb 1, 2018 · It really depends on the host due to the current dynarec, I mean, if you want a perfect 100% speed in the Pentium MMX at 200Mhz, you need that 4.2GHz machine.<|separator|>
  24. [24]
    Emulation speed issues between two similarly clocked cpu #252
    Jan 31, 2018 · But yes, you're going to want the newest processor you can find. Also, 86Box is not a single-core application. It can spin up to 10 threads ...
  25. [25]
    VM manager - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    Opening 86Box will start the virtual machine manager, which allows for creating, managing, starting and controlling multiple emulated machine configurations.Missing: release | Show results with:release
  26. [26]
    A configuration manager for the 86Box emulator - GitHub
    Aug 23, 2025 · 86Box Manager is an optional configuration manager for the 86Box emulator. It's released under the MIT license, so it can be freely distributed with 86Box.
  27. [27]
    Settings - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    If any changes were made to the settings, you will be asked whether or not you want to save the changes upon pressing OK or closing the window. Saving changes ...
  28. [28]
    Menu bar - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    The menu bar located at the top of the 86Box window provides controls for the emulated machine as a whole, its display, and the 86Box user interface.Missing: runtime debugger
  29. [29]
    Advanced builds - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    86Box builds are available in a number of variants. The experimental builds page will automatically detect the recommended variant for the system you're viewing ...Missing: community contributions
  30. [30]
    Networking - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    On Windows hosts, this mode requires Npcap to be installed with WinPcap API-compatible Mode enabled (or use another WinPcap-compatible driver), or the correct ...
  31. [31]
    Ports (COM & LPT) - 86Box documentation
    Enable emulation of serial ports ranging from COM1 to COM4. Any ports not provided by the machine's motherboard will be emulated as generic ISA or VLB serial ...
  32. [32]
    Getting started - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    Here are the basic steps to help you get started with 86Box. The user interface has been designed to resemble Virtual PC, VirtualBox and other virtualizers.
  33. [33]
    PCem - Emulation General Wiki
    It focuses on PC hardware from the 1980s and 1990s. A variety of operating systems can be installed in the emulator, which can then be used to launch programs.
  34. [34]
    PCem alternatives / forks? - VOGONS
    Nov 1, 2021 · The only active fork is 86box, but keep in mind that it was a result of some kind of disagreement from the direction PCem had and the vision that 86box was ...
  35. [35]
    Frequently asked questions - 86Box documentation
    Microsoft publishes the minimum system requirements of Windows XP to include a 233 MHz Pentium.
  36. [36]
    PCem fork 86Box - more features, frequent updates - VOGONS
    Feb 4, 2021 · 86Box emulate ALL hardware - Mobo, CPU, memory, Sound Card, Video card, all is set up and configured to create the virtual computer hardware.PCem alternatives / forks? - VOGONSPCEM vs 86Box vs UniPCEM vs DosBox-X - VOGONSMore results from www.vogons.org
  37. [37]
    OBattler/PCem-X: PCem with enhancements - GitHub
    Jan 17, 2021 · PCem-X is a fork of PCem, that contains many enhancements (for example, completely different FDC emulation) and bugfixes.
  38. [38]
    PCEM vs 86Box - BetaArchive
    Aug 10, 2020 · As for the differences compared to PCem: 86Box started out as a fork of PCem but the two project have diverged quite a lot over the years. 86Box ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  39. [39]
    PCEM vs 86Box vs UniPCEM vs DosBox-X - VOGONS
    Oct 10, 2023 · With 86box I find I can accurately emulate (for every piece of the hardware and configuration) lots of different computers and that's awesome.1996-1999 emulation status in 2025?86box produces farting noises and lags on an i7 PCMore results from www.vogons.org
  40. [40]
    Blog: 86Box v4.0
    Aug 26, 2023 · Network. VDE virtual networking is now supported for connecting 86Box machines and even other emulators to each other on Linux and macOS hosts.Main Features · Changelog · HardwareMissing: platforms | Show results with:platforms
  41. [41]
    Blog: 86Box v5.2
    Oct 26, 2025 · We often get requests to add ambient sounds, to make emulated setups sound just like real hardware for a more immersive experience. Domppari ...Important Changes · Changelog · Machines
  42. [42]
    86Box - An Introduction to PC Emulation - YouTube
    Jun 22, 2024 · I've been using 86Box for some time now and figured I was finally ready to talk about it. It's one of my go to applications when testing PC ...
  43. [43]
    86Box IBM PC Emulator Adds a Much-Needed Machine Manager
    Aug 26, 2025 · 86Box is an open-source IBM PC emulator that began as a fork of PCem. It can emulate a ton of old PC hardware ranging from 1981 to 1999, ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  44. [44]
    PCem v17 vs 86Box v5 for gaming? - VOGONS
    Sep 5, 2025 · 86box has more features, and the latest version comes with a frontend. PCem updates are long in coming, making its forks preferable (just like ...Missing: v2. | Show results with:v2.
  45. [45]
    Performance of 86Box vs PCem on Pentium II #3117 - GitHub
    Feb 17, 2023 · 86box has a greater focus on emulation accuracy, which means it can be heavier on the host than pcem.Missing: JIT compilation
  46. [46]
    86Box Driver Collection : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming
    Jun 3, 2025 · Collection of tested original driver discs for 86Box.Missing: preservation | Show results with:preservation
  47. [47]
    86box Wipeout XL : Psygnosis : Free Download, Borrow, and ...
    Jun 10, 2022 · A minimal install of 86Box 3.5 along with a Thor P75 machine with Cirrus Logic/Voodoo 2 graphics and AWE32 emulation with a pre-installed copy of Wipeout XL.Missing: preservation | Show results with:preservation
  48. [48]
    Earliest Linux kernel, that can run on modern hardware
    May 17, 2020 · If running simulator on modern hardware counts. I can run from 0.11 kernels via 86Box without problem. But since 0.01, 0.10 are based on minix, ...
  49. [49]
    Sound - 86Box documentation
    The Sound page contains settings related to the emulated machine's audio hardware. ... Try disabling this if you're getting no audio output from 86Box at all.
  50. [50]
    Remembering the dot-matrix printer: Epson LQ-2500 24-pin dot ...
    Nov 2, 2020 · 86BOX is a fascinating PC emulator that I had not played with before. It emulates a numerous variety of PC architectures comprehensively and precisely.
  51. [51]
    ROM set - 86Box documentation - Read the Docs
    ROM set . 86Box relies on a set of ROM dumps gathered from physical hardware to emulate it. This includes the system BIOS, as well as any option ROMs used ...