First post, by RetroMaster137
Motherboard: A55BM-K
CPU: AMD A8-6600K (quad-core @3.9 GHz, OC to 4.2GHz) FM2 Socket
RAM: 8GB dual-channel
GPU: Gigabyte WindForce OC (with AMD R9 270 2GB @975Mhz).
Motherboard/cpu/GPU from 2013, I might keep this as my retro pc until I die from now on. Because:
Drivers aside, currently (and ignoring Linux for now), I can run any OS from Windows 10 all the way back to MS-DOS 6.22 (or maybe earlier if I got a diskette drive). No TPM, Intel ME/AMD PSP or UEFI-only weirdness (to what I understand), so I'm in love with this mobo. IT'S CLEAN.
Still setting things up but i can already imagine... Sound blaster emulation through sbemu for MS-DOS or VDMSound for Windows XP, there are tools to limit cpu cycles if necessary (even from my BIOS) so there's no problem.
The idea is to ensure it will run (almost?) any software from 2013 and past, with no hassle at max possible settings ("authentic experience"); being able to run newer software is a bonus.
I will eventually upgrade to 16gb ram... But, would it be worth it if I upgraded the CPU as well? The best CPU that fits in the FM2 Socket is an AMD A10-6800K @4.4GHz, which, if markably faster than my current one, will make me seek for a GPU upgrade, in order to avoid a wider bottleneck (system shall be balanced, of course). If I do, then I might even be able to give Hogwarts Legacy a try, as if this machine needed one last challenge before retirement 🤣.
Btw: for a low price, I believe an old high-end GPU is far better than an entry-level GPU from today. Made with different intentions. I don't think I could install a parallel port card though, I don't know if does it use the same slot