Low profile sound cards. \ VOGONS

Low profile sound cards.

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First post, by Gordo

Posted on 2026-02-26, 13:50

Gordo Offline

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Not sure if anyone has created a list of low profile sound cards? Here is a few that I have in my collection.
Some pictures attached.

MSDOS/ISA cards:

C-Media CMI8330 works if you move the joystick port to another bracket. Easy to do
ALS100 same PCB style

PCI/Windows98/XP:

RocketFish RF-51SDCD just fits. I've never gotten this card to work in XP though. It has a Creative Audigy chip.
SB0570 Audigy card, XP drivers only
SB0410 Sound Blaster Live!, only XP drivers
SBO790 X-Fi, XP driver. Has a front port header which is nice.
ESS Maestro card from AliExpress. Windows 98 works! couldn't get it to work in MSDOS though.

I'm sure there are a bunch more but sound cards in this profile seem a lot rarer then graphic cards.

Reply 1 of 7, by dr.zeissler

Posted on 2026-02-26, 15:51

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LowProfile soundcard with a fullsize bracket is not very usefull.

Retro-Gamer 😀 ...on different machines

Reply 2 of 7, by Gordo

Posted on 2026-02-26, 16:02

Gordo Offline

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Easy to 3D print one, or get one on Aliexpress. Or just unscrew the bracket.

Reply 3 of 7, by RetroPCCupboard

Posted on 2026-02-26, 16:31

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dr.zeissler wrote on 2026-02-26, 15:51:

LowProfile soundcard with a fullsize bracket is not very usefull.

Why? Just bend the bracket at the right height, and cut off the excess. Just takes a few minutes.

Reply 4 of 7, by Pino

Posted on 2026-02-26, 16:32

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I have the same CMI8330 and it's great, works with everything, perfect OPL3, great SB PRO and SB16 compatibility, no MIDI bugs with my Roland SC-55.
Despite owning several Creative cards I keep going back to this C-Media.

Reply 5 of 7, by Gordo

Posted on 2026-02-26, 16:37

Gordo Offline

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Indeed its a real hidden gem of a card. Not to common. I also have a CMI8329A card with a clone OPL3.

Pino wrote on 2026-02-26, 16:32:

I have the same CMI8330 and it's great, works with everything, perfect OPL3, great SB PRO and SB16 compatibility, no MIDI bugs with my Roland SC-55.
Despite owning several Creative cards I keep going back to this C-Media.

Reply 6 of 7, by dr.zeissler

Posted on 2026-02-26, 17:19

dr.zeissler Offline

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Does a LowProfile soundcard with EMU10K exist?

Retro-Gamer 😀 ...on different machines

Reply 7 of 7, by weedeewee

Posted on 2026-02-26, 17:20

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there's this one
Re: Bought these (retro) hardware today
It has a low profile bracket.

Right to repair is fundamental. You own it, you're allowed to fix it.
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
Do not ask Why !
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