Getting classic games up and running on your PC has become easier than ever, but that “ease” can vary, particularly with a specific subset of classic titles. Many DOS-era games (we’re talking the 1980s, for the uninitiated) can go haywire on hardware that’s faster than a basic watch. To counter this, one builder took a bold step by creating an ITX motherboard capable of running DOS games natively.
The ITX Llama is a unique DIY project that integrates vintage PC hardware into a mini-ITX design, making it compatible with any contemporary desktop case. Born out of a passion project on the Vogons forum, the motherboard was produced in small batches last year. While finding one may require some legwork and potentially a hefty price tag from enthusiastic sellers, its GitHub page suggests the possibility of future versions if demand exists.
This motherboard is a remarkable blend of classic and modern components. It features a Vortex86EX chip, similar in power to a Pentium III-era CPU, alongside all the necessary connections for ATX compliance, including front panel connectors, a built-in Crystal CS4237B sound card, a game port, and even an AGP slot for vintage graphics cards. You can choose between USB 2.0 or PS/2 inputs for your mouse and keyboard, with VGA as the sole graphics output. An analog input for a CD drive rounds out its capabilities.
You can install your OS and games on a SATA drive, but a more straightforward approach might be to use a microSD card in the onboard slot. If you go this route, the board’s built-in “clicker” will simulate the sound of a hard drive spinning up—an homage to classic computing. Plus, there’s the option to add a Raspberry Pi using the 40-pin connector for additional features.
The custom BIOS, based on Coreboot/SeaBIOS, allows you to downclock the processor for games that have specific speed requirements, reminiscent of the “turbo button” functionality. This level of dedication could even inspire a quest for a DeLorean to find compatible vintage parts!