Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

jordi
Posts: 282
Joined: Thu Jun 11, 2020 10:11 am
Has thanked: 112 times
Been thanked: 87 times

Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by jordi »

Someone sent me this x86 core:
https://github.com/marmolejo/zet

We know ao486 core offers x86 instructions, but it does not run properly older games (even by reducing CPU MHz).

As it is already implemented in FPGA, would it be so difficult to port to Mister?

Thanks!!!
User avatar
Newsdee
Top Contributor
Posts: 873
Joined: Mon May 25, 2020 1:07 am
Has thanked: 104 times
Been thanked: 239 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by Newsdee »

jordi wrote: Fri Oct 02, 2020 10:32 am We know ao486 core offers x86 instructions, but it does not run properly older games (even by reducing CPU MHz).
As it is already implemented in FPGA, would it be so difficult to port to Mister?
Can't we just have an option to make ao486 even slower?
Mills
Posts: 90
Joined: Mon Jun 08, 2020 2:52 pm
Has thanked: 15 times
Been thanked: 32 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by Mills »

Newsdee wrote: Fri Oct 02, 2020 12:06 pm
jordi wrote: Fri Oct 02, 2020 10:32 am We know ao486 core offers x86 instructions, but it does not run properly older games (even by reducing CPU MHz).
As it is already implemented in FPGA, would it be so difficult to port to Mister?
Can't we just have an option to make ao486 even slower?
ao486 implements a 32 bit system (386-486). 8086 is a 16 bit cpu and it is much much slower than a 486, even if it runs at the same speed as the 8086, it will work different. Some programs or games made for 8086/8088 may still run on the 32 bit cpu, but a lot of them will fail to run properly. It is like two different systems that are somehow compatible (but not always).

Some games / programs may even require the 8088 at 4.7 Mhz and won't run well on the 8086, but as far as I know, the 8088 and 8086 are nearly identical, so we could have an option to choose and change the speed.

286 are still 16 bit, but they are very fast, so most software made for them will work well on ao486.
User avatar
Newsdee
Top Contributor
Posts: 873
Joined: Mon May 25, 2020 1:07 am
Has thanked: 104 times
Been thanked: 239 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by Newsdee »

I see what you mean... there are a few lists of games that would run best on a 4.77Mhz XT (and why), such as this one:
http://nerdlypleasures.blogspot.com/201 ... d.html?m=1
User avatar
wark91
Core Developer
Posts: 334
Joined: Sun May 24, 2020 8:34 pm
Has thanked: 447 times
Been thanked: 95 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by wark91 »

A project to port Zet on Mister : https://github.com/RW-FPGA-devel-Team/zet_MiSTer
User avatar
Newsdee
Top Contributor
Posts: 873
Joined: Mon May 25, 2020 1:07 am
Has thanked: 104 times
Been thanked: 239 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by Newsdee »

There is also this code... not sure how it compares to Zet, but it is more recent:
https://github.com/jamieiles/80x86
chimaera
Posts: 92
Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:53 am
Has thanked: 13 times
Been thanked: 17 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by chimaera »

I use SLOWDOWN or MOSLO with great success for older titles (early 80s) like Castle Wolfenstein, Sopwith, Airborne Ranger and such.
User avatar
kathleen
Top Contributor
Posts: 421
Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2020 4:23 am
Location: Belgium
Has thanked: 243 times
Been thanked: 138 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by kathleen »

From my side, I'd love to see a real 8088-XT 4-77Mhz with a turbo 8Mhz with the option of having a CGA and Hercule graphic card with why not the Tandy CGA like most of the PC at this era. There is one demo that none of the current emulators are capable to run perfectly, it is this demo
https://trixter.oldskool.org/2015/04/07 ... emulators/
I'd love to see it running on the Mister like it runs on a real XT-8088 @ 4.77mhz + CGA.

かすりん

akeley
Top Contributor
Posts: 1441
Joined: Mon May 25, 2020 7:54 pm
Has thanked: 497 times
Been thanked: 467 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by akeley »

For slowdown programs I recommend cpuspd - it's a very recent utility, imo better than Mo'slo and the rest. Handles even 1982-83 games on my P4 2.4Ghz.

CRT SCR$ Project - building a collection of high-quality photos of CRT displays
CRT ART Books - retro-gaming books with authentic CRT photos

ash2fpga
Posts: 237
Joined: Tue May 26, 2020 6:20 pm
Has thanked: 62 times
Been thanked: 28 times

Re: Request: port existing minimalistic x86 core

Unread post by ash2fpga »

I would like to see an XT core, too. I grew up playing games on my grandparents' color IBM XT during many summers. It was definitely a unique experience compared to our 386 clone. Even the HDD seek sounds gave the experience a distinct flair.
Post Reply