PC9821 - Notebook models

[fredohenriquez]

Hello everyone,

Do you guys have a list with the Notebook PC9821 models equipped with the famous 9801-86 compatible FM sound?

Thank you all

[98digger]

This site lists several of the models including the YM2608:

http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA004562/ray/tips.htm

This one has detailed information about most PC-98, including the 98Notes:

Site: http://www.pc-9800.net/

Section on 98Notes: http://www.pc-9800.net/db_98/db9821n_index.htm

The PC-9821 NX/C7 has an 100Mhz CPU and built-in YM2608, making it one of the best models to buy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqEdzqDNEOE

[fredohenriquez]

Thanks a lot.

What about the PC9821 NA family? I think they are being easier to find. Much easier than CX.

What is the difference between FM output from Enhanced FM output on some models? Are these both compatible with the 9801-86 FM?

Cheers.

[98digger]

Thanks a lot.

What about the PC9821 NA family? I think they are being easier to find. Much easier than CX.

What is the difference between FM output from Enhanced FM output on some models? Are these both compatible with the 9801-86 FM?

Cheers.

The PC-9821 NAs (specifically the first models) look fine to me.

Your question about the FM sound is a little tricky to answer. So, as you know, the OPNA (YM2608) chip was included in certain PC-9821, and sold separately as the PC-9801-86 expansion board. However, as Windows started to take over the PC-9800 series, PCM audio (NOT PC-9801-86 compatible) replaced FM audio. In some models of the PC-98, PCM is so conflicting that it can prevent an 86-sound board from working.

NEC realized this issue, and started including OPN3 (YMF288), which is compatible with OPNA. The "Enhanced FM" or "Extended FM" means that the PC-98/98Note has OPN3 instead of OPNA. The problem with OPN3 is that by the time it came out, Windows had already replaced MS-DOS, so the OPN3 is designated for usage ONLY with Windows. Therefore, unless you ran them in Windows (which already has compatibility issues with DOS games in other areas), DOS games run in MS-DOS would be silent.

You want to avoid anything with the OPN3 ("Enhanced/Extended FM"); look for standard OPNA 86-sound 98Note only. On the "With98" database (link is in my previous post), make sure the description under "Sound" of the 98Note matches the description of "Sound" on the PC-9821 Ce2 page; the Ce2 desktop is known to have working OPNA 86-sound.

Additional info: http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?37914-PC-9821-PC-9801-Primer
PC-9821 Ce2: http://www.pc-9800.net/db_98/data/pc-9821ce2.htm

[PepAlacant]

98digger. The NX model doesn't have 86 card. It has Canbe Sound ( 118 )

I got issues with very few games in fact. There are patches for Totsugeki Mix, Touhous and others.

The only one I had problems and had no sound is Metal Force... Sadly.