Description
PicoMEM v1.1 – Modern Storage, Memory, and Networking for Vintage PCs
The PicoMEM or PicoMEM v1.1 is the original all‑in‑one ISA expansion card designed to bring modern storage, memory expansion, and NE2000 networking to classic PCs. Built around the Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040 @ 240 MHz), it provides fast EMS/XMS emulation, USB‑based storage access, joystick support, and flexible configuration options — all in a single compact ISA card.
If you want a reliable, affordable, and extremely capable upgrade for early PCs, PicoMEM 1 continues to be an excellent choice.
Key Features of the PicoMEM
- RP2040 MCU @ 240 MHz Proven performance for EMS/XMS memory emulation and fast I/O
- 128 KB Zero‑Wait RAM Emulation Ideal for expanding memory on XT/286 systems
- SPI PSRAM Provides additional memory resources for DOS applications
- NE2000 Networking Full DOS packet driver support for wired networking
- USB OTG Support Access USB flash drives, keyboards, mice, and hubs
- OPL2 FM Synthesis (optional DAC) Great for basic DOS music playback and retro applications
- Joystick Support Enables modern controllers for DOS gaming
- Simple Configuration & Updates Easily update firmware via USB with any modern PC
What PicoMEM 1 Can Do for Your Vintage PC
- Add EMS/XMS memory to XT/286 systems
- Mount USB drives directly in DOS
- Add NE2000 networking support
- Use modern USB controllers
- Replace multiple ISA cards with one compact device
- Improve compatibility on slower systems where DMA‑based audio is not required
PicoMEM 1 vs PicoMEM 2 – Feature Comparison
| Feature | PicoMEM 1 | PicoMEM 2 |
| MCU | RP2040 @ 240 MHz | RP2350 @ 360 MHz |
| Zero‑Wait RAM | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| PSRAM | SPI | QSPI (faster, 1 wait state) |
| IOCHRDY | 120 ns | 50 ns |
| DMA | No hardware DMA audio | Full DMA support (SB/GUS) |
| IRQ | Limited | Independent IRQ 3/5/6/7 |
| Audio | OPL2, optional DAC | OPL3, PCM5102 DAC, SB DMA, GUS, MIDI |
| Networking | NE2000 | NE2000 + improved Wi‑Fi |
| USB | Basic/OTG | Full USB‑A port (mouse/joystick/storage) |
| RTC | No | Yes |
| Serial | No | Yes |
| QwiiC | 1 | 2 |
| Front‑panel | No | Optional OLED Front Panel (coming soon) |
Which One Should You Buy?
The PicoMEM 2 is the most powerful all‑in‑one ISA card available, especially for DOS gaming, GUS/Sound Blaster compatibility, USB peripherals, Wi‑Fi networking, or advanced memory emulation. However, slower systems may not be able to take advantage of some of these modes, specifically the SB/GUS playback of samples will be very limited or impossible. The real-time clock and faster RAM emulation would certainly benefit the XT, but the older card is still an excellent fit from a capability standpoint.
Documentation, Wiki, and Community Support
- Wiki: https://github.com/FreddyVRetro/ISA-PicoMEM/wiki
- Firmware, drivers, and source code: ISA-PicoMEM/firmware at main · FreddyVRetro/ISA-PicoMEM
- Support Discord: Invite Link
- Developer (FreddyV) on X: FreddyV (@FreddyVETELE) / X
Notes to PicoMEM Users
The PicoMEM 1 is a more mature product with excellent compatibility across a wide range of vintage PCs. The PicoMEM 2 is newer and may still receive updates as additional compatibility improvements are made. If you encounter issues, check the Wiki for updates — both cards are easy to update using a standard PC and a USB cable.
Here are some videos of the card in action, and some information on how to use them:
The PicoMEM is an amazing software defined ISA card
The PicoMEM, one card to rule them all
PicoMEM – One ISA card to rule them all. HDD/Floppy/RAM/Mouse/WiFi/POST Code
