The MAME 2014 Reference Set (MAME 0.159) is a snapshot of arcade game data specifically curated to match the MAME 0.159 emulator version. This set is often used by retro gaming systems (like RetroPie or specific MAME 2014 cores in RetroArch) because it provides a "balanced" point between emulation accuracy and performance on mid-range hardware. Components of the Set Understanding MAME & all the different versions
The MAME 2014 Reference Set corresponds to MAME version 0.159, a popular version frequently used on lower-spec hardware like the Raspberry Pi or older Android devices due to its balance of compatibility and performance. Core Components
ROMs: These are digital dumps of arcade motherboard chips. A full non-merged 0.159 ROM set is approximately 81.5GB and contains over 8,000 different machines.
CHDs (Compressed Hunks of Data): These are images of larger storage media like hard drives, laserdiscs, or CDs. Many complex games (e.g., Killer Instinct) require both a ROM file and a matching CHD file to function.
Samples: Essential for older games (e.g., Donkey Kong, Galaxian) where the original sound hardware cannot be perfectly emulated; these audio files must be placed in a separate samples folder. Organization & File Structure
For MAME to recognize your files, they should be organized as follows:
How to install/setup Mame2014-Core? - Lakka - Libretro Forums
The MAME 2014 Reference Set refers to a snapshot of the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator (MAME) at version 0.159. This specific version is widely considered "godlike" for users on mid-range or mobile hardware (like Android or the NVIDIA Shield) because it offers a sweet spot between high emulation accuracy and better performance compared to more recent, resource-heavy MAME versions. Key Components of the 0.159 Reference Set
A complete reference set typically exceeds 500 GB in size and is composed of three primary file types:
ROMs (~80-90 GB): The core data dumped from arcade circuit boards. mame 2014 reference set mame 0159 roms chds top
CHDs (~450-500 GB): Compressed Hunks of Data (CHDs) represent larger storage media like hard disks, CD-ROMs, or LaserDiscs required for many 90s and 2000s games.
Samples: Small audio files required for games whose sound hardware cannot be perfectly emulated by code alone. Top CHD-Dependent Games in MAME 0.159
The MAME 2014 reference set is a specific collection of arcade game data designed to work with the MAME 0.159 emulator release. It is primarily used as a "balanced" version for devices that lack the power to run the most modern, highly accurate versions of MAME, such as older mobile devices or low-power single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. Key Components
CHD files are required for:
MAME 0.159 handles Capcom’s CPS-2 battery suicide battery almost perfectly, meaning you can play patched versions without worrying about dead boards.
mvsc.zip)sfiii3.zip) – Note: Requires CHD for audio.garou.zip)MAME 2014 Reference Set (MAME 0.159) — ROMs, CHDs, and Top Picks
The MAME 0.159 reference set is a frozen moment in emulation history—a reliable, well-documented, and performant snapshot. Paired with the right ROMs and CHDs, it breathes life into thousands of arcade classics.
Whether you’re building a bartop arcade or just want a tidy RetroArch setup, tracking down a complete 0.159 non-merged set plus the common CHDs is a weekend project you won’t regret.
Happy emulating – and don’t forget to credit the MAMEdev team for their incredible preservation work. The MAME 2014 Reference Set (MAME 0
Have you built a cab around MAME 2014? Which game gave you the most trouble with CHDs? Drop a comment below.
The MAME 2014 Reference Set (specifically version 0.159) is a highly popular "snapshot" of arcade history, frequently used on mid-range and legacy devices like the Raspberry Pi or older PCs. While modern versions of MAME prioritize high-cycle accuracy, MAME 2014 strikes a balance between performance and compatibility, making it a "godlike" choice for users on hardware that cannot handle the resource-heavy demands of newer releases. What is the MAME 0.159 Reference Set?
In the world of emulation, a "reference set" is a complete collection of files—ROMs, CHDs, and Samples—that exactly matches a specific version of the emulator. For MAME 2014, that version is 0.159.
ROMs: These are zipped archives containing the data dumped from the physical microchips on an arcade motherboard.
CHDs (Compressed Hunks of Data): These are images of the internal hard drives, CDs, or laserdiscs found in more modern arcade cabinets like Killer Instinct or Area 51.
Version Sensitivity: MAME is unique because its ROM requirements change as developers find more accurate ways to dump original hardware. This means a ROM from a 2024 set likely will not work with the 2014 emulator. Understanding ROM Set Types: Merged vs. Non-Merged
When looking for the 0.159 set, you will encounter three primary formats. Each serves a different storage and organizational need:
MAME 2014 Reference Set specifically refers to the MAME 0.159
release, a popular "frozen" version often used for older hardware or specific emulation cores like lr-mame2014 Hard disk drive based games (e
. This set represents a snapshot of arcade preservation as of late 2014. Core Components of the Set A complete 0.159 reference set typically consumes over and consists of several distinct file types: ROMs (~60–70 GB)
: These are images of the firmware stored on physical chips (EPROMs) within arcade cabinets. Merged vs. Non-Merged
: "Non-merged" sets are often preferred for custom collections because each game ZIP contains every file it needs to run, including parent files and BIOS. CHDs (~450+ GB) : Standing for Compressed Hunks of Data
, these are lossless images of high-capacity storage media like hard drives, CDs, or laserdiscs found in newer arcade machines (e.g., Killer Instinct
: Specialized audio files for older games that used analog sound hardware which cannot be perfectly emulated from the ROM chips alone. File Structure and Setup
For games requiring both a ROM and a CHD to function, MAME expects a specific directory structure:
In the world of arcade emulation, MAME 0.159 (released February 2015) stands as a landmark frozen in time, largely due to its life as the
core in the Libretro/RetroArch ecosystem. This particular "reference set" is often sought after not because it’s the most accurate, but because it’s the "Goldilocks" version for many enthusiasts: modern enough to include iconic 3D titles and Cave SH3 hardware, yet lean enough to run on hardware where newer MAME versions struggle. The Hunt for the 0.159 "Full Set"
A collector chasing this set isn’t just looking for a few megabytes of code. A complete MAME 0.159 collection with its
(Compressed Hunks of Data) is a massive digital undertaking.
The MAME 2014 Reference Set (0.159) remains a top choice because it offers a stable, well-documented target for emulation software like RetroArch. By understanding the relationship between the emulator version, the ROM zips, and the bulky CHD files, you can transform a chaotic folder of files into a fully functional digital arcade. Whether you are chasing the nostalgic glow of Killer Instinct or the complexity of Gauntlet Legends, having the correct reference set is the key to a lag-free, error-free experience.