Linux has a better chance, but still poor.
If you are reinstalling the operating system on an older computer (Windows 98SE, ME, or XP), you will need the specific driver files.
| VEN/DEV ID | Chipset Name | Typical OS Support | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 14F1:1023 | Conexant Soft Data Fax Modem with Audio | Win98, WinME, Win2K, WinXP | | 14F1:1033 | Conexant HCF Modem (Audio enabled) | Win98, WinXP | | 14F1:1050 | Conexant HSF Modem (Audio variant) | WinXP, Vista (32-bit only) |
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The HSP56 typically refers to a host signal processing (HSP) chipset used in older 56K PCI modems and integrated sound/modem "combo" cards, often associated with vendors like C-Media (CMI8738), PCTel, or SiS. Because these are legacy devices, modern operating systems like Windows 10 or 11 do not support them natively.
If you are looking for drivers to get this hardware running on older systems, you can find them through the following resources: Driver Download Sources
DriverScape: Provides archived HSP56 MR drivers for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.
DriverHub: Offers SiS HSP56 MR driver packages intended to restore sound card functionality on various Windows versions.
VOGONS (Archive): A reliable community resource for legacy driver issues hsp56 sound card driver
, particularly for hobbyists setting up Windows 98SE or early XP "retro" gaming rigs with C-Media CMI8738 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. cards. Troubleshooting Tips
Identify the Chipset: The "HSP56" label is often generic. Use a tool like Everest Home Edition or HWiNFO to find the specific PCI vendor and device ID (e.g., PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_7013).
Windows 10/11 Compatibility: Most HSP56 devices rely on software-based processing that is incompatible with 64-bit modern Windows architecture. If a 64-bit driver is not available, you may need to use a Virtual Machine running Windows XP to access the hardware.
Driver Utilities: For automated detection, tools like DriverDoc can scan your system to match the legacy hardware with its database of over 2 million drivers.
The "HSP56" designation refers to a common class of Host Signal Processing
(soft-modem) hardware from the late 1990s and early 2000s. While primarily known as a 56K modem chipset, it is frequently integrated into "combo" cards or motherboards that handle both sound and modem functions. The Retro Web Device Identification
The term "HSP56 sound card" typically refers to devices using one of the following chipsets: C-Media CMI8738/PCI-SX (C3DX HSP56) - The Retro Web
The HSP56 sound card driver typically refers to a legacy driver for a combination audio and modem chip, most commonly the C-Media CMI8738 series. "HSP" stands for Host Signal Processing, a technology where the computer's CPU performs the signal processing tasks that would normally be handled by dedicated hardware on the sound card. Key Specifications and Identification Linux has a better chance, but still poor
Primary Chipset: Frequently found on C-Media CMI8738/PCI-SX (also known as C3DX HSP56) audio chips.
Hardware IDs: Common IDs include PCI\VEN_13F6&DEV_0111 for C-Media variants and PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2446 for Intel-related versions.
Dual Functionality: These chips often provide both audio and 56K modem capabilities on a single board. Compatibility and Drivers
Modern operating systems (Windows 10, 11) rarely include these drivers natively due to their age. You may need to use third-party repositories or specialized legacy driver archives.
Supported Systems: Originally designed for Windows 9x (95, 98, ME) and NT 4.0, though legacy versions exist for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
Manufacturers: While C-Media is the primary chip maker, drivers were also branded by Intel, Motorola, and SiS for integration into various motherboards.
Driver Repositories: Sites like Driver Scape and DriverHub host various versions, including the common v6.12.25.05 and v8.0.47.0 releases. Installation & Troubleshooting Tips
Check Device Manager: If the card is listed as an "Unknown Device" or "Multimedia Audio Controller," check the Hardware ID under the Details tab to confirm the vendor (e.g., 13F6 for C-Media). Troubleshooting:
Modem Conflict: On some motherboards, the modem portion of the HSP56 chip can be deactivated in the BIOS if it conflicts with other PCI audio cards.
Manual Update: If the automatic installer fails, use the "Update Driver" option in Windows and point the wizard to the folder containing the .inf files (e.g., m3aux.inf).
Are you trying to install this driver on a modern Windows 10/11 system or a legacy retro PC? C-Media CMI8738/PCI-SX (C3DX HSP56) - The Retro Web
Before you begin: Disable any onboard audio in BIOS (if present). Set "PNP OS Installed = No".
Steps:
Troubleshooting: If you see an exclamation mark in Device Manager, you likely have an IRQ conflict. Move the PCI card to slot #2 (usually shares IRQ with AGP, which is fine) or disable COM2/LPT in BIOS.
| OS | Driver Availability |
|----|---------------------|
| Windows 95/98/ME | Available on old OEM restore CDs or Archive.org (search "HSP56 MR driver"). |
| Windows 2000/XP | Conexant HSFmodem drivers (some include audio). Look for hsfp32a.sys or hsfp32.sys. |
| Windows 7/8/10/11 | No official or stable drivers. The device is considered obsolete. |
| Linux | Limited: hsfmodem (commercial legacy) or slmodem (may work for basic modem functions, no sound). |
Driver download caution: Avoid "driver updater" scams. Only use drivers from: