Some early games (like Donkey Kong or Galaga ) use external audio files called "samples" to recreate sounds the hardware couldn't synthesize. Place these in the /samples directory.
These are the small files containing the data from the arcade machine's circuit board. They include the code, graphics, and sound data. In the 0.078 set, these are typically stored in .zip format. MAME 2003 Reference Set - MAME 0.078 ROMs- CHDs...
When you look for a MAME 2003 Reference Set, you will encounter two types of files: ROMs and CHDs. Some early games (like Donkey Kong or Galaga
The MAME 2003 Reference Set strikes the perfect chord between nostalgia and usability. By sticking to the 0.078 ROMs, you ensure that your arcade build remains stable, fast, and compatible with the widest range of devices possible. To help you get started with your specific setup: What are you planning to run these on? They include the code, graphics, and sound data
Choosing the right format for your library is the difference between a clean menu and a cluttered mess.
Use a tool like CLRMamePro or RomCenter with a MAME 0.078 DAT file to ensure your files aren't corrupt.
Some later arcade machines used hard drives or CD-ROMs to store massive amounts of data (like FMV sequences or high-fidelity audio). These are stored as .chd files.