The MAME 2014 core was specifically "snapshotted" at version 0.159 to provide a stable target for emulation on less powerful hardware, such as the Raspberry Pi 2 and 3, and older Android devices. Using this core with its matching ROM set is essential for a smooth, error-free experience.
The is therefore a complete collection of ROMs and CHDs that are verified to work perfectly with the MAME 0.159 source code. If you try to use a ROM from MAME 0.200 with the MAME 2014 core, it will likely fail to run due to CRC mismatches or missing parent ROMs.
First, a quick history lesson. The RetroArch/Libretro team needed a way to offer MAME cores that wouldn't break with every software update. They "snapshotted" MAME at specific dates. mame 2014 reference set mame 0159 roms chds top
Understanding MAME ROM Types: Non-Merged vs. Split vs. Merged
I can provide the exact and core configurations you need. The MAME 2014 core was specifically "snapshotted" at
Create a folder named exactly like the parent ROM zip file, and place the .chd inside it. Correct Directory Visual Layout:
MAME 2014 is built on the source code of MAME 0.159 , released in late 2014. If you try to use a ROM from MAME 0
Clone games only contain modified files. They require the "Parent" ROM zip file to be present in the same folder to work. Saves immense storage space by eliminating duplicate files. You cannot delete parent ROMs, or the clones will break.
MAME 0.159 Reference Set ├── ROMs (.zip / .7z) --> Contains chips, boards, and cartridge data └── CHDs (.chd) --> Contains hard drive, CD-ROM, and laserdisc images 1. MAME 0.159 ROMs
It powers the popular mame2014_libretro core used globally in RetroArch and RetroPie. Demystifying MAME 0.159: ROMs vs. CHDs
Practical advice